Designing a Life You Love Reflections: Battling FOMO

As we continue our journey towards designing a life we love, it's important to address the issue of FOMO (fear of missing out). FOMO is a common phenomenon in today's society and can have a profound impact on our lives. As someone who hates missing out and often gets sad when I do, I have had my fair share of battles with FOMO. In this blog post, I will share my personal experience with it and discuss strategies individuals can implement to combat it.Before we delve into chapter 6 of Dr. Rosenberg's book, I wanted to touch on this topic. FOMO can be defined as a pervasive apprehension that others might be having rewarding experiences from which one is absent. It's the feeling of being left out, of not being part of the action. It makes us worry we may not “belong”. It's also the fear that if we don't do something, we might miss out on an opportunity that we'll regret later.My personal experience with FOMO has been challenging. FOMO is not a new human experience, but for my generation, social media has amplified the frequency we face the uncomfortable feeling of not being part of something. I have always been someone who likes to be in the know and be part of everything that's going on. I would often find myself scrolling through social media, looking at what others were doing, and feeling like I was missing out on something. It was exhausting and draining, and it often left me feeling sad and anxious.However, over the years, I have learned strategies to combat FOMO. Here are some of the things that have worked for me:

1. Set boundaries

One of the most effective ways to combat FOMO is to set boundaries. This means being intentional about how you spend your time and energy. It means saying no to things that don't align with your values and priorities. It means being okay with missing out on certain things because you know that they're not serving you.

2. Focus on the present

FOMO is often fueled by our tendency to focus on the future. We worry about what we might miss out on, and we forget to appreciate what we have right now. By focusing on the present moment, we can cultivate gratitude and contentment. We can learn to appreciate what we have and let go of the fear of missing out.

3. Practice self-care

Taking care of ourselves is essential when it comes to combating FOMO. When we're not feeling our best, we're more likely to feel anxious and stressed. By prioritizing self-care, we can boost our mood and feel more confident in our decisions. This might mean taking a break from social media, getting enough sleep, or spending time doing an activity that distracts us (sports, drawing, reading, etc.)

4. Cultivate a growth mindset

FOMO often comes from a fixed mindset, the belief that there's a limited amount of success or happiness to go around. By cultivating a growth mindset, we can shift our focus to abundance and possibility. We can celebrate the success of others and see it as an inspiration for our own growth and development.Overall, FOMO is a common phenomenon that can have a profound impact on our lives. However, by setting boundaries, focusing on the present, practicing self-care, and cultivating a growth mindset, we can combat FOMO and design a life we love. Let's embrace the opportunities that come our way and appreciate the journey, rather than constantly worrying about what we might be missing out on.See you folks next week as we delve back into Chapter 6, from Rosenberg’s 90 Seconds to a Life You Love.Madison is a Psychology Assistant; Digital Marketing Assistant at Eckert Centre. She is a university student majoring in psychology at the University of British Columbia. She is our blogger in residence, and we are grateful she is sharing her writing skills along with her mental health journey. May her young wisdom help all of us grow our “Wise Self.” For more information or to book an appointment, visit www.eckertcentre.com or email our team at info@eckert- psychology.com

Works Cited

Rosenberg, Joan I. 90 Seconds to a Life You Love: How to Master Your Difficult Feelings to Cultivate Lasting... Confidence, Resilience, and Authenticity. Little Brown Spark, 2020. Apple Books, https://books.apple.com/us/book/90-seconds-to-a-life-you-love/id1466751090.