So I was hit by the dreaded 'Shiny object syndrome' this week.

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I'm sure many of you are well aware of whats commonly called 'shiny object syndrome'. I came across the term for the first time recently, as a newbie to the affiliate marketing game.

For those who don't know, it's when you find yourself being severely distracted by other affiliate/money-making opportunities, or 'shiny objects'. Some of them may be genuine, but some are undoubtedly scams - promising the earth but delivering very little.

Inevitably, when you first start out in affiliate marketing, you need to do a lot of reading and research (which is probably how you found Wealthy Affiliates in the first place, right?). All that is great, but the danger is that on your travels across cyberspace you encounter LOTS of shiny objects, all trying to pull you this way and that way. BEWARE! I can see how, for many just starting out, this distraction can lead to an extremely short career in affiliate marketing.

Once thing I'm learning very quickly is the importance of focus. Jumping from one thing to the other, without being sure of what you're doing or what exactly you're trying to achieve, can lead to...well...achieving pretty much nothing. Luckily, after a couple of days feeling myself being sucked in by the shiny object, I came to my senses and returned to Wealthy Affiliate. Phew! Back to the grindstone.

I've committed to WA and for the time being this is where I will stay. I will keep my focus here and do my best to build a business. I can always keep links to some of the other shiny objects in a folder on my computer for another time, if I ever think its time to try something else.

If there's one strong piece of advice that all successful affiliate marketers seem to keep saying, it's to not give up!

Stay focused. Keep working toward your goal. Avoid shiny objects.

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Recent Comments

7

Yeah - been there done that too.
... Never Again!

Focus - that's huge!

Yes, I do get the shiny object dilemma! Except that I encountered it here at WA - with all the deliciously great info there is to soak up! I found myself way down a rabbit hole on several occasions, and even had to take a break from this site for awhile. Plus, I think having ADD does not help in this matter lol...Focus Focus Focus (I tell myself)!!!

Very true... we can all get distracted.

So true. I was in search mode early Aug. When I set aside WA for 4 months as My head was spinning in programs, opportunities, and online education offers before returning to what I thought had it all. I can't imagine how many thousands are lost out there in the pool of information wondering when they they'll find a functional home : ) it's cool to here your settled ! Onward...
Rob

Murphaloid, I can relate! I was just thinking about how my winter break is wrapping up and how I didn't do as much writing on my blog as I wanted to because I let those "shiny objects" grab my attention. Perhaps, if you change your viewpoint or perspective on what "the grindstone" is, it could help you to stay focused. As this term sounds like too much hard work. I'm wondering if you change it to "wealth builder" or "opportunity of a lifetime" that it will keep your attention so that you will focus more and gain momentum. Just a suggestion. I've been revisiting the law of attraction and have just read two great books...E Squared and E Cubed that I recommend checking out! To read more, here is my post: http://feelbetterwellness.com/e-cubed-a-review/
You can do it!
Cheers! - Jocelin

Really good point Jocelin - perhaps I need to change my way of thinking into something a little more positive! I will definitely read the post this weekend. Cheers

I DO understand - been there done that!

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