Myth or Fact?
In industries like Internet Marketing some buzzwords and phrases get used as jokes in forums where strategies / progress / challenges are discussed. Among them is shiny new object syndrome – the idea that struggling marketers are rushing to grab some shiny new thing.
There are two camps of opinion about this behavior: Several see it as a real problem that has to be solved, others see it as a myth that gets us out of doing the work required to succeed. It may actually be both – depending on what is currently going on in a person.
In reality new courses, tools and strategies are introduced all the time. People learning Internet Marketing need to educate themselves. It means being aware of those offerings and knowing what is good for them. So sometimes excitement takes over when pushy marketers promise more financial success with less effort and time. Such experts know how to persuade. Sometimes their claims are unrealistic – but not for a complete beginner who has yet to learn how to follow through.
Self-doubt can add to the appeal of a new shiny object for inexperienced people. They wonder if their current path is worthwhile – “What if” scenarios? “What if I am wasting my time?” Because a business takes months or years to build, they chase new opportunities to protect their time and energy. But often it stems from a lack of faith in their first choices – a course, a strategy or a business model.
So blame is hard to assign. Vendors use sales tactics to get customers whereas consumers who do not know the industry can make poor decisions. Often, shiny new object syndrome is not caused by external factors. They are sometimes internal – feelings of boredom, hopelessness, or envy. People with FOMO (fear of missing out) for example might run for new jobs not because they are interested in them but because they are in a herd or they are afraid of being left behind.
People just can not stay with what they have – they become dissatisfied or negative about it. They do not confront these feelings but find some new way to get some relief. That’s not object-related behavior – it’s the internal story of avoidance and shame. Leaving a project is like quitting – but they get to keep the illusion of diligence and ambition.
Overcoming shiny new object syndrome starts with the cause. Know that running a business takes discipline & accountability. You are an employee – measure up – reward your work everyday. If you never follow through, read more leadership / entrepreneurship stuff to build your mental toughness / confidence. Not everybody is made for entrepreneurship. Some do best in controlled environments. If you’ve chosen that path though, you probably have the drive to get back in control and change behaviors that will hurt your future.
