Introduction

If I was to ask you some of the diseases that affect humans, you may list all others except one – Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS). Though not a disease that affects the body like Malaria or Flu but it is a disease of distraction that subtly kills your productivity and efforts at success and growth.

Answer these:

Have you ever started a new project with enthusiasm, only to abandon it halfway for something that seemed more exciting?

Have you ever found yourself jumping from one new idea to the next, constantly chasing the latest trend or opportunity, only to realize that you’re not actually making progress on your important goals?

If you answered yes to any or all of the above, you might be dealing with Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS). It’s a common issue, especially in the hyper-connected, fast-paced, and distraction-filled world. With the way new opportunities, ideas, trends, and news pop up every minute, it’s easy to get distracted and continually in search of the next shiny object, leaving you with a trail of unfinished projects and unmet goals.

But don’t worry— SOS is not insurmountable. There are ways to combat SOS and regain your focus. This post will help you recognize its signs in your life, and provide practical strategies to overcome it. By the end, you’ll be equipped to tackle distractions head-on and stay committed to your goals.

The Psychology Behind SOS

As humans, it’s natural to get excited about new things. This is because our brains are wired to seek new and exciting things (shiny objects) because they can often lead to new resources, better opportunities, or simply more pleasure. When you encounter something new and exciting, your brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This dopamine rush feels good and can be incredibly addictive, making us want to chase after the next shiny object that catches our eye.

The brain’s reward system is designed to reinforce behaviours that are beneficial for survival and reproduction. However, in modern society, this system can sometimes work against us. This tendency isn’t inherently bad—it’s part of what drives innovation and creativity. However, it becomes problematic when it leads to a constant cycle of starting new things without finishing anything. The thrill of new ideas or projects can create a false sense of accomplishment, making it easy to abandon current tasks in favour of the latest shiny object. Understanding this can help you realize why it’s so hard to stay focused and why you need strategies to combat this natural tendency.

Signs You Are Struggling With SOS in Your Life

How do you know if SOS is affecting you? Here are some personal and professional signs to watch out for:

Imagine you’ve started to learn a new skill (let’s say Graphic Design) and then a few days into it, your friend announces that he just made 200,000 naira from a video editing gig and you quickly abandon the graphic design skill you’re learning in search of video editing courses.

Or let’s say you just started a new fitness routine, but a week later, you hear about a different workout program that promises even better results. So, you drop your current plan and jump onto the new one. Or perhaps at work, you begin a project, but as soon as a new, more exciting project comes along, you abandon the first one.

These are classic examples of Shiny Object Syndrome in action and it manifests in both your personal and professional life.

In Your Personal Life:

• You have a lot of hobbies or projects that are all half-finished.
• You frequently switch goals or plans, abandoning them as soon as the initial excitement wears off.
• You often feel overwhelmed by the number of things you’ve started but never completed.
• Despite staying busy, you often feel unaccomplished or frustrated with your progress.

In Your Professional Life:

• Your workspace is cluttered with unfinished projects.
• Your to-do list is filled with tasks that are started but not finished
• You struggle to meet deadlines because you’re constantly shifting focus.
• You find it hard to stick with long-term projects or strategies at work.

Recognizing these signs is the first step to combating SOS. Once you’re aware of the problem, you can start implementing strategies to overcome it.

How to Combat Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS)

Goal Setting and Prioritization

The first step in combating SOS is to set clear, specific goals. When your goals are well-defined, it’s easier to prioritize tasks and stay focused. Break down your goals into manageable steps and create a timeline to keep yourself on track. Prioritize these tasks based on their importance and deadlines. Prioritization helps you focus on what truly matters, reducing the temptation to chase every new idea that comes your way.

Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Your environment plays a crucial role in maintaining focus. Identify your biggest distractions in your environment and find ways to minimize them. This is crucial if you work in a co-working space or you work from home. Create a workspace that minimizes distractions. This might mean setting up a quiet area, using noise-cancelling headphones, turning off notifications on your devices, or using apps designed to block distracting websites. By controlling your environment, you reduce the chances of getting side-tracked by new, shiny objects.

Time-Blocking and Scheduling

Time-blocking is a powerful technique where you allocate specific blocks of time to different tasks or activities. This method helps ensure you’re dedicating adequate time to your priorities. Schedule your most important tasks during your peak productivity hours, and stick to your schedule as closely as possible. You can use the Calendar app in your phone to do this or go to your Appstore to find other apps that can help you achieve this. Having this structure in place can prevent you from wandering off track.

Regular Self-Review and Adjustments

Regularly reviewing your progress can help you stay aligned with your goals. Set aside time each day, week, and month to assess what you’ve accomplished, what still needs to be done, and whether your current strategies are working. Having a regular self-review session allows you to make necessary adjustments and stay focused on your priorities.

Set Up An Effective Accountability System

Set up an effectively system of accountability for yourself. Having someone to hold you accountable can be incredibly motivating. Share your goals with a friend, mentor, or colleague who can check in on your progress and encourage you to stay focused. Knowing that someone else is aware of your commitments can provide the extra push you need to resist distractions.

Develop a Focused Mindset

Finally, you need a focused mindset to be able to effectively combat the Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS) and keep yourself focused on your most important goals and tasks that will help you achieve them. Below are strategies on how you can go about developing a focused mindset.

• Practice mindfulness and meditation. Doing these can help train your brain to stay focused as they teach you to be present in the moment and reduce the influence of distractions. Even just a few minutes of mindfulness or meditation each day can improve your ability to concentrate on your goals.
• Develop habits that promote and helps you maintain sustained attention over the long term. Identify the habits that support your productivity, such as setting daily priorities, reviewing your goals, or starting your day with a planning session. Consistently practicing these habits will help you stay on track and resist the lure of new distractions.
• Avoid Multitasking as it can be a significant productivity killer. While it might seem like you’re getting more done, multitasking actually reduces your efficiency and the quality of your work. Focus on one task at a time, and complete it before moving on to the next. This single-task approach ensures that you’re giving each task the attention it deserves and helps you maintain deep focus necessary for achieving better results.

Concluding Thoughts

Shiny Object Syndrome can be a hidden productivity killer, but with the right strategies, you can overcome it. This post has shown you how that by understanding the psychology behind SOS, recognizing the signs in your life, and implementing practical techniques to stay focused, you can combat SOS, achieve your goals, and feel more accomplished. There is no guarantee that you will effectively overcome SOS immediately, but with determination and the right approach, you can conquer Shiny Object Syndrome and turn your dreams into reality. The key is to stay committed and consistent, regularly review your progress, and don’t be afraid to adjust your strategies as the need arises.