Shiny Object Syndrome - How to get your work done without constantly distracting yourself

 

Shiny Object Syndrome - and how to get over it!

I love shiny objects – they distract me all the time! They either arrive in my email inbox, I see an interesting ad on social media or I have a shiny thought which takes me out of the work I am doing. Happens a lot!

The problem with pursuing the shiny things is that they are incredibly distracting. The worst distractions for me are those which occur when I’m immersed in tasks I really need to finish. Something along the way triggers my mind into thinking of something else I need to do, or an idea I really need to write down or activate immediately – I don’t really need to do these things straight away, but the lure of something new is strong.

... the lure of something new is strong.

A little digression – I trained in Transcendental Meditation (TM) back in the 1970s when it was a ‘thing’. This form of meditation isn’t as popular now with the advent of guided meditations, where you listen to someone throughout the process, or the very popular Mindfulness movement which encourages us to stay and be present. TM is the  meditation in which you clear your mind of external thoughts until there is nothing to interfere with the silence of your mind. It’s difficult to gain that stage of deep meditation as thought bubbles will rise up – items to add to your shopping list, that fly you can hear in the room (where’s the fly spray?), traffic noises remind you your car needs a service and so on. I’m really good at TM after practicing almost daily for almost 50 years, but I have trouble applying the technique of letting extraneous thoughts go when I am focusing on my work.

If this is you too, here are some strategies I’ve used to stay focused:

1.  Prioritize Your Tasks : Before starting work, list down your tasks in order of importance. Commit to completing your primary task before addressing anything else.

2.  Capture Your Ideas : Keep a notebook, digital note app, or voice recorder handy. When a distracting thought or new idea comes up, jot it down quickly, and then return to your primary task. This way, you know you won't forget the idea, and you can revisit it later.

3.  Time Blocking : Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique. Work intensely for a set period (e.g., 25 minutes), then take a short break (e.g., 5 minutes). This can help you stay focused during the work period, knowing there's a break coming up.

4.  Set Boundaries : If you're working in a space with potential distractions (like a home office), let others know your work hours and ask not to be disturbed during that time.

5.  Clear Workspace : A clutter-free workspace can reduce distractions. Before starting work, take a few minutes to clean up and organise your workspace.

6.  Minimise Digital Distractions : Close unnecessary browser tabs and apps. Use apps like "Focus@Will," "Forest," or "Freedom" to block distracting sites. (Note, these are all paid apps with free trials).  Focused work time: Try Focusmate – a really handy online function which pairs you with another person for focused time blocks of work. Work exploring  and there is a free entry level of three sessions a week, after which there is a reasonable monthly or annual subscription. This is my favourite for getting things done!

NOTE: And while I was editing this, I just got distracted by the thought of buying a couple of cube timers to give to clients, so I switched from here to an online search! Good grief ... how easily I'm distracted, it's a wonder I get anything done really....

7.  Mindfulness and Meditation : Regular mindfulness and meditation practices can help improve concentration. Even a short daily practice can make a difference over time.

8.  Set Clear Goals : Have clear and specific goals for what you want to achieve by the end of your work session. This can give you a target to aim for and make it less likely for you to get sidetracked.

9.  Commit to Small Starts : If you find it hard to start a task, commit to just a few minutes. Often, the momentum built in those initial minutes can carry you through.

10.  Revisit Your Why : Remind yourself why the current project is important. If the underlying motivation is strong, it can act as an anchor, keeping you on task.

11.  Evaluate New Ideas : If a new idea seems very compelling, take a moment to evaluate its relevance and urgency. Is it more important than your current task? Does it need immediate attention? Often, upon reflection, you'll find it can wait.

12.  Physical Activity : Short physical activities, like a walk or some quick stretches, can refresh your mind and help refocus.

13.  Seek Accountability : Share your goals with someone who can check in with you and provide encouragement. Knowing someone else is aware of your task can increase your commitment to completion. – This is where Focusmate comes in – see point 6.

14.  Limit Multitasking : While it might seem efficient, multitasking often leads to reduced focus and productivity for most tasks.

Remember, it's okay if you're not perfect. Everyone gets distracted sometimes. What's important is to recognise when it's happening and take steps to refocus. With consistent effort and by employing some of these strategies, we can improve our focus over time.

Let me know if you’ve got any other strategies or whether you’ve tried any of the ones I use.

 

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Want to chat about how I can help you or your workplace be more organised let's connect over a virtual coffee.

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Nan Berrett creates visibility for small business as well as mentoring small business owners and startups to help them navigate the mountain of knowledge which seems to be part of our everyday life in a digital world. She is based in regional South Australia in the beautiful Clare Valley and is happy to travel to meet clients or chat over Zoom. Find out more or book some time to chat: www.wordsolutions.com.au