Did I Tell You I Love Shiny, Sparkly Things? 🤔✨

Sometimes it's rainbow shoes, sometimes it's big ideas—but for ADHD brains and busy professionals, the allure of the shiny can derail or inspire. Here’s how to make it work for you.

As we race toward the end of the year, the “shiny syndrome” is at full tilt. For those of us with ADHD—or anyone feeling the crunch of burnout—the pull toward something new and exciting can feel irresistible. But as I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way), chasing every shiny distraction isn’t always the best way to reach your goals.

Let me take you back to where it all began: 4th Grade, Henschke Primary School.

Rainbow Shoes and Golden Focus🌈✨

I’ll never forget being 10 years old, in 4th grade, when my mum bought me the most magical pair of rainbow espadrilles with gold thread woven through them. To say I was obsessed is an understatement. I loved them so much that I brought them to school and proudly displayed them on my desk.

All day. Every day.

For an entire term, those shiny, sparkly shoes became my grounding force. Gone were my usual daydreaming and friend-distracting tendencies. I was focused, present, and—dare I say—productive.

Fast-forward to adulthood, and while I’ve swapped rainbow shoes for ambitious goals and new ideas, the pattern remains the same. I get hooked on the exciting potential of something new, and sometimes, that means diving into projects that don’t always see the finish line. Like the time, at age 20, I convinced my boyfriend to buy me a shiny new set of golf clubs, only to promptly forget to learn how to use them. (Yes, my putter is still in pristine condition).

But here’s the thing: being drawn to shiny things isn’t inherently bad. In fact, it’s part of what makes ADHD brains—and stressed-out professionals—so creative, innovative, and resilient.

Why the “Shiny Syndrome” Happens🧠✨

ADHD brains—and executive brains running on empty—are wired for novelty. It’s not just about the object or idea itself; it’s about the rush of dopamine that comes with new possibilities. It’s our brain’s way of saying, “I need something exciting and rewarding—right now!”

But when shiny distractions pull you away from what truly matters, they can leave you overwhelmed and scattered instead of inspired and productive.

How to Keep Your Eye on the Prize👁️🏆

As the holidays loom and year-end pressures mount, here are some ways to harness your shiny syndrome without losing focus on your goals:

1. Park the Shiny for Later

Capture your distractions in a “Shiny Parking Lot.” This can be a simple list or app where you jot down ideas, opportunities, or impulses. Revisiting them later keeps you from losing momentum on your current priorities.

2. Channel Your Inner 10-Year-Old

Remember my rainbow espadrilles? They taught me that one shiny thing, used wisely, can be a powerful grounding tool. Choose one key project or goal to focus on as your “rainbow shoes” to anchor your attention through the end of the year.

3. Start Small for Big Wins

Big shiny ideas can feel overwhelming. Instead of trying to tackle everything, start small. Focus on one achievable step that moves you closer to your larger goal. The dopamine boost from completing it will fuel your motivation for the next step.

4. Prioritise Energy Over Productivity

When shiny syndrome kicks in, it’s often a sign that your energy reserves are low. Take breaks, move your body, or revisit a personal “High Vibe File” of past achievements to remind yourself of what you’ve already accomplished.

A Holiday Challenge🎯🎁

As the end of the year approaches, let’s ground ourselves—not with rainbow shoes, but with clarity and purpose. Choose one priority to focus on and see through to the finish line.

And when you do, feel free to grab that shiny object on your list. Whether it’s golf clubs, a new project, or a well-deserved break, you’ll have earned it.

Warm regards,
Caroline Beresford x