FOMO: What, Why, And How?
Why Are We Letting FOMO Run the Show?
Ever caught yourself obsessing over what you might be missing out on? That’s FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) messing with your head. It’s not new—humans have always worried about being left behind. But now, with social media constantly shoving other people’s “perfect” lives in our faces, it’s like FOMO went from a whisper to a scream. So, let’s talk about where it comes from and how to put it in its place.
The Origins of FOMO
Back in the day, FOMO was a survival tool. If your tribe was doing something important—hunting, gathering, forming alliances—you had to be there to stay relevant and safe. Fast forward to now, and that instinct has morphed into feeling like you need to be at every event, trying every trend, or keeping up with every social circle. But guess what? Your brain hasn’t caught up with the fact that not attending Rachel’s bottomless mimosa brunch won’t lead to exile.
How to Spot FOMO
Sometimes, FOMO is sneaky. It can show up as:
• Constant scrolling: Refreshing your feed to see what everyone else is doing.
• Commitment overload: Saying “yes” to everything because you don’t want to miss out.
• Self-doubt: Feeling like your choices aren’t good enough compared to others’.
If you’re experiencing any of these, FOMO might be calling the shots.
Flipping the Script
So, how do you stop FOMO from hijacking your life? Here’s the real talk:
1. Reality Check Your Feed
Newsflash: Social media is curated. That pool party? It was probably 10 minutes of fun and 4 hours of awkward small talk. Just because it looks amazing doesn’t mean it was amazing. Stop assuming everyone else is having more fun than you.
2. Ask Yourself: Do I Even Want That?
Sometimes, we crave things because other people are doing them, not because they align with what we actually enjoy. Do you even like rooftop parties, or do you just feel like you should? Pause and figure out what you actually want.
3. Be Okay With Your Choices
Here’s a radical idea: you don’t need to do everything. Missing out isn’t a failure; it’s part of living an intentional life. The best memories aren’t about doing it all—they’re about doing what feels meaningful to you.
4. Laugh at FOMO
Seriously, don’t take it so seriously. Next time FOMO shows up, call it out: “Oh, look, there’s my brain trying to make me jealous of Karen’s beach selfie.” When you name it, you take its power away.
Who Says They’re Having More Fun Than You?
At the end of the day, FOMO is an illusion. What if you’re not missing out but actually opting in—to a life that feels right for you? Whether it’s binge-watching your favorite show, pursuing a passion project, or just enjoying a quiet moment, your choices are valid. Let everyone else “live their best lives.” Yours is right here, and it’s already pretty awesome.