Why do we abandon goals halfway through?
Getting distracted by Shiny Object Syndrome; Succession Ep 3; 40% Navy SEAL rule; Curiosity in work; Emotional Impulsive outburst ruin relationships; Craft time
Friends of The Far Insights,
Recently I'm having trouble with finishing a goal. I'm halfway through, but I'm distracted with the thought of jumping to another project because it is just.... interesting and new. Has anybody experienced this? Sucks, no?
Apparently, there's a term for those who have trouble finishing whatever they're doing. It's called Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS).
What is Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS)?
Shiny Object Syndrome is a condition that makes you neglect a current project, jumping from one thing to another because you get side-tracked by a new "shiny" and trendy idea in your field.
Nine out of ten entrepreneurs struggled with the Shiny Object Syndrome at least once in their journey. It is most prominent in the startup world (when you haven’t reached the market leader stage yet).
At its core, Shiny Object Syndrome is another form of DISTRACTION.
Shiny Object Syndrome psychology
Psychologically, Shiny Object Syndrome happens because of two factors:
Novelty:
Humans like new things, and are curious about new fields because we don't know much about the "new" stuff that we overestimate the knowledge of it. It presents this "grass is greener" on the other side perception.
The frustration of the current one
We know "too much" about the project we're doing, that we underestimate our current field knowledge. Impatience is a flaw that many people have.
These two — novelty and frustration — are interrelated to one another. Novelty, adds fuel to existing frustration.
Shiny Objects examples
You jumped into a new social media trend because (1) it’s a new thing and (2) your influencer friend got thousands of likes from it. You implemented it with high hopes, so when it doesn’t work for you, you feel disappointed. Newsflash: some things may work for others, but they may not work for you.
You just enrolled in a new course, drawn by the pompous, life-changing claims made by the guru. You think this route would be the answer to everything. These courses, in fact, have nothing to do with the goal you are working towards. It’s just another “new great idea”.
You keep changing skincare because you are distracted by one beautuber’s claim the minute you watch their #WinterSkincare video. Newsflash: new doesn’t always mean better. And skincare is a personal thing that suits one’s skin.
Shiny Object Syndrome consequences
Always changing goals or plans every few months because of SOS is not a good idea.
The cost is that you would abandon your current pursuit, in chasing for another that is not guaranteed. If this goes on, you may never settle with one.
A jack of trades is a master of none
That shiny, new thing can set the course in a different direction, with consequences like (1) burning cash for cost-inefficient tools; (2) confusing and demotivating your team (if you happen to lead one with many new goals) as they are unable to keep up; and (3) causes poor planning that spirals into unrealized potential and underdeveloped people.
At worst, you don't get to reap the benefits of long-term implementation.
How to overcome Shiny Object Syndrome?
Think through a new idea - Assess how relevant is the shiny object in your life, work, or calling. Sleep through it! If it still bugs you, it’s something worth considering.
Understand that new doesn't always mean better
'Wait & see’ aka do your research before you take the plunge. This will reduce your thought process of making a biased decision
Stop comparing yourself to what another person is doing. Know when what you're feeling is just FOMO (the fear of missing out).
Unfollow, unsubscribe whatever that doesn't support the goal you're creating.
Admit your weaknesses, that you won’t have the time to do/venture into a “new thing”.
The beauty of finishing a goal: Compound Interest
New ideas are exciting, but you know what's also exciting? When you follow through with an idea and see to its completion.
aka… if you stick to one skincare that's been recommended by the dermatologist (an invaluable expert) for a long time, you'll start to see improvement in your skin.
The simple-yet-hard trick is to finish one bottle, brush off the idea of buying other new skincare items that may be on sale along the way; and ignore new skincare video that pops up on your feed.
P/s: James Clear, author of Atomic Habits has a FREE newsletter that you can sign up for, which I really recommend because the practical insights shared on everyday habits are digest-able, and not too heavy on the inbox.
Have a vision, think and plan on how to execute them, and finish them.
The mere act of finishing a project, no matter how small, is a skill you should cultivate.
—David Kadavy on Shiny Object syndrome
Don't destroy your life by jumping on SOS every time you see or hear about them.
If this letter has helped you gain a perspective, why not subscribe? Otherwise, share it with a friend that you know who needs to hear this!
Current obsessions
Putri Santubong trailer - legendary lore from where I come from
Hyunsung moments — skip to 5:45 for the best part
Succession’s opening credits parodies. But this time, it’s the Murdochs’ & the Trumps’ versions 🌚
This moody music loop & its comments
Serious things
"Whenever I feel like I simply can’t go on, and there have been several times, I remind myself that I’m not even halfway done." - 40% rule of the Navy
"Do you think Shakespeare was gritting his teeth and diligently trying to write Great Literature? Of course not. He was having fun. That's why he's so good"
"The important thing is to get out there and do stuff. Instead of waiting to be taught, go out and learn. You start being an adult when you decide to take responsibility for your life."
— Curiosity turns work into play, Paul Graham
Confession 🦭: Sometimes I get imposter syndrome writing about all these (in my head, there’s a voice telling me people already knew this, why should you and who are you to remind them blah blah)… That was until I stumbled upon this video, that I realized 💬 content may just be a reminder, but sometimes, you need that reminder at a certain time from a particular someone to help you deal with whatever you’re dealing with in life.
This video saved me, as it appeared on my feed at a time I was distracted by a bunch of shiny new objects, with 80% consideration to jumping on board anytime. Thus, my hope for The Far Insights goes the same to you. 💌
Recently finished
🎞 Succession Ep 3 & their latest official podcast—Adam Grant made an appearance on, & according to him, Logan is a Taker, Bully, and A***ole
Takeaway: "The worst kinds of relationships are the ambivalent (mixed feelings of positive and negative) ones. They’re even worse than the negative ones"
aka the Roys have one foot in, and one foot out in their relationship dynamics. One day they love you, the next day they hate you. This uncertain ambivalent relationship is more stressful than knowing someone will definitely stab your back.
Some thoughts 💬:
What if Logan, is actually watching Kendall from the side, letting Kendall has his own way to see if he’d evolve into a position ready to take the mantle as Waystar's next anchor? Like come on, the siblings — Roman & Shiv — all want their own piece of pie, so if Logan were to announce he selected Kendall, the siblings won't be by the side to support? IDK, but anyway, love this scene 👇🏼🤯
But the donuts… Now that I think about it, I don't think Logan even sent them. Maybe Tom. I think Tom.
Also, the phone call between Gerri & White House — potential crime trails just from a phone call!
Elsewhere
💬 Do you agree that being emotionally impulsive ruins relationships?
Behind-the-scenes thoughts on last week's letter—Why Do We Overcomplicate Our Lives?
From Kitty City
Decorated my almost 3-year old iPad with stickers — why now? IDK, just got the idea.
Let me know your thoughts!
…on what do you think of this week’s letter (or just about anything) by replying to this mail, tweet me or DM me at @farihahfuaad. By all means, I love to hear your thoughts! + Your responses help me improve greatly. 💜