Shiny Object Syndrome, ADHD, and the Multi-Passionate Mind: What’s Really Going On?

If you’re constantly pivoting from one idea to the next, podcasts, merch, coaching, content creation, a new offer before the last one’s done...welcome to the club.

But let’s get real:

That pattern isn’t just a personality quirk or “lack of focus.”

It’s often Shiny Object Syndrome, and it’s very real for multi-passionate women, especially those with ADHD (diagnosed or not).

In this blog post, I want to unpack what’s really going on behind that endless stream of ideas, why your brain loves the new, and how to reclaim your creative power without boxing yourself in.

What Is Shiny Object Syndrome, Really?

Shiny Object Syndrome happens when you’re constantly drawn to new ideas, projects, or goals, often abandoning the last idea before it’s had a chance to grow.

If this sounds familiar, you’ve probably heard it framed like this:

“You’re inconsistent.”

“You lack follow-through.”

“You need to niche down.”

But here’s the truth:

Shiny Object Syndrome isn’t failure—it’s feedback.

And for many of us, that feedback is tied to how our brains handle dopamine.

The Dopamine Connection (And Why It Matters)

Let’s talk science, but in plain language.

Dopamine is the brain chemical responsible for motivation, reward, and focus.

When you start a new project, dopamine surges, it’s exciting, fresh, full of possibility.

But for folks with ADHD (diagnosed or not), your brain may not regulate dopamine efficiently. So what happens?

• You chase novelty.

• You burn out fast.

• You lose interest before anything has time to take root.

Suddenly, you’re pivoting again. And again.

Not because you’re broken, but because your brain is literally wired to crave that hit of newness.

This is especially true for multi-passionate women, whose creativity and curiosity are both superpowers, and potential distractions.

Are You Multi-Passionate… Or Just Overstimulated?

This is a question I had to start asking myself.

Because being multi-passionate is not a problem. In fact, it’s beautiful.

We’re meant to explore, create, evolve. Some projects are only meant to last a season... and that’s okay.

But if we’re honest?

Sometimes we use “multi-passionate” as a shield.

A way to avoid commitment.

A way to skip the hard part.

A way to stay busy but not necessarily fulfilled.

I’ve personally jumped from:

• Dropshipping

• CBD product development

• Running a marketing agency

• Building courses

• Writing music

• And a dozen other business models…

• 4 different coaching niches

And while many of those were aligned at the time, I also know that some of those pivots came from fear, doubt, or, let’s call it, dopamine chasing. 

The Fear Beneath the Surface

Sometimes it’s not really about the project at all.

Sometimes we’re afraid of:

• Failure—What if I give it my all and it flops?

• Success—What if this works and I can’t keep it up?

• Visibility—What if people finally see me?

And so… we bounce.

Because bouncing is safer than betting on ourselves.

Here’s What I’ve Learned: Momentum Matters More Than Novelty

The turning point came when I challenged myself to stop jumping between ideas and instead choose one to water—for just one week to begin with.

Not forever. Not for life.

Just long enough to give it roots.

That small experiment changed everything.

Because once I slowed down long enough to feel the alignment (or misalignment) of a project, I stopped mistaking stimulation for soul.

Try This: The “Later Folder” Technique

If you’re in that dopamine-heavy, idea-hopping mode right now, try this:

1. Pick one idea to water. Just one.

2. Put the rest in a “Later Folder.” Literally. Write them down. They’re not going anywhere.

3. Commit to one week of focused energy. You don’t need 30 days (yet). Just seven.

You’ll be shocked what happens when your brilliance gets space to breathe.

Want Help Focusing Without Shrinking? Join Me Live.

(If you come across this blog post after the event, feel free to reach out for the replay). 

If this post hit home, I want to personally invite you to something I’ve never done before:

Unbox Your Multi-Passionate Brand in One Hour

A free live masterclass for creative, multi-hyphenate, multi-passionate women ready to stop shrinking and start building a brand that reflects all of them.

🗓 Happening Sunday, May 18

🎯 Click here to register

We’ll explore how to:

• Anchor your passions into one aligned brand or offer

• Stop chasing new ideas and start creating sustainable momentum

• Build something that feels like you—without cutting parts of yourself off

Final Word:

You’re not broken.

You’re brilliant.

Your magic just needs a little structure—and a lot more trust.

See you live, queen.

– Tima

Photo: Joakim Ström