Welcome to another edition of the 1% Habits Newsletter!

This is where you’ll get up-to-date information on small wins to improve your habits, productivity, and life satisfaction. 

Let’s get to it…

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📈 How to Avoid the Shiny Objects in Life

Are you a highly motivated person?

If so, then you probably have lots of ideas that constantly run through your head. 

Maybe you get excited about tackling new goals. Or perhaps you’re someone who fears missing out on a great idea. 

If this sounds like you, then you’re probably experiencing what’s commonly known as “shiny object syndrome.”

In today’s featured article, I will briefly define the shiny object syndrome, describing the negative effects it can have on your life, and then give you six simple strategies to overcome this mindset.

Let’s get started…

What is the Shiny Object Syndrome

Shiny object syndrome is the tendency for someone to always be chasing the next best thing, whether that’s a new business idea, relationship, or goal, instead of staying focused on what they’re currently doing.

In a way, it’s like how children chase after a shiny object. Once a kid grabs the item, he or she quickly loses interest in their old toys and goes after something else that attracts their attention. 

The main reason that shiny object syndrome is problematic is because it is a distraction that prevents you from ever completing something you’ve started.

And when you spend too much time on fancy new ideas that are largely junk in the long run, you miss out on continuing a project or goal that has great potential.

Furthermore, when you repeatedly fail to see your ideas through, you’ll often feel frustrated about your unrealized potential.

Simply put:

Shiny object syndrome leads to wasted time, money, and effort.

When you’re constantly starting over because of a new shiny object, you never get the chance to become an expert at anything. You’re always somewhere on a learning curve.

Realizing that you are easily distracted by new ideas is the first step to helping you find ways to resist the pull of shiny objects.

But let’s take a look at six strategies you can use to resist the temptation of the shiny object syndrome.

#1. Set Short-Term & Long-Term Goals

Instead of mindlessly jumping around from project to project, set clear goals to help yourself take a breath before changing direction.

Goal setting is an ongoing process that is constantly evolving as your life changes, but if you’re seeing progress by meeting your milestones, there is no reason to change direction.

As an example, let’s say you have a short-term goal to lose 20 pounds.

You’ve worked out a diet and exercise routine with a professional and you’re into week 3 of a 12 week program.

Things are going well, but then you see an advertisement on TV for this brand new weight loss supplement that people are raging about.

Although you’ve made more progress in the last three weeks with your weight loss than you ever have before, you’re tempted to abandon all of that because this new product could be a quicker fix.

If you are already committed to the short-term goal of sticking with your current diet and exercise plan, then don’t let this distraction take you off course.

Sticking to your goals will help you maintain the momentum you need to stay on top, and give you a safety net for inevitable obstacles.

If you have your goals set in stone, you can analyze how whatever shiny object may fit in with your current objectives and act accordingly.

This can help you quickly realize that your current objectives have no room for the shiny object.

(Side bar: One resource that can help with this is our goal planning templates that are part of our Time Management and Productivity Bundle.)

#2. Commit to Your Goals without Getting Sidetracked

Once your goals are set, don’t abandon your project until it is complete, unless you find that it’s costing you more money than you initially estimated or the project is proving itself to be ineffective.

This will help prevent you from wasting resources by walking away from a half-finished project before seeing any of its payback or results.

There are a few things you need to do in order to make a true commitment to the project at hand.

● First, tell yourself that you won't let anything stand in your way.

● Second, be ruthlessly selective about the things you do and the tasks you forego.

● Finally, hold yourself accountable for the work that you plan to do by keeping track of your progress.

#3. Sleep on an Idea Before Acting on It

You’re three quarters of the way through writing your first book when you get an idea to start a blog instead because you assume that will get your writing out into the world quicker.

Before you abandon the progress you’ve made on a project in pursuit of something else that you’re “sure” will be a game changer, take some time to think about it. This will spare you from rushing into a hasty decision.

Psychologists have found that REM sleep will improve your ability to think of creative solutions to the issues you are facing. 

Basically, sleep helps your brain recognize unrelated ideas and creates connections to what you currently know. 

So if you allow yourself time to sleep on an idea, you may wake up with a new perspective.

#4. Research Your Idea Before Getting Started

While you may be passionate about your new idea, you should fully understand the costs associated with the project, the time it will take to complete, and any obstacles that you will face. 

So do your research and think about whether your idea will make the best use of your resources.

We recommend spending at least a few days or even a few weeks to educate yourself about the topic. 

