Happy New Year!
We hope you all had a safe and healthy holiday season. It seems that most of us are cautiously optimistic that the new year will be better than the last. Here at Riffland Solutions, we’re certainly holding onto that hope and excited about the opportunity a new year brings.
But we’re also here to remind everyone that new is not necessarily better. No, we’re not talking about the year anymore, we’re talking about new fads, products, tools, and methods. The new year is a prime time for us to succumb to Shiny Object Syndrome. The first of the year comes with new goals and resolutions, grand ideas for the year ahead, the world is your oyster, right? But with this bright-eyed outlook, comes a blindspot.
As people eagerly jump into their new and improved visions for the year, they can forget good decision-making habits. Impulsivity wins and suddenly they’ve jumped on board with the latest fad, only to later-on learn that it was a waste of money, a poor fit, unhealthy, etc.
We invite you all to join us in taking a pause today and remembering just a couple good decision-making habits to help resist Shiny Object Syndrome.
Do the Research
We’re all on a time-crunch but it’s essential that you take the time to do the research. See what this shiny new thing is really about. Keep up on trends and updates, but also seek wisdom from a variety of trustworthy sources that will keep you grounded.
Take a Personal & Professional Assessment
Before latching on to a new shiny object, take some time to assess how it aligns with your professional and personal values and goals. List out pros and cons, think through the value or complexity it might add, and if it’s something you truly need.
Understand the Costs
We’re not just talking about monetary costs here, although that certainly is a major factor. Assess your cost/reward for making the change and consider the mental price and time it will take to learn and implement something new.
Wait and See
So many things are said to be good or bad for you until further research flip-flops the stance. With many new things, a wait-and-see approach is often helpful. Let others be the guinea pigs and see if you end up really feeling like you’re missing out. Chances are you’ll forget about it, but if you keep coming back to it and finding that it truly could improve your life, it may be time to green-light it.
Put on Blinders
Finally, be more mindful about your distractions. Be selective in who you follow on social, what groups you’re involved in, and what newsletters you’re allowing to enter your inbox.
A Tried and True Partner
With over 15 years in the print and marketing industries, Riffland Solutions is your tried and true one-stop-shop. We’re here to help keep you focused and provide research, development and marketing solutions that reach your people.
