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Business Strategy with Hirav Shah MARCH 28, 2025 | The Indian Eye 36

The Modern Dilemma of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out):

What It Is and How to Overcome It

HIRAV SHAH • Embrace the Joy of Missing Out
(JOMO): JOMO is the opposite of
n a world of constant connectiv- FOMO and emphasizes finding joy
ity and social media, the term
I“FOMO”—Fear of Missing in solitude and disconnecting from
the noise of social media. Embrac-
Out—has become more prevalent ing JOMO means finding content-
than ever. It refers to the anxiety that ment in being present and valuing
arises when we feel that others are ex- moments of peace over the rush to
periencing something better or more keep up with everyone else.
fulfilling than we are. This feeling, • Limit Exposure to Triggers: Unfollow
driven by seeing others’ social media or mute accounts that trigger feel-
updates, can create a sense of inade- ings of inadequacy or comparison.
quacy and dissatisfaction. Curate your social media feed with
What is FOMO? content that inspires or uplifts you,
• FOMO is a psychological phenom- rather than makes you feel left out.
enon where people feel they are How to Turn FOMO Into a Positive
missing out on rewarding experi- In a world where social media often dictates how we perceive success, FOMO is an under-
ences that others are having. It can standable response to feeling left out or inadequate (Representative/File photo) Experience
range from social events and travel Though FOMO is often viewed as a neg-
to personal achievements and pro- on social media often misrepresents • Practice Digital Detox: Reducing or ative, it can also serve as a motivator if
fessional milestones. The flood of reality, making viewers feel as if taking breaks from social media can approached the right way:
updates on social media platforms they are not accomplishing enough. minimize the constant barrage of • Channel FOMO Into Ambition: If
often triggers this fear, creating an comparisons. A digital detox allows seeing others’ achievements triggers
idealized version of reality that peo- Why Does FOMO Happen? you to reconnect with the present FOMO, use that feeling as fuel to
ple compare their lives to. FOMO is often linked to social and focus on real-life interactions pursue your own goals. Turn the
The Impact of FOMO comparison theory, where people rather than virtual ones. anxiety into actionable steps toward
personal growth.
FOMO can affect both mental health evaluate their own worth by compar- • Set Clear Goals: By setting personal • Create a Balance: It’s not about
ing themselves to others. This process
and behavior, leading to: is exacerbated by social media, where goals and priorities, you can avoid avoiding all experiences that trigger
• Mental Health Issues: The constant everyone shares the highlights of the distraction of what others are FOMO but finding a healthy bal-
comparison to others’ seemingly their lives while hiding the struggles. doing. Focusing on what’s import- ance. Prioritize what truly adds val-
perfect lives can fuel feelings of in- Some key reasons why FOMO occurs ant to you helps create a sense of ue to your life and take action when
security, anxiety, and even depres- include: fulfillment without needing to com- it aligns with your goals.
sion. When people believe they are • Fear of Social Exclusion: As hu- pare. • Focus on Authenticity: Instead of
missing out, they start feeling that mans, we are wired to seek social • Redefine Success: Understanding chasing after what others are doing,
their own lives are less valuable. that success is personal and looks
• Increased Stress: The need to al- connections. Seeing others partici- different for everyone is key. Just focus on your own authentic path.
pate in activities, events, or achieve-
Cultivate experiences and achieve-
ways “be in the loop” creates stress. ments taps into our primal fear of because someone else is succeeding ments that are meaningful to you,
People who experience FOMO are being excluded from the group. in one area doesn’t mean you aren’t not based on social trends.
often overwhelmed by the pressure • Peer Pressure: People feel the need succeeding in your own way.
to stay relevant or be part of every to conform to societal expectations, • Develop Self-Awareness: By being Conclusion
event or opportunity. more self-aware, you can recognize • In a world where social media often
• Impulse Spending: FOMO can including what they should be do- when FOMO is taking over your dictates how we perceive success,
ing, where they should be traveling,
drive individuals to make impulsive or how successful they should be at emotions. Reflect on your feelings FOMO is an understandable re-
financial decisions, whether that’s certain stages in life. and determine whether they stem sponse to feeling left out or inad-
splurging on travel, luxury items, or • Perfectionism: Many individuals ex- from genuine desire or external equate. However, by shifting our
experiences simply because others perience FOMO because they have pressures. mindset, practicing mindfulness,
are doing so. This can lead to long- high expectations for themselves. • Prioritize Real-Life Experiences: and embracing our own unique
term financial strain. Invest in real-world relationships journeys, we can overcome FOMO
• Decreased Productivity: FOMO can They feel like they need to be per- and activities that bring you joy. and lead more fulfilling, balanced
fect in all areas of life and compare
make it difficult to focus on tasks or their progress with others. Spending time with loved ones or lives. Remember, it’s not about
goals, as the mind becomes preoc- • Desire for Approval: Validation engaging in meaningful hobbies can doing everything—it’s about doing
cupied with what others are doing. through likes, comments, and shares shift your focus away from online what’s right for you.
People might prioritize less import- on social media posts further am- comparisons. Exercise:
ant activities just to avoid missing plifies the need to be seen, driving • Adopt a Growth Mindset: Embrace Write it down 3 most FOMO you
out, negatively affecting person- FOMO in those who feel they aren’t the idea that life is about learning felt in your life and how you overcame it.
al and professional productivity. and personal development, rath-

• Unhealthy Social Comparisons: receiving enough social recognition. er than keeping up with others. A The writer is a well known Business
Constantly comparing oneself to How to Overcome FOMO growth mindset encourages you to Turnaround Specialist, Astro Strategist,
others can result in low self-esteem. While FOMO is a common issue, there focus on improving yourself rather and BestSelling Author.
The curated and filtered content seen are several ways to overcome it: than comparing yourself to others. [email protected]

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