The Shiny Object Syndrome

Since I coach high-achieving clients who want a more fulfilling life, many have what I call the “Shiny Object Syndrome”. In fact, most of us have caught it at one point or another, as the attractive “shiny object” can take many forms: glittery material things, sparkling people or hot career opportunities.

For example, I have a client who works for a telecommunications company. She isn’t challenged at her job and feels she isn’t given the respect or recognition she deserves. As an entrepreneur-at-heart, her mind is trained to look for new opportunities...and of course she often finds them.

Whenever an exciting opportunity surfaces, she feels “oooh, this is it. I want it. I’m going to go and get it.” Each “shiny object” takes a lot of her time, energy and effort to pursue, and ultimately causes a lot of trouble and chaos in her life overall.

If you’re in a similar position, how do you deal with the shiny objects that keep coming into your life?

First of all, you need to gain clarity about your values. In its simplest expression, a fulfilling life is one in which important values are honored each and every day. Values serve as your guideposts on a journey to discover what you want and challenging decisions become clearer when you can answer questions such as, “Will this decision honor my values? What values will my “future self” support in this situation?”

By aligning choices with your values, you can still pick up each shiny object that comes your way, look at it from different perspectives, and, either try it on or put it back down. You don’t have to keep each shiny object that comes down your path. Pick it up to see what you can learn from it – and sometimes what you learn is that you don’t need it at all. Maybe it was meant for someone else down the path and you can pass it along.

Do the Try It Out exercises below to help you identify what some of your values are

• Beyond food, shelter and community, what needs to be in your life to have you feel fulfilled? (ie. Adventure, partnership, accomplishment)

• If there is something you really want, and you got it, what would it mean to you?

• What is present when you are at your best?

"If you're not sure where you're going, you'll probably end up somewhere else."

-Unknown