302. The Four Sources of Shiny Object Syndrome

<p><a href= "https://kadavy.net/blog/posts/shiny-object-syndrome/">Shiny object syndrome</a> can be evidence of a problem, or it can be a normal part of the creative process. If you can identify the four sources of shiny object syndrome, you can tell the difference between being lost, or simply exploring.</p> <h3>Three first three sources are problems</h3> <p>The first three of the four sources of shiny object syndrome hold you back from finishing projects. They are: ambition, perfectionism, and distraction.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Ambitious</strong> shiny object syndrome is starting projects that far outpace your abilities and resources.</li> <li><strong>Perfectionistic</strong> shiny object syndrome is endlessly tweaking a project that could otherwise be called done.</li> <li><strong>Distracted</strong> shiny object syndrome is juggling so many projects, you finish none.</li> </ul> <p>Before we get to the fourth source, a bit more about these three most dangerous sources.</p> <h4>Ambitious shiny object syndrome</h4> <p>You probably have a friend with <strong>ambitious</strong> shiny object syndrome. One day they proclaimed they were writing an epic fantasy novel. A few months later, they had dropped that and had a new plan: a feature film. A few months after that, they were starting a health-tech startup.</p> <p>All the while, you were shaking your head, because your friend clearly didn’t have the experience or resources to take on these projects. They were writing the epic fantasy novel, yet had never written a short story. They were working on the feature film, yet had never made a short film. They were working on the health-tech startup, yet had no experience in technology, the health industry, nor raising funding.</p> <p>Delusional optimism <em>can</em> be an asset. Maybe your friend will get lucky, and one of these projects will click. They’re more likely to get struck by lightning.</p> <p>Instead, you know what’s coming when you ask how the latest project is going. They’ve abandoned that, and are taking on s