If you’re anything like me…

Cozy, creative, and chronically distracted (lol) this post is for you.

Because shiny object syndrome? She’s real alright! 😅

Let me guess…

• You also have 47 tabs open?
• About a gazillion content ideas?
• Not sure what to create for your next or first offer?
• Constantly being swayed and swooned by fresh & sparkly ideas?

Hi. I see you. I am you. 👋

As a full-time introverted business owner with a squiggly brain, I’ve had to come up with some pretty cozy systems to stay organized, focused, and actually get things done, without burning out or abandoning every idea after day 3.

Here’s exactly how I manage shiny object syndrome in my business (and how you can too).

 

 

Related Reads:

• How to Start a Cozy Passive Income Business From Zero
• Why I’m Shifting My Content (Embracing My Multi-Passionate Life)
• How to Start a Profitable Blog in 2025

 

 

For my visual learners:  

 

 

 

What Is Shiny Object Syndrome, Like Really?

Let’s call her out: shiny object syndrome is that urge to chase every new idea, project, plan, or tool, especially when you’re in the messy middle of something else.

Your brain is like, “This is hard. But look! Something fresh and sparkly, and full of potential! We should totally do that instead.”

Um, no, not your most productive idea. 🤭

Spoiler: this is just your brain trying to avoid discomfort and procrastinate in a way that feels productive (but we all know it’s actually not.)

But chasing every ✨shiny✨ idea usually means never finishing the thing that will actually move you toward your dream vision for your life and business.

So… what do we do with all these ideas?

Let’s dive in so I can show you my system for organizing my creative brain as an introvert and entrepreneur!

 

 

Step 1: Brain Dump With Zero Judgment

Seriously. No judgment, k? 💖 

Your first step is to get everything out of your head.

All the ideas, to-dos, random thoughts, even the “maybe someday” dreams onto paper (or digital paper).

Here’s how I do it:

• Set a 25-minute timer (Pomodoro style)
• Open a Google Doc or grab a notebook if you’re more of the analog type
• Write it all down: business ideas, personal reminders, grocery lists, product names, content ideas⎯ literally anything on your mind goes on the page!

This is your cozy little idea drawer.

(Or idea “parking lot” if ya will.)

You’re not doing anything with it just yet.

Just releasing it from your brain so you can stop carrying it around all day. 😬

Light a candle, brew some hipster-ish coffee, and brain dump away.

 

 

Step 2: Organize & Categorize

Now that you’ve got a list the length of a novel, it’s time to bring some order and calm to the chaos. 🧘‍♀️

I use ClickUp (because of course I do — my entire business lives in there) to organize all my ideas into seasonal categories.

You can totally use Trello, Notion, or a simple spreadsheet too, whatever floats your boat!

But here’s what my dreamy ClickUp board looks like:

My “Dreams & Ideas” board includes these lovely little buckets:

• The Cozy Bank: straight from the brain dump
• This Season: what I’m focusing on right now (2 projects max please!)
• Monthly Focus: broken down by month within the season (in a separate ClickUp board)
• Next Season: ideas I’m saving for Q4 (or whenever’s next)
• On Hold: ideas I will pursue, just not right now
• Maybe Someday: ideas I’m unsure about, but still want to keep
• Most Likely Not: those fun ideas that probably won’t happen (but deserve a resting place)

This board is my creative brain’s happy place.

It lets me honor every idea while staying put and grounded in what I actually have time for.

 

 

Step 3: Questions to Ask When Choosing What to Focus On

Once your ideas are sorted, here are a few questions I always ask myself to decide what’s worth pursuing now:

• Does this align with my current season of business?
  • Are you in a building, learning, or maintenance phase in your business?
  • Be really honest about the energy and time that you *do* have.
• Will this move me closer to my dream vision for (insert the year we’re in rn)?
  • Or is it simply a dopamine-fueled distraction?
• Will I still be excited about this on Day 3?
  • Okay this is the *real* test. If you’re going to be bored by Day 3, it might not be the right project for right now.
• Is this doable with my current time and resources?
  • Do you have the capacity to take this on now⎯ emotionally, financially, and logistically?

You can even score each idea 1–5 and move the highest-rated ones into your “This Season” column.

 

 

Why Seasons Work So Well for My Squiggly Business Brain

One of the best things I’ve ever done for my creative focus?

✨Embracing seasonal planning✨

Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, I zoom in on 1–2 projects each season (aka every 90 days or so).

For example:

• Q3 = do a visibility stint and focus on growing audience
• Q4 = funnel audits + Black Friday

This gives me permission to go deep instead of wide, and to finish things before pivoting to something new.

Warmly recommend. 😍

 

 

A Little Reminder (From One Squiggly Introvert to Another)

Having a million ideas doesn’t mean you’re chaotic or inconsistent.

It means you’re wildly creative and so freaking cool. 😎

It also probably means you were *made* for this dreamy online business thing.

You don’t have to do it all at once.

You just need this cozy system to hold all of your amazing ideas and support your focus.

Up and away towards that dream vision! ✨💭☕️

So here’s what you’re gonna do:

• Brain dump everything
• Organize it into a seasonal board in ClickUp (or somewhere else, it doesn’t matter)
• Pick 1–2 focuses for this season
• Revisit when it’s time to shift into the next

You got this. 💛

If you want to see exactly how I use ClickUp to organize my entire cozy business, you’ll love Dream Plan Do with ClickUp⎯  my business organziation course for introverted creatives.