Oh, the allure of the new

Red tags spell out the word SALE and underneath is a red square package with a shiny red bow and next to it a 50% sign in red. This is all on a black background. Perfect photo to attract those who are subject to the shiny object syndrome. — Photo by Tamanna Rumee on Unsplash

Are you drawn to this kind of sale? One where shiny objects tickle your fancy?

You don’t know what it is, but you want in? Sure, why not? It’s got to be great, right?

If so, you might have Shiny Object Syndrome.

Why We Fall Victim to Shiny Object Syndrome

Have you ever found yourself chasing something just out of reach? Perhaps it was a new business, job, car, home, or even a friendship. Maybe you picked it up like I did from a rough childhood.

Orphan Mindset

I’ve often been guilty of this pursuit, driven by an orphan mindset. Initially, I chased the feeling of being loved. It was a pursuit that led me into trouble — exposure to sex and a child out of wedlock.

Then, the Holy Spirit began to reveal God’s immense love for each of us. But that stubborn orphan mindset clung tightly, weighed down by the shame of my childhood.

The Exposure That Bred Jealousy

At the age of eight or nine, I spent Christmas with some cousins. Their parents were free of the bad habits mine had, like drinking and smoking. My Uncle Billy had a stable job and lived in a beautiful home. My aunt and uncle took me Christmas shopping with my cousins.

Uncle Billy handed me a five-dollar bill, and for the first time, I felt rich. I can’t remember what I bought, but the experience planted jealousy deep in my heart. Today, we might call it FOMO — the fear of missing out.

Not long after, I learned the Ten Commandments. I discovered that jealousy is a form of covetousness.

Later, I found comfort in this Scripture:

This is why I tell you to never be worried about your life, for all you need will be provided, such as food, water, clothing — everything your body needs. Isn’t there more to your life than a meal? Isn’t your body more than clothing?

(Matthew 6:25 TPT)

Be Curious and Excited

We should all remain curious and excited about life. The problem arises when the chase becomes constant. Our brain rewards us with a dopamine rush. Giving us a fleeting sense of pleasure that can keep us pursuing the next “shiny object.”

The Cost of Shiny Object Syndrome

Lack of Focus: It makes concentrating on what truly matters difficult.
Waste of Resources: Chasing will drain your time, energy, and finances.
Present Potential: You miss out on the value of what’s already in front of you.
Burnout and Stress: The constant pursuit will lead to exhaustion, stress, and overwhelm.

Ways to Break the Cycle

Learn to Say No: Decline opportunities that don’t align with your values and goals.
Establish Priority with Clear Goals: Let well-defined goals guide your decisions.
Set Realistic Deadlines: Create a sense of urgency by setting realistic deadlines.
Assign Time Blocks: Dedicate specific time blocks for different tasks to improve focus.
Break Down Large Projects: Break big tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This will keep the overwhelm at bay.
Focus on the Present: Practice mindfulness and concentrate on the task at hand.

In Summary

You can overcome the time, money, and energy drain of Shiny Object Syndrome. It requires effort and patience. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you find yourself chasing after something new. Instead, refocus, dust yourself off, and get back on track. Consider finding an accountability partner or coach to help you stay focused.

6 Ways To Overcome Chasing the Shiny Object Syndrome