Overwhelmed by Online Courses? Here’s What to Do…

What Really Happens When You Have "Bright Shiny Object Syndrome"

Hello again! I’m glad you’re back. Pull up a chair, make yourself comfortable. If you’ve read my last post, you know I’m on a bit of a mission - a “Digital Detox,” as I like to call it. The challenge? To stop buying courses, tools, eBooks, or software for my "make money online" adventure… at least until November 30. 

But wait - I’ve decided to reframe that challenge. Instead of focusing on what I’m not doing (no more shiny new things), I’m flipping it to focus on what I am doing - mastering the tools and courses I already have and actually implementing what I’ve learned. Crazy idea, right?

What Is "Bright Shiny Object Syndrome"?

Now, let’s get real. What happens when you keep buying courses and tools online? Let me paint you a picture… 

It starts innocently enough: you see a new course or software that promises to be *the* thing that finally gets you the results you want. So, you click, you buy, you’re pumped. But then… another course catches your eye, and then another. Before you know it, you’re juggling multiple courses, tools, and eBooks like a circus performer with way too many flaming batons.

And what happens next? Well…

1. Overwhelm Sets In (And It’s Not Pretty)

For me, the first thing that happened was overwhelm - big time. I’d start a course, get through a couple of modules, then get distracted because, oh look, there’s another course I bought last week that’s about to expire, and I haven’t even started it yet. So, I’d switch gears and dive into that one… for about two days. Then, rinse and repeat. 

The result? I wasn’t getting anywhere with any of them. I was chopping and changing like a kid with way too many toys, except none of these toys were actually helping me achieve my goals. Sound familiar?

2. The Deadline Panic Shuffle

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Then there’s the panic shuffle - when you’ve signed up for a course with a limited access period. You can almost hear the clock ticking down. Cue the stress as you try to cram in as much learning as you can before your access runs out. Spoiler alert: this method doesn’t work well. It’s a bit like trying to drink from a fire hose - you end up soaked but still thirsty.

The real kicker is that after all the scrambling, I’d often move on to a new course, hoping it would be the one that finally gave me the secret sauce. The irony? I already had plenty of “secret sauce” in the courses I hadn’t finished.

3. The "Wait, Didn’t I Already Buy This?" Phenomenon

Here’s where it gets embarrassing… Sometimes I’d find myself buying a course on a topic I already had a course for. It’s like having a perfectly good hammer in your toolbox, but buying a new one because it has a fancy grip. The reality was, I wasn’t even using the first hammer because I never took the time to learn how to swing it properly.

I’ve probably spent good money on courses that cover the exact same things. But hey, at least I have options… right? The real problem was that I wasn’t diving deep enough into any of the resources I already owned to figure out if they were enough. 

4. The Cure: Focus on What You Already Have

So, what’s the solution? It’s simple: stop chasing the next bright, shiny object and start using what you already have. That’s why I’m spending the next five weeks focusing on mastering the tools, courses, and software I’ve already collected. It’s time to dig in, commit, and actually implement the knowledge I’ve been buying.

The truth is, you don’t need the latest, greatest gadget or course to succeed. What you need is focus, consistency, and a willingness to put in the work with what you already have. Who would have thought, huh?

5. Join Me on This Digital Detox Adventure

If you’re reading this and nodding along with a knowing grin, welcome to the Club - you’re one of my people. The good news is, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to stay stuck in the "Bright Shiny Object" trap.

I’d love for you to join me on this Digital Detox journey. If you’re ready to start mastering what you already have instead of chasing the next new thing, let’s do this together. And if you’re looking for some helpful resources to avoid the common pitfalls of making money online, I’ve got just the thing for you.

Just click the image below...

About the author Sean Street

Sean Street is a digital marketing enthusiast with a varied background providing a well developed ability to relate to and get along with others.

Sean's ability to break complicated topics down into simple to understand language makes him an asset when it comes to his teaching.

  • Hi Sean,

    I can definitely relate to the whole “Bright Shiny Object Syndrome” struggle, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the excitement of new courses or tools, thinking they’ll be the magic answer. It’s inspiring to see you flipping the focus toward mastering what you already have. I think it’s a powerful shift to commit to really digging into the knowledge and resources we’ve already invested in. Excited to follow along with your Digital Detox and looking forward to hearing how this journey unfolds for you!

    Meredith

  • Hi Sean:
    We all struggle with shiney objects that promise the world. I am proud to say I have not bought one in a year thanks to Dean’s advice. Just concentrating on this ciricullum now. I want to see it through.

  • Hi Sean – A digital detox is such a great idea. Those shiny objects are sure tempting and when one succumbs to the temptation it’s hard to not succumb to more and more and more… I applaud you for your recognition of this behavior and I loved your solution list. Thanks for this post and have a great week!

  • Haha, I can totally relate to this “Bright Shiny Object Syndrome!” It’s like a constant loop of excitement and regret – buying something that feels like the solution, only to get distracted by the next big promise. Love the shift in focus here to actually using what you’ve got – so simple but so powerful. I’m in for the Digital Detox journey with you! Let’s dive into what we already have and turn it into results. Can’t wait to see how it goes!

  • I’m curious- why stop the search for the next bright shiny object on November 30? Anyway, I totally get what you are saying here. Even when tempted, as you say, we already have everything we need here on this journey with Dean.

    Great post!

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