Summary

Vic, a self-identified sufferer of Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS), shares four strategies to manage impulsivity and focus on tasks without succumbing to distractions.

Abstract

The article titled "4 Tips on How to Live with the Shiny Object Syndrome" by Vic discusses the challenges of living with Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS), a term used to describe the tendency to chase after new interests while abandoning ongoing projects. Vic acknowledges that while SOS can be linked to entrepreneurial impulsivity, it often leads to procrastination and a lack of focus. To combat this, Vic suggests creating a list of permitted distractions, practicing self-discipline through timed work sessions, developing habits by setting reminders, and rewarding oneself for completed tasks. These strategies aim to balance the excitement of new pursuits with the discipline required to see projects through to completion.

Opinions

Shiny Object Syndrome, though not a clinical diagnosis, is likened to impulsivity and is seen as a form of procrastination.
Entrepreneurs are noted for their fearless pursuit of new ventures, which can be both an asset and a hindrance due to SOS.
The article posits that boredom can be beneficial for creativity, suggesting that constant stimulation may not always be advantageous.
Self-discipline is presented as a skill to be mastered, akin to taming a wild horse, which is undervalued in a culture that emphasizes freedom and creativity.
The practice of setting a timer for short bursts of focused work is recommended as a way to overcome initial resistance and establish a routine.
Habit formation is emphasized as a method to reduce the mental effort required to start tasks, thereby conserving brainpower for more creative endeavors.
Rewarding oneself for completing tasks, even in small increments, is advised to prevent the brain from seeking instant gratification and distraction.
The author believes that while SOS cannot be cured, it can be managed effectively through self-awareness and the implementation of structured habits and rewards.

4 Tips on How to Live with the Shiny Object Syndrome

And thrive while trying to tame it

Hi, I am Vic, and I have Shiny Object Syndrome (or SOS). Instead of working on my blog, I distract myself with anything and everything that comes to mind.

The shiny object syndrome is a made-up term. We use it to describe multitasking entrepreneurs fearlessly starting venture after venture, only to abandon it mid-flight in pursuit of a new one.

Children possess this quality of getting distracted by a new toy the minute it enters their field of vision. If another child or parent touches something new — that’s it, they have to have it. And they have to have it now, or else. No matter how preoccupied they were with that one special thing a second ago.

The shiny object syndrome is not a clinical diagnosis. To a certain extent, it’s a simplified term to explain impulsivity.

Impulsivity is one of the driving forces behind entrepreneurial fearlessness, wouldn’t you agree? It helps them to step away from one undertaking in favour of a more lucrative idea. But impulsivity distracts entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs alike without achieving much in return.

We struggle to focus and think about tasks at hand. Instead of boredom — which is beneficial for our creativity — we switch from one thing to another at the first sign of discomfort. As a result, we jump from topic to topic, from goal to goal with the grace of a tree-climbing chimpanzee. And that only exacerbates SOS because people prone to it are excitable enough as is.

The term itself has a cute, endearing and slightly naughty undertone. It conjures images of playing children and birds attracted by gloss and glitter. But this fabricated term is nothing else but procrastination in disguise.

So how do we deal with it? As someone who lives with the shiny object syndrome, I devised four simple tricks to help me restrain the unruly monster.

1. Shiny objects allowed

“The world is always changing. Learn how to allow for it.” ― Elizabeth Gilbert

Create a list of everything that excites you. Think about things you would rather do on any day of the week. My list comprises reading books, articles, FB group comments, and Instagram feeds. And listening to Podcasts, personal development courses, YouTube videos (cute cats including).

If SOS is particularly severe, I will allow myself to browse aimlessly for a few minutes. The time comes when because I may do something, I tire of it. Once it happens, I choose one thing from the list that is connected to the thing I am procrastinating about.

2. Practice Self-Discipline

“No person is free who is not master of himself.” ― Epictetus

Self-discipline has such a poor reputation in our free-spirited ‘you can do it all’ culture. It’s considered obstructive, boring and detrimental to our creativity. But mastering self-discipline is like taming a wild horse. It is a talent that you will be grateful to have once you’ve mastered it.

Set your timer for 5 min, 5 min only. Make yourself do one thing you don’t want to do, and you’ve been avoiding or procrastinating about. Your mind will frantically think about all the shiny objects you need to pay attention to. Be aware of those snippets of distraction your attention will bring to you on a golden plate. But ignore its gifts because it’s a trap. Your attention is trying to derail your determination.

Instead, listen to your body. Does it feel like it’s rejecting your attempts at self-control? Is it about to go on strike and throw the toys from the pram? Or is it secretly enjoying it? If the latter — extend your timer for another 5 minutes. The chances are that after you literally force yourself to do something for 5 minutes, you will break the initial barrier and learn to do it on a more regular basis. And that’s what we are after. We need to create a habit with the help of self-discipline by introducing a simple routine.

3. By the power of habit

“This is how willpower becomes a habit: by choosing a certain behavior ahead of time, and then following that routine when an inflection point arrives.” ― Charles Duhigg

Set your reminder for the next day, week or month. Start practising this routine regularly, so it turns into a habit.

And as soon as that is the case, your brain will stop rebelling against it. It won’t spend as much time thinking about it; it will start doing it almost automatically. Because that’s what introduction of a routine does to you. It frees up your brainpower. Then you turn your energy to creative endeavours instead of self-sabotaging your attempts.

4. Reward your achievements, big and small

“The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Shiny objects syndrome kicks in when your brain thinks you will never experience joy. Like ever. Because often your brain behaves like a proper neurotic. Calm it down by introducing a reward. Finished your five minutes slot? Give yourself two minutes of scrolling Insta feed. But only that.

If you practice it regularly and turn into a routine, it will make it super easy for you to avoid distraction. Your brain won’t crave instant satisfaction, distraction, or reward. And your attention won’t search for shiny objects like a metal detector. And after a while, you might go without a reward for longer. And then you might not need a reward at all.

Final Thoughts

The shiny object syndrome, like our predisposition to procrastination, cannot be cured. All we, the carriers of this fictional affliction, can do is learn to live with it. We need to learn about what triggers it. We need to understand how to lull it into submission or a slumber. We need to be aware of our idiosyncrasies. SOS is distracting and annoying for sure, but it pushes us forward, not allowing to stand still.