Shiny Object Syndrome: 5 simple tips to avoid it as a multi passionate creative

I’m super excited to introduce my first-ever blog contributor! Kate Frances is a surface pattern designer and creative coach, and she’s written a fantastic guest blog post for you on a topic I believe many creatives are very familiar with. Enjoy!

As a creative business owner or artist, it’s easy to fall victim to shiny object syndrome. You know what I’m talking about – that feeling when you’re scrolling through social media and see someone else doing something new and exciting, and suddenly you feel like you’re missing out. Or, you start a new project with enthusiasm, only to lose interest halfway through and move on to the next shiny thing that catches your eye.

While it’s great to be open to new ideas and opportunities, shiny object syndrome can be a major roadblock to achieving your long-term goals. If you find yourself constantly distracted by new ideas and projects, it’s time to take a step back and refocus your energy on what really matters.

Here are some tips to help you stay on track with your goals:

1. Set clear goals and priorities

The first step to avoiding shiny object syndrome is to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. Set specific, measurable goals for your business or artistic practice, and prioritize them based on their importance. Make sure your goals align with your values and long-term vision.

Shiny Object Syndrome - Create a plan and stick to it — Photo by Paico Oficial on Unsplash

2. Create a plan and stick to it

Once you have your goals and priorities in place, create a plan for how you’re going to achieve them. Break your goals down into smaller, actionable steps and create a timeline for completing them. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting distracted by new ideas.

3. Practice self-discipline

Self-discipline is essential for staying on track with your goals. It can be tempting to jump from one project to the next, but you need to resist the urge and stay committed to your plan. Set boundaries for yourself, such as limiting your time on social media or not taking on new projects until you’ve completed your current ones.

4. Stay organized

Being organized is crucial for staying on top of your goals. Use a planner or project management tool to keep track of your tasks and deadlines. This will help you stay focused on what’s important and avoid getting sidetracked by new ideas.

Shiny Object Syndrome - Stay organized — Photo by Cinthia Becher on Unsplash

5. Embrace the power of saying “no”

Learning to say “no” is a skill that every creative business owner and artist needs to master. It’s okay to turn down opportunities that don’t align with your goals or values. Saying “no” can free up your time and energy to focus on what really matters.

In conclusion, shiny object syndrome can be a major roadblock to achieving your goals as a creative business owner or artist. But by setting clear goals and priorities, creating a plan and sticking to it, practicing self-discipline, staying organized, and embracing the power of saying “no,” you can stay on track and achieve success. Remember, success is not just about doing more, it’s about doing what matters most.

Stay creative!

Kate Frances
www.katefrancesdesigns.co.uk