Why You Should Embrace JOMO, or the Joy of Missing Out

We've all heard of FOMO, or the fear of missing out. It's a unique kind of anxiety about losing out on the moments and experiences that matter most and thinking about all of the fun and opportunities other people are having.

FOMO can make it hard to live in the moment. We might spend time glued to our phones, imagining what we're missing or taking on opportunities that don't serve us or align with what we want for ourselves. That's why we've fully embraced the idea of the opposite, JOMO, or the joy of missing out. Intentionally choosing not to unnecessarily engage in the things that don't make you happy or enhance your life can be powerful. Here's why we think you could benefit from JOMO, too.

It Allows You to Unplug

For some people, FOMO means rarely unplugging from the digital world. They're fearful of missing out on the latest news or updates from friends on social media, or not seeing a text or DM telling them where to be and what to do. With this kind of thinking, it can start to feel like your phone is controlling you, and not the other way around. Not only is keeping up with everything on every platform exhausting, but it can also result in going along with things you don't actually want to do, just because everyone else is, too.

Simply not caring about these things can take a big weight off your shoulders. It helps you build a healthier relationship with technology, where you can use it on your own terms, and focus your attention on the events that actually seem fun or align with your interests and goals. You can respond to that message in your own time, and they'll understand. You'll find the opportunities that matter, and spend less time worrying about social expectations and what other people find important. When you don't have anything to prove to people, it's also easier understand your own priorities and focus on making them a reality.

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It's Easier to Be More Mindful and Present

Another symptom of FOMO is living your life in a way that's curated for social media. You might choose an activity specifically for the photo or video op, or be distracted during a special moment in life because you're focusing on how you're going to present and package the occasion later to other people. Rather than being mindful and present, you're always thinking about how you can prove to others that you aren't missing out on life.

When you stop trying to impress everyone else, you can really start to impress yourself by ensuring that everything you do is about living for the moment. You get more out of everything when you're present to soak in the full sense experience, honing in on what you can feel, see, hear, smell and taste. When you're actually fully taking in your vacation, instead of thinking about how you'll serve it up on social media later, you'll get way more out of it.

 

Also read about: You'll Only Understand These Struggles If You Frequently Experience FOMO

 

You Don't Need to Be Invited to Everything

Not everyone's big on parties and large gatherings, but when you're afraid of missing out, you may still go. It might be several hours of awkwardness and boredom that you endure just in case something momentous happens that you'd want to be there for.

With JOMO, not only are you happy to turn down invites to events that aren't up your alley, but you don't mind not being invited in the first place. Being choosy about the way you spend your time is an act of self-care. You don't have to be afraid of not being where the action is or obligated to be somewhere for no good reason.

This can also be an important way for you to learn how to make your own fun. Sometimes, other people's events just won't align with what you're about. It's the perfect excuse to throw a little party of your own, inviting just the right people to do the things you all love to do best. Soