This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s fall editorial intern Jess Newman. Find her on Instagram at @_jess_n_. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
The holidays are around the corner and every store is having a sale. We are constantly bombarded with ads and emails regardless of the holiday season. On top of that, everywhere we tend to scroll has ads or influencers giving us a discount code. All of these elements are the perfect storm of “shiny objects” to draw our attention away from things that truly matter.
What is Shiny Object Syndrome?
Shiny Object Syndrome is the new term that has been coined to define those of us who are always bumbling around from one thing to the next. According to Everhour, “Shiny object syndrome is when someone focuses all their attention on something new and current. Usually, this is at the expense of whatever they have or currently doing.” We have been taught to “strike when the iron is hot” but in the long run, it can do more harm than good. This syndrome is very hard to escape as an adult especially if you have ADHD. Not only can this syndrome destroy your wallet but it can also impact your career and how you view the world.
Distractions are never good
In your personal life and in your professional life, it’s good to set goals to keep growing and succeeding. If you are impacted by shiny object syndrome, you probably set too many goals and then don’t give yourself enough time to reach them. This leads to frustration and self-destruction. I call it fluttering- it feels like I’m working a little bit on everything and yet getting nothing done at the same time. Then I get so stuck in my head that I can’t see the forest for the trees.
If this sounds familiar to what you go through you are not alone! A lot of us are in the same spot. There are ways to help keep yourself on track, but it’s harder than it sounds. Today anything you could ever want is a click away as long as you’re willing to pay the price. Due to this, you need to keep in mind what you struggle with to avoid ending up with an empty wallet and more frustration.
How to avoid Shiny Object Syndrome
@brandbosshq invented the Shiny Object Avoidance Protocol. If your situation is described by any of the following, you’re facing a shiny object.
1) If what you are trying to change is already working, cease and desist.
2) If it’s distracting you or preventing you from reaching your goals, put it down.
3) If you are only buying it because it’s cheap, that’s not a good enough reason.
4) If it’s a quick win, it isn’t a long-term solution.
5) If the tactic isn’t helping the current goal, it’s hurting.
6) If the new direction doesn’t suit the “target audience”, it’s not going to work.
7) If you’re doing it because you aren’t getting quick results, take a breath. Good things take time.
8) If you’re buying it or doing it because you’re bored, STOP immediately.
9) If you’re doing it to serve someone else’s agenda, prioritize yourself.
How to relax during the holidays
How to relax during the holidays
As we are in the peak of the holiday season, a lot of us are getting thrown out of our routines and being faced with shiny objects everywhere. Keep in mind your goals and budgets when buying gifts and attending holiday functions. Try to avoid shiny objects and be in the moment. At the end of the day, homemade gifts or thoughtful inexpensive gifts are often the most loved so keep that in mind when you get another email about an amazing sale. Focus on spending time with your loved ones. This is how you will enjoy the holidays and life as a whole.
Do you find yourself getting distracted by shiny objects? Have you found any ways to stay focused?
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