I originally heard the phrase, “Grass is greener syndrome,” from my friend Peter Kang, when I talked to him about this tweet:
It’s easy to want to pick something new to do—a different ladder to climb, a different game, a new project or venture—because it seems easier. Better. More rewarding. Smarter. That’s why we want to keep our options open.
Meanwhile, we’re in our own field, and we know how difficult it is. We’ve been through the mud, and we’re probably still in it; trying to figure it out.
Of course, in the backs of our heads, we know that the other side of the grass only looks greener. It’s a trick in the light. Perhaps someone has something to gain from you thinking that it’s easy, and choosing to give up what you’re doing right now.
To some people, service companies and agencies are not as glamorous as brand, software, or product businesses. Media loves a good story about NFTs, or a new venture-backed startup; it doesn’t so much cling on to digital product studios, or design agencies, or anything like that. That’s why I appreciate Peter for choosing to stay in his circle of competence.
There’s a difference between reinventing yourself and choosing a new thing, and constantly chasing something new because you think the grass is greener. At some point, in order to do something worth doing, you need to focus and commit.