How to Avoid Shiny Object Syndrome as a Creative CEO

Let’s be real — you started your business because you’ve got no shortage of good ideas. 

That burning desire to create something meaningful? It’s why you’re here, and why you’re still here, doing what you do. 

But while you know that noggin’ of yours is your superpower, it can also be the raging thorn in your side when it comes to getting stuff done. You have a plan, a current vision you’re following, but it’s hard to stay on track when you’ve got the next best idea on your mind. 

You don’t want to stifle innovation, but you also don’t want to completely derail your business. Where’s the balance?

Keep reading — I’ve got a few tips for managing shiny object syndrome below!

What’s Shiny Object Syndrome?

You know that feeling when you’re lying in bed at 2 am, and suddenly you have THE MOST AMAZING idea for a new course/program/offering? And then another one hits you during your morning coffee? And maybe one more while you should be focusing on your team meeting? 

Those ideas that you can’t stop thinking about…and would, quite frankly, drop everything to start? 

That’s what we call shiny object syndrome, friend, and it’s totally normal for visionary CEOs like you. 

But where many people think the secret to managing this is more discipline, that’s actually not the best strategy. 

Why? Because it keeps you from doing the very thing you LOVE doing — creating something new! However, you do need a plan of action for these new ideas! 

Putting them to the side (for now, at least) doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye forever. It just means you’re honoring what you currently have (and were obsessed with months ago), and leaving space to fully focus on them when the time comes. 

Shiny object syndrome gets to us all, but here’s what you’re going to do to manage it. 

Shiny Object Tip #1: Rock a (Flexible) Annual Plan

I’m not talking about a rigid spreadsheet that makes you want to run for the hills. Think of it more like your business’s North Star. Just 2-3 big, overarching goals that light you up for the year. 

When you have a plan, you won’t feel guilty about saying “not right now” to that new idea because you know you’re already working on something equally amazing. And you know that new thing you’re excited about is still going to have room somewhere down the pipeline. 

And because a plan like this will help you map your launch dates, new product creation timelines, etc., you won’t be executing a launch or creating new course content the week before you’re supposed to be on vacation. Which means, you can actually enjoy that time off!

Shiny Object Tip #2: Embrace That PM System

If you have all your tasks for the day laid out in advance (based on your annual plan!), you’ll know you’re working towards your bigger vision every day. That’ll keep you from feeling like you have to create something new last minute, knowing you’re making slow and steady progress.

Plus, when you’re done with tasks, you get that instant satisfaction of clicking “check!”

And the best part? When that shiny new idea pops up, you can look at your PM system and see whether or not there’s room for it right now. If not, you can store your ideas for later. 

Shiny Object Tip #3: Create an Idea Parking Lot

Think of this as your business’s idea vault where all your new ideas go to mature like fine wine. Had a genius idea for a new membership site while in the shower? Pop it in the parking lot! Dreamed up a game-changing course concept while running errands? Yep — park it!

Your ideas are safe here, and you can come back to them when the time is right. You’ll have them stowed away in a secure system, easily accessible, and you won’t have to worry about your sticky note disappearing forever. 

This process also gives you time to sit on your new idea and come back to it when you’ve had more time to noodle on it. Having that block of time can give you a lot of clarity on how it fits into your overall vision and whether or not it’s a good fit for you and your audience.

Shiny Object Tip #4: Partner With an OBM

If you need extra accountability to stay on track…share your ideas with your OBM! *wink wink* 

We can help you decide whether it’s something we should prioritize to do now or wait to implement later. It’s our job to make sure your ideas come to life, but we’ll also ask the hard questions to help you stay focused on what really matters for your bottom line. That’s the integrator in us!

Ready to Turn Shiny Object Syndrome into Cash-Flow Clarity?

OBMs aren’t just system nerds (hey, that’s a badge of honor here!). We’re also your ride-or-die partners in building a business that’s both profitable AND fun. And when you work with an OBM like me, you can focus on being the visionary you truly are while I help you make things happen. 

If you’re ready to turn that creative chaos into a well-oiled machine (while keeping all the fun parts, promise!), get in touch with me here, and let’s see what we can work out!