Read articles on the subject. 

Check out related books in your local library.

Listen to podcasts. 

Watch YouTube videos.

Yes, this is extra work. But this extra work is necessary because it will help you fully assess a project's potential, how likely you will succeed or fail, and the specific challenges you will encounter. 

#5. Communicate with Friends & Family About Your Idea

This step is especially helpful if you know someone who is skillfully skeptical, has the ability to be direct, and great at pointing out the potential obstacles of a new idea.

Ask others to flesh out your new idea, ask you difficult questions, and find any possible weaknesses.

Listen to their suggestions, perspectives, and concerns before you make a decision.

Doing this will help you realize when you need to pump the brakes on a potential shiny object.

#6. Realize That Every Trend Won’t Be the ‘Next Best Thing’

Trends always look legitimate as you see more and more people jump on the bandwagon.

Think about diet trends like eating apple cider vinegar, fidget spinners, or even MySpace.

These things come and go, and they may not be right for your long-term goals.

This is where it is critical for you to understand your personal goals and what is driving you to achieve them.

If you can do that, you can easily recognize if an idea is just a passing fad or a great idea that is truly worth pursuing. 

⚙️1% Habit Idea

Today’s idea provides a great solution to sticking to your important habits – especially when you miss a day.

Need an effective tool for habit formation?

You might want to consider applying the Two Day Rule to stay consistent when building habits.

James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, calls this the “Never Miss Twice Rule”, while productivity enthusiast and filmmaker Matt D’Avella calls the concept the “Two Day Rule”.

This rule emphasizes that occasional slips are inevitable, it's crucial not to miss a habit two days/times in a row.

The essence of the rule is to avoid consecutive failures, ensuring that one mistake does not spiral into a habit of its own.

The Advantage of the Two Day Rule

The Two Day Rule is particularly helpful because it accommodates life's unpredictability while still prioritizing consistency.

It acknowledges that everyone has off days or unexpected events that can disrupt your routine.

By allowing a single day off, the rule reduces the pressure for perfection and removes feelings of failure when a habit is missed.

However, by prohibiting two consecutive days off, it prevents a single miss from becoming a negative streak, thus maintaining long-term progress.

How to Get Started

Step 1: Begin by clearly defining the habits you want to build and tracking your progress. Use a habit tracker or journal to monitor each day you complete the habit. Here is a list of our favorite habit apps and here is a bundle that can help you build powerful habits.

Step 2: Allow flexibility for one missed day. Understand that missing a day is acceptable and part of the process. When you miss a habit, note it down without guilt.

Step 3: Ensure that you resume the habit the very next day after a miss. Treat this as a non-negotiable commitment to yourself. Do everything in your power to make sure you get back on track immediately.

These steps are your guide in implementing the Two Day Rule in your life, helping build your resilience and consistency in your habits.

This rule balances taking a break with structure, making it a practical approach for building habits that stick.

🗂️ The Resource Roundup

❓ 13 Questions That Will Change Your Life - What if asking better questions could unlock the clarity, connections, and breakthroughs you’ve been searching for? This quick read from Shaan Puri offers 13 transformative questions to reshape how you think, decide, and connect—because sometimes, the right question is all you need to change your life.

🚫 Changing Bad Habits with Good Ones [How To Do It] - Ever wondered why bad habits seem impossible to break? This article dives deep into the psychology of habit formation and offers actionable strategies to replace harmful behaviors with beneficial ones, making it an insightful guide for anyone ready to reclaim control of their life.

📢 3 Hard Truths You Need to Hear - Do you have the courage to confront the uncomfortable truths about yourself and the world around you? Mark Manson’s brutally honest article challenges your beliefs, strips away illusions, and delivers life-changing lessons about self-awareness, judgment, and the power of meaningful relationships.

💲 Rich in Moments That Matter - How many meaningful moments do you have left with the people who matter most? This thought-provoking article uses Tim Urban's powerful framework to help you rethink your time, prioritize relationships, and make the most of the fleeting moments that truly count.

🧠 Thinking Your Way Out of Problems Doesn’t Work - Are you tired of being trapped in endless cycles of overthinking and self-doubt? Darius Foroux’s article offers a refreshing perspective on breaking free from the mental loops that keep us stuck, teaching practical ways to manage your restless mind and truly live in the present moment.

Thanks for reading.

Enjoy your start to your week!

Talk soon.

Cheers,

Steve Scott 

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