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In this edition of Remarkable Monday...
The next big thing
You’re leading a team meeting, and everyone’s on the same page. You’ve spent weeks building out a strategy that’s not just good on paper—it’s built for success. Then, out of nowhere, someone on your team throws out a shiny, new idea, something bold and fresh. It’s exciting. It’s innovative. And suddenly, you feel the pull. That strategy you worked so hard on starts feeling a little… stale. You wonder, What if this new idea is the game-changer we need?
You pause, and in that moment, you’ve entered the dangerous territory of Shiny Object Syndrome.
Leaders face this every day. The next big thing is always on the horizon, and it’s easy to get distracted. But here’s the reality: chasing every shiny object means losing focus on what truly matters—those goals you’ve set, the vision you’re building, and the strategy you’re executing.
In this edition of Remarkable Monday, we’ll explore how leaders can avoid getting sidetracked by SOS and instead channel that curiosity into focused, disciplined growth. Because let’s be honest, in a world full of distractions, focus is the real superpower.
Can you help me make Remarkable Monday better for you?
What exactly is shiny object syndrome
Shiny Object Syndrome is that constant itch to chase the next new idea, tool, or trend—often abandoning current projects or long-term goals. Think of it as a leadership version of the “grass is greener” syndrome. The behavior isn’t new, but its intensity has grown exponentially in today’s fast-paced, hyper-innovative world.
Technology keeps evolving, new platforms are popping up daily, and every new idea seems to promise to be a game-changer. But let’s be real: not everything that glitters is gold. The challenge for leaders isn’t just recognizing a shiny object—it’s resisting the urge to chase it at the expense of progress.
Why leaders are especially prone to SOS
Leaders are naturally wired to look for the next big thing. Our curiosity, growth mindset, and drive to stay ahead often make us most susceptible to Shiny Object Syndrome. From the dopamine rush of discovering something new to the anxiety of missing out, leaders are in a constant battle between focus and exploration.
While the ability to spot new opportunities is a strength, the inability to filter them is a liability. Knowing how to balance curiosity with discipline is the hallmark of a focused leader.
Common triggers of shiny object syndrome
Before you can overcome SOS, you have to know what causes it. The triggers might seem harmless at first glance, but they add up fast:
Ambiguity: Without clear, concrete goals, every new idea starts to look like the right one.
Pressure to Innovate: The push to stay ahead can make you feel like if you’re not constantly innovating, you’re falling behind.
FOMO: The fear of missing out is real—especially when you’re bombarded with stories of how others are supposedly crushing it by jumping on the latest trend.
Tech Overhype: In an industry where every new gadget or platform promises to be the "silver bullet," it’s easy to get caught up in the hype.
Lack of Prioritization: If your team doesn't have a clear sense of what’s most important, even small distractions can derail your progress.
But here’s the thing: none of these triggers are inherently bad. In fact, curiosity and a willingness to adapt are valuable traits in leadership. The trick is learning when to explore and when to stay the course.
How to cure shiny object syndrome
Leaders who succeed in today's world don’t do so by avoiding shiny objects altogether. They do it by mastering focus. Here’s how to shift from chasing distractions to maintaining disciplined leadership:
Set Clear, Long-Term Goals
Every time a new opportunity or idea comes up, ask: How does this fit into our long-term strategy? If the answer is unclear, that shiny object might just be a distraction. Having well-defined goals serves as a compass, helping you stay on track and avoid unnecessary detours.
Create a Process for Vetting Ideas
Not every new idea deserves a spot on your to-do list. Establish a system for evaluating new concepts. Does it align with your goals? Is the timing right? What are the potential downsides? If it doesn’t pass these tests, leave it on the drawing board.
Time Block for Innovation
Don’t completely shut out new ideas—just put boundaries around them. Schedule specific times for exploring new opportunities. This ensures that you stay open to innovation without letting it derail your primary focus.
Celebrate Execution as Much as Innovation
Here’s a leadership truth: ideas are easy; execution is hard. Build a culture that values follow-through as much as creativity. Reward team members not just for coming up with new ideas, but for successfully executing them.
Measure Progress with KPIs
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aren’t just buzzwords—they’re your roadmap. They give you measurable milestones that keep you grounded when the next distraction comes knocking. Always measure new opportunities against your KPIs to see if they truly align with your mission.
Turning SOS into an Advantage
Rather than seeing Shiny Object Syndrome as a weakness, what if you learned to use it to your advantage? Here’s how:
Channel Your Curiosity: Curiosity isn’t the problem—lack of focus is. Use that natural curiosity to ask deeper questions. Instead of chasing the shiny thing immediately, evaluate how it could improve your current efforts or reveal gaps in your existing strategy.
Maintain a Growth Mindset: Leaders with a growth mindset don’t shy away from new ideas, but they also don’t get derailed by them. Approach new opportunities as experiments, not detours.
Stay Agile, Not Scattered: Agility is key to success. Test new ideas, but don’t let them pull you in a hundred directions. Start small, experiment, and then decide whether to expand based on real results.
If you are reading this far…
I hope this message finds you well. I’m sharing from my heart in hopes that you will be inspired to unearth and live out your God-given purpose. Hopefully, something I said resonated. I would love to hear from you if so. Please feel free to reach out to me on social media. FYI: I’m mostly active on Instagram these days. If you were forwarded this message, you can subscribe here to receive thoughts like this directly in your inbox. And don’t forget to check out the latest episode of my podcast, ConvoRoom with Mark Allen Patterson.
See you next week,
