Are you afflicted with Bright Shiny Object Syndrome?
January 18th, 2012 by MornaRecently I’ve had a few clients talk about being unable to focus and get done what needs to be done because they are distracted by options, whether that’s the other stuff in the room or another great idea that is beckoning. Yes, they are infected with Bright Shiny Object Syndrome. I’ve been there too. Sometimes in my office I get totally distracted by the projects I want to make or the books/tools that just arrived or the idea I have for a new product or all the blogs that call me to tour them. How do you get past this? Here are a few ideas:
1. Take a break. Right now you could be overwhelmed rather than just distracted. This could be an hour or it could be a few days for yourself. The work will still be there.
2. Prioritize what needs to be done. Prioritize by what projects/objects will provide you with the best return on your investment, i.e., what will bring money into your business. This is often what it will take to focus.
3. Clean up your environment so the objects aren’t in front of you. If you are working on your computer, shut down your email and your Internet browser, so they won’t distract you.
4. Work in a different environment. When I get ready to proofread The Professional Quilter, I do this on the porch in nice weather and the living room in colder weather. The living room doesn’t have lots of BSOs – other than the kaleidoscope collection, which I’m not sure why I can avoid. When I suggested that one of my clients look for a spot to work without distractions, she zeroed in on her dining room and quickly got all her work done.
5. Schedule time for BSOs. If you know you’ll be distracted by that blog tour in the middle of the day, schedule it for later in the day or the weekend. That way you’ll enjoy it, and you won’t feel guilty about not getting your work completed.
How do handle all the bright shiny objects that call you during the day? Please share your ideas below.
rosalind beck said:
Excellent article! Great ideas to stop BSO’s from making your current projects UFO’s!
A Few Loose Threads » Blog Archive » Bright Shiny Objects said:
[…] Quilter Newsletter arrived in my in-box this morning and I swear that Morna was writing this article for […]
Donna L. Kooistra said:
Thank you Morna for addressing this topic. It is so easy to be distracted. I find to really get my goals accomplished I have to set up 2-3 times during the day and evening I MAY check my email and make responses. I also have to work from a list and I employ a work-reward system. For instance: I must do x number of contracts before I can get that cup of tea or do some handwork or look at one of the many magazines calling me :). It really keeps me focused to know there is “reward” at the end of list completion! Thanks again!
Morna said:
Thanks Rosalind. And, Celine, don’t you know I write them for me, too! This one I think is universal with fiber people. We have too many shiny, colorful things around us just naturally!
Kate said:
Morna, great article! I definitely get distracted by BSOs. And the computer. And the kittens. And….
Thanks for the inspiration to clean up and focus so I can move forward!
Morna said:
Kate, you are welcome. It’s amazing how much we can find to distract us when we want!