If you’re anything like me, you probably have a new idea every 3.2 seconds (yes, I’ve timed it). That’s the ADHD brain in action – full of creativity, innovation, and, well, distractions. But how do you know when it’s time to actually launch something new, and how do you avoid the dreaded shiny object syndrome (SOS)?
So, what exactly is shiny object syndrome?
Ever found yourself starting one thing, only to get swept up by a bright, exciting new idea a week later? That’s shiny object syndrome, and it’s both a blessing and a curse for ADHD entrepreneurs. On one hand, it fuels our creativity and keeps things exciting. On the other, it can leave us jumping from project to project, never fully finishing one. Sound familiar?
Signs it’s time to launch something new
Here’s the thing: not every idea that sparks joy needs to be acted on immediately. But sometimes, it is time to jump into something new. Here are some tell-tale signs that your new interest is worth the hyperfocus:
You’ve completed (or nearly completed) your current project. Yes, it’s tempting to abandon ship, but finishing what you start gives you a sense of closure and accomplishment (and a great excuse to treat yourself when you do embrace your new obsession).
You’ve done the groundwork. Before launching anything, you’ve got to have at least a loose plan. Have you thought through how this new idea fits with your current goals? Is it a logical next step, or just a fun distraction?
You’re solving a real problem. If your new idea directly addresses a pain point for your audience or customers, it might be worth pursuing. The key is to know the difference between a genuine opportunity and a random burst of inspiration.
And one more thing: does it excite you, but not scare you into paralysis? There’s a sweet spot between “this sounds fun” and “this is so overwhelming I’ll procrastinate for weeks.” If your new idea falls in that zone, you might be onto something!
Why shiny object syndrome isn’t always bad
SOS doesn’t have to be the villain of your story. In fact, chasing new ideas is part of what makes us creative problem solvers. The trick is to channel that energy rather than letting it throw you off track completely.
Technicolour Tip: Create an Ideas Playground. This is a dedicated space (digital or physical) where you can store all your fresh, exciting ideas without letting them take over your current focus. That way, your ideas are safely parked for later when you’re ready to revisit them. Tools like Trello can work great for this.
How to tell if you’re just chasing the next shiny object
So, sometimes it’s hard to tell if you’re pursuing a genuinely great idea or just trying to escape the boring bits of your current project. Here are some red flags that you might be falling victim to shiny object syndrome:
You’ve started multiple projects but not (yet) finished any of them. If this sounds like you, don’t worry - we've all been there. But jumping from one thing to the next without completing anything usually leaves you feeling frustrated, and like you’re incapable. Which isn’t true, but can take work.
You’re bored with your current project. Sometimes the grind gets tough, and a new idea looks way more fun in comparison. But shiny doesn’t mean better: the grass might just look greener because it's fake!
You’re avoiding difficult tasks. Let’s be honest – sometimes the new idea is just a sneaky way of procrastinating the hard stuff (like tax returns, am I right?).
Technicolour Tip: If you’re tempted to chase a new idea, ask yourself this: “am I running towards something exciting, or am I running away from something hard?” Be honest… try to work out how you feel about the new and old ideas, use a tool like a feelings wheel if it’s helpful
Staying focused while honouring your creativity
ADHD brains love new ideas, that’s just a fact. But balance is key, and we don't want life to feel like you're wobbling on a tightrope (unless heights are your thing I suppose?).
Here’s how to stay focused while still giving yourself permission to explore your creative side:
Set time limits. If you’re dying to explore a new idea, give yourself a specific window to work on it. Maybe it’s a Saturday afternoon where you brainstorm without diving in fully. This way, you get your creative fix without derailing your progress.
Commit to completing what you’ve started. If you’ve already got a project underway, challenge yourself to finish at least one major milestone before switching gears. It’s all about creating momentum.
Use accountability. Talking through your ideas with an ADHD coach or accountability buddy can help you figure out if your new idea is worth pursuing now or parking for later. And let’s face it, sometimes we just need someone to say, “hey, finish what you’re doing first!”
Build in flexibility. One of the best things about running your own business is the flexibility to pivot. If your shiny new idea genuinely fits with your overall vision and goals, then go for it! Just make sure you’re not abandoning other important tasks in the process.
Technicolour Tip: Use the Two Project Rule: only allow yourself to work on two main projects at once – the current one you’re completing and the next one you’re brainstorming. If another shiny object comes along, it must wait in your Ideas Playground.
When it’s really time to launch
After all this, if you feel that excitement without the overwhelm, and you’ve done your homework, it’s probably time to go for it! Remember, launching something new doesn’t have to be perfect right at the starting line. In fact, as ADHD entrepreneurs we often thrive in imperfect action.
The key is to balance creativity with focus so that you can avoid shiny object syndrome and turn those brilliant ideas into reality.
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