UCanMakeItIfYouTry – Overcome FOMO
TOP TIPS
The fear of missing out (FOMO) was around long before its catchy acronym caught on. With the advent of social media, things have only gotten worse. People spend hours scrolling through feeds and witnessing others’ seemingly perfect lives play out in real-time. With this kind of stimuli at our fingertips, it’s hard not to fear missing out – but that doesn’t mean we can’t do something about it.
1 – Develop an Attitude of Gratitude
Turn your focus from what you don’t have to what you do have. Look around you and think about what you can be grateful for. Think about the people in your life that support you. Count all of your blessings, big and small.
2 – Take a Social Media Fast
There is a clear correlation between FOMO and time spent on social media. If scrolling through your feeds leaves you feeling down, it may be time for a fast. Try avoiding social media for 48 hours, a week, or even a month to see if you don’t find life more fulfilling.
3 – Embrace The “Joy of Missing Out”
Anil Dash coined this term to describe the joy of doing things on your own terms. His example was discovering the simple joy of staying home to spend time with his newborn son.
4 – Seek Out Real Life Connections
Overcome loneliness by seeking out others. Sometimes, you need face-to-face time with real human beings. These times can be with family and friends or through other interactions. Who knows what new adventures will come your way through reconnecting with people?
5 – What Is Really Important?
Take some time to think about what is really important to you. Which events and activities are really worth missing? Remember, more isn’t necessarily better. You don’t need to worry about missing every single social engagement.
6 – Discern Your FOMO Triggers
Figure out your FOMO triggers, and learn to limit your exposure to them. For example, some people are triggered by scrolling social media, and others by watching travel/food shows.
7 – Accept That You Can’t Do It All
You likely won’t be able to reach every party, destination, or social event you’d like to – and that is fine! We all need to stop worrying about the times we miss out on and focus on things we can actually control. Miss a party? Oh well, there will always be another one.
8 – Is Your FOMO Self-Inflicted?
Could you be the cause of your FOMO? Do you always turn down invites from your friends and loved ones? Do you refuse to be spontaneous? If so, that is where your feelings of FOMO may come from. Try saying yes to more invitations, and you will be too busy experiencing life to miss out on anything.
9 – You Might Not Be Missing Out…
As hard as this is to think of at the moment, you might not be missing out on anything at all. Many of the events you see in your social feeds are being shared in their best light. Remember, the lives you see online might not really exist.
FAST-ACTION STEPS
1 – Spend a couple of days away from social media. If you can’t give it up completely, at least avoid the most triggering platforms.
2 – Think about the “Joy of Missing Out.” What do you gain from missing out on certain social situations? Maybe you get more me time? Do you save money? Can you spend more time with loved ones?
3 – Be the change you want to see. Stop glamourizing every social event you attend on social media. Be more authentic – share the bad with the good.
- About the Author
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James Donaldson
Former Owner and Director of The Donaldson Clinic (an outpatient physical therapy clinic)
James completed a 20 year professional basketball career in the spring of 2000. James established The Donaldson Clinic in (January 1990 – 2018) (shortly after a career threatening knee injury) with an idea that he would eventually become a physical therapist. He is a strong advocate for Women & Minority owned businesses and is very involved with various Chambers of Commerce. He understands what it takes to sustain a strong business environment that is conducive to the success of businesses overall.
James is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the N.B.A. with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Utah Jazz. He also played for several in Spain, Italy and Greece of the European Leagues plus toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an N.B.A. All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac – 10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame.
He now devotes the majority of his time to various community activities, and toward the Gift of Life Foundation, speaking on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, youth groups and is the author of the published “Standing Above the Crowd” of which you can learn more about at www.standingabovethecrowd.com and is available for sale now.
In 2021, James published Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From the Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy. www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
James is a 40+ year resident of Seattle. He believes in being a role model of success and professionalism for the scores of young people that he devotes so much of his time to. He currently serves on several Boards and/or committees and is a member of many organizations. (Please see complete listing on back)
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win – Win” environment for everyone involved, and being the best he can be!
