Overcoming Shiny Object Syndrome: Tips for Writers

As a writer, you know how it goes: you get an idea for a story and dive into it with enthusiasm. You may get halfway through when another idea pops into your head—one that seems even more interesting than the first one. Before you know it, you’re off in pursuit of something new instead of focusing on your current project. It’s like being stuck in a never-ending game of ping-pong with yourself!

This phenomenon is known as “shiny object syndrome,” and it’s crippling to writers who constantly get distracted by alluring new story ideas. So, how do we avoid this problem and stay focused on our projects? In this post, we'll explore some ways to tame the temptation to chase after every new idea that comes along.

What is shiny object syndrome?

Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS) is a term used to describe the tendency to become distracted or diverted by new and attractive ideas, often leading away from the current project that is being pursued. It's a common problem for many people–especially writers–who may find themselves getting sidetracked by increasingly exciting and appealing ideas, leaving their original project unfinished. When this happens, it can be tempting to give in and follow the distraction, but doing so will likely only lead you to become overwhelmed with too many unfinished projects at once. To prevent yourself from falling into the trap of SOS, we'll share a few tips that can help you stay focused on your current project.

Understanding the causes of shiny object syndrome

Many of us have fallen prey to SOS. One reason for this is our inherent curiosity and desire for novelty! We become easily bored with routine and seek new experiences. Writing a novel or series can take a long time and the longer you work on the same project, the more likely it is that you'll get bored with your story and crave that spark that comes with discovering a new story and a new world with new characters. Fear of missing out (FOMO) and the allure of new opportunities, such as entering a writing contest or getting a short story published in an anthology, can also contribute to our shiny object syndrome. Without clear goals and priorities, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the latest writing project.

Overwhelm and burnout from our current project can also lead us to start something new. But what happens to our current project when we do? It often gets left behind, leading to fragmented progress, unfinished projects, and a sense of unproductivity. In the end, you're left with a lack of fulfillment and professional growth. That's why it's important to stay focused on your goals and not get sidetracked by temptation.

Strategies for overcoming shiny object syndrome as a writer

Define clear goals and priorities

When it comes to tackling SOS, it's important to define clear goals and priorities. Take some time to reflect on and prioritize your current writing goals. This means setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Not only does this create a roadmap for success, but you also gain clarity on what truly matters. Identifying the most important projects to focus on among your work-in-progress (WIP) can also help you stay on task. By doing so, you can avoid getting sidetracked by shiny new ideas and make tangible progress towards your goals.

Create time & project management solutions that work for you

Developing a project management system can really help you stay on track. Use tools like to-do lists, project boards, and calendars to break down tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Use these smaller chunks to create project milestones and celebrate each time you reach a new milestone. This makes it easier to stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed, and will help motivate you to continue with your current project and see it through to the end.

Keep in mind, you don't have to do anything big or extravagant to celebrate—although you certainly could if you'd like—but even just taking a break and doing something else you enjoy is enough. Speaking of taking breaks, don’t be afraid to step away from your desk if you feel yourself getting distracted by shiny new ideas. Taking breaks can actually help refocus your energy and improve productivity in the long run. Time management is also crucial. Set aside dedicated time for each project on your plate. Be sure to actually block out the time in your planner or calendar, and don't schedule anything else during that time.

Practicing mindfulness and finding accountability

It's challenging to stay focused and committed when distractions and impulses are constantly knocking at our door. That's where self-awareness and mindfulness come in. By recognizing and acknowledging these distractions, you can practice mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing to stay present and centered. But sometimes, you might need a little extra push. That's why asking for accountability from others is important as well. Finding an accountability partner or joining a writing group can help you stay on track with your current projects. Connecting with other writers or professionals in the field can also provide invaluable insights to your work, which can help with keeping you motivated through your project. By sharing progress updates and holding each other accountable, you and your partner can work together to overcome the temptation of jumping ship to new and exciting adventures.

Embracing opportunities without succumbing to distractions

It's important to assess the potential value of new ideas. Before taking on any new project, it's important to evaluate its alignment with your long-term goals and priorities, and consider the impact it might have on your current work-in-progress. And speaking of ideas, it's always good to have a "parking lot" for them—a dedicated space to capture inspiration and brainstorms for future exploration. That way, you can revisit them during designated times for idea generation. It's all about finding the balance between embracing opportunities and staying focused on the task at hand.

Maintaining motivation with current projects

It's tough to maintain motivation and curiosity with a current project, but one idea is to explore new angles or perspectives within the project. Don't be afraid to take some creative risks–introduce a new character's perspective or experiment with an alternate format, such as epistolary. This might just be the creative spark you need to reignite your passion for your current project. If all else fails, seek inspiration from other sources. Sometimes, reading books or stories that are similar to your project, or even talking with other writers or readers about your story, can help you remember why you fell in love with this project to begin with.

Don't let that new idea get in the way of finishing your book!

There you have it—the dangers of shiny object syndrome for us writers! We've discussed the dangers of constantly chasing after new projects and the importance of staying focused on your current WIP. But here's the thing: avoiding SOS isn't just about staying on track and getting stuff done. It's also about the incredible sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes with completing a project and reaching your goals. Trust us, there's no feeling quite like typing "The End" on a manuscript that you've poured your heart and soul into. So don't let the allure of tempting novel ideas lead you astray. Adopt the strategies we've shared in this post to maintain your focus and productivity, and you can reap the rewards of a job well done!