Yesterday, I was watching a video of Areeb Irshad and it made me reflect on my life at ten years old.
Let’s Imagine… It’s midnight in Mumbai. The city is asleep, but Samir isn’t.
He’s busy on his laptop, watching another YouTube video.
This time? It’s about dropshipping success stories.
Last week, he was diving deep into cryptocurrency tutorials.
The week before that? A young Instagram influencer sharing her journey of earning six figures through content writing.
If you check Samir’s LinkedIn profile, you’ll find certificates from digital marketing, stock trading basics, and even Python programming.
Impressive, right?
But here’s the catch: he hasn’t stuck to any of them long enough to see real results.
This pattern might feel familiar because many of us have been there.
Jumping from one skill to another, chasing every new opportunity that promises quick success.
It’s called Shiny Object Syndrome.
Think of it like a never-ending Indian wedding buffet. Paneer tikka here, chicken tikka there, and golgappas on the side.
You end up trying everything but never enjoy one dish.
The result? We’re left with surface-level knowledge in many areas but no real expertise in any.
How to Break Free?
Here’s a 3-step framework I’ve found helpful:
1️⃣ Define Your North Star.
Your North Star isn’t a title or a job — it’s a direction. Something broad yet specific enough to keep you focused. When distractions arise, remind yourself: “Is this aligned with my North Star?”
2️⃣ The 90-Day Rule.
Before switching, commit to a skill, idea, or project for 90 days. Write down every shiny new idea that tempts you in this period, but don’t act on them. By the end, you’ll have clarity on whether to stick or pivot.
3️⃣ The Mentor Check.
Instead of being influenced by every viral success story online, speak with someone 2–3 steps ahead in your desired path. Real-world insights from people who’ve been there will ground you in reality.
Here’s the truth: building expertise is like cooking biryani.
If you keep lifting the lid to add new spices, you ruin the dish.
But with patience and focus, the result is worth every bit of effort.
So, where will you focus your energy in 2025?
Let’s break free from distractions and create something truly meaningful.