Overcoming the Allure of the Next Big Thing
How Shiny Object Syndrome Fuels & Is a Symptom Burnout (and What to Do About It)
The Burnout Cycle and The Connection to Shiny Object Syndrome
Have you ever found yourself in a meeting, mindlessly scrolling through your phone, while your colleagues discuss important topics? Or perhaps you've been drawn to the latest "shiny object" project, leaving your current tasks unfinished? These behaviors can contribute significantly to burnout and are a symptom of burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental overwhelm and exhaustion. Let’s explore the concept of shiny object syndrome. I will offer you practical strategies to help you break free from its grip and regain your focus. You can have amazing ideas and work towards those goals but do so in a way that does not contribute to burnout and overwhelm. Instead by dialing back working on many projects at once, you will end burnout and have more success.
Understanding What Shiny Object Syndrome Is?
Shiny object syndrome is a term used to describe the tendency to become easily distracted by new ideas, opportunities, or projects. A term I honestly used to despise hearing. WHY? Because I was in a state of trying to do it ALL and ALL right away. It is absolutely exciting to explore new possibilities and have new ideas. BUT the constant jumping from one thing to the next will leave you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and ultimately, burnt out. When that burnout happens, then you will have less focus and ideas, brain fog will happen and your dreams of all those projects will be swept under a rug to not be seen again or forgotten.
Cycling Through Burnout, Projects and Endless Ideas
Never-Ending Hamster Wheel, Rat Race, Groundhog Day, Treadmill of Life or Sisyphean Task. Whatever you may call it, it is all the same of feeling stuck in the cycle of burnout and ideas, and ideas and burnout.
Shiny object Syndrome and Burnout shows up as:
Distraction: You become drawn to a new idea or project that seems more exciting or promising than what you're currently working on.
Procrastination: Instead of focusing on your current tasks, you start to daydream about the new opportunity.
Burnout: As you neglect your responsibilities, stress and frustration build up, leading to burnout.
Repeat: The cycle continues as you seek out the next shiny object to distract you from your feelings of overwhelm.
Breaking Free from the Vicious Cycle to Be Successful, Grounded and Fulfilled
You might be reading that header thinking “no way is that possible”, “I have had success in the past with this behavior”, “I’ll rest when this project is over”, “If I don’t do it someone will steal my idea”, “the opportunity is now and won’t come again”, “I’m only fulfilled when working on these projects”, “It’s my ADHD!”, “this is the only way to success” and so on….
Look I get it. Those are many of the phrases I have told myself in the past. Short term sometimes I felt successful but it ALWAYS ended in lack of motivation, inspiration, longevity, and true success with projects not being completed or put to the side. I’m not the only one with this experience. Over my 14 years as a therapist and coach, I saw the same patterns in clients, colleagues and friends.
While it may be challenging to resist the allure of new ideas, there are practical steps you can take to break free from the cycle of shiny object syndrome and prevent burnout:
Prioritize and Focus: Identify your most important tasks and commit to completing them before moving on to something new. Use tools like a to-do list or time management techniques to stay organized and focused.
Write The Ideas DOWN: Journal those ideas. Keep them somewhere besides in your head. You will get an opportunity to come back to them.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say "no" to new projects or opportunities that will overwhelm you or distract you from your current goals.
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques can help you stay present and focused on your current tasks, reducing the likelihood of getting distracted by shiny objects.
Seek Support: If you're struggling with burnout, feeling overwhelmed or have many ideas, reach out to a therapist or coach.
The New You: Focused, Grounded, Accomplished, Productive and Successful
The cycle of shiny object syndrome and burnout brings mixed emotions. By understanding the cycle, you can break through the cycle and the mindset that this is how life just is. By implementing specific strategies, you will regain your focus, reduce stress, and prevent overwhelm. While exploring new ideas is essential for personal and professional growth, getting lost in the constant pursuit of the next shiny object can lead to burnout and hinder your progress. It's important to be curious and open to new opportunities, but when it becomes an endless cycle, it can leave you feeling depleted and unfulfilled.
Keep those ideas coming. Address them and opportunities when you are WHOLE and have the capacity and space to focus on them.
Working with a coach can give you the support you need to have grounded success.
As a coach with 14 years of experience as a therapist, I believe in the power of integrating these two disciplines to help individuals achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. By combining the practical strategies of coaching with the therapeutic techniques for emotional well-being, we can work together to create specific strategies unique to you to end the burnout cycle while still having a place for your brilliant ideas. You will find success in a way that feels grounded, fulfilling, focused and calm with clarity as to where and how you are moving forward.
If you're ready to finally ditch the cycle of overwhelm and incomplete projects and tasks, I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. I look forward to hearing from you and supporting you in your burnout recovery so your ideas and dreams can come to life!
Keywords: burnout, shiny object syndrome, productivity, focus, therapist, coach, mom, project management
