The joy of missing out!

You’ve probably heard of FOMO – the fear of missing out, but this different.  This is JOMO – the joy of missing out!

When I first read about this I rolled my eyes. I couldn’t help but think it’s just another self-help buzz word. And maybe it is, but, at the same time, it struck a chord with me.

One thing I’ve found these past few years, with a life that has a litte more freedom, is the sheer amount of choice. On one hand great, and I count myself very lucky, but on the other hand it presents a very real paradox. Too-much-choice!

Hard to believe perhaps, but not handled well this can lead to overwelm, procrastination, and simply not deciding anything! Take it a little futher, and this can also lead to the fear (or internal conflict) of missing out when other opportunities present themselves.

And this is where JOMO comes in.

JOMO is a state of mind.  It’s being comfortable / confident enough to say no when opportunities come along that are not part of what you value and have chosen to work toward.

If you want to get fitter, it’s about turning down the boozy night, getting up early, and hitting the gym.  If you want to read more books, it’s about not watching so much TV and sitting and reading.  If you want to travel and explore, it’s about choosing your destination and not second guessing yourself at every other opportunity that comes along!

I like this because it’s a mindset of fullfilment, and not a mindset of lack.

And whilst there’s effort involved in figuring out what it is you want to do (at least in the short term – because who really knows what they want to do for the rest of their life!) I think it could be a very good strategy to explore.

Have a good day.

PS. I write these posts for 3 reasons. I hope they are of use.

– To help me remember, and better understand, my own experiences.

– To share back to others in hope of adding value.

– To tempt interest in a book I wrote which tells the story of what happened (and what I learned – albeit subtly) during my own period of travel, change, and adventure.