I used to suffer from “Shiny Object Syndrome,” so this is an ongoing affirmation for me! The moment I feel, that urge to chase something rise in my belly, I have to repeat this affirmation.
It began as a conversation…
Shiny Object Syndrome: The Next Thing is Always the Best In Your Mind
Yes, I used to have Shiny Object Syndrome. For me, the next thing was always the greatest or the best. While this began a conversation between Natasha Nichole Lake and me, I wanted to elaborate on how this “condition” affected my writing.
Firstly, I hoarded content. Yep. I have kept files and files of information, articles, short stories, old college papers, first drafts of novels. It all piled up because in the past I convinced myself, I would “get back to that later.”
And I would have first drafts and almost finished second drafts of my work because I was writing for other people too (as a ghostwriter).
Still, as I would work on a project that may take more than two weeks to complete, I would have competing ideas. A new story or a new idea that seemed much more exciting than the one I may have been working on at the time.
For instance, if I was writing a novella about time travel. Everythings outlined. I have written the first draft and now it's time to work on the second draft and then I would have a competing idea about a family of paranormal detectives or something.
Suddenly, the paranormal detective story idea is the best thing ever. And now, I’m working on it and the time travel novella is somewhere in the cloud.
The same is true for me with new apps and programs, grocery stores (oh it’s all about Trader Joe’s, Sprouts who?), Vegan Restaurants, outfits, hairstyles, appliances (I have 3 juicers, why?)…
But not friends. I keep my friends. I honor the years. I have friendships that go back to elementary school. I am family-oriented though I don’t have children of my own.
Yes, fam, I’m working on it. It’s a challenge. I know it is all tied to the fear of missing out. I love life and I don’t want to miss anything. However, none of it makes you happy. So, I came up with a plan.
Since I’ve always been dedicated to my friendships, I am now treating my long-form writing like old friends. I honor the time I’ve spent with them by completing the work — following through.
Sure, I’ll always be on an adventure to find the “best” vegan restaurant. And yes, I’ll probably still change my hairstyles a lot, but I’m buckling down when it involves my writing.
And no, I’m not buying another juicer.
Do you find yourself thinking the next thing is the best? Do you have shiny object syndrome? Do you have trouble finishing things? Following through?
I’m curious. Share your thoughts in the comments. We can have a conversation about it.
NOTE: Conversations will be an ongoing series here. It is responses I’ve had with others here on Medium about a variety of topics. Sometimes a reader and/or writer and I get into some pretty interesting conversations. I reflect on these conversations from time to time and want to elaborate more, but long responses can get convoluted.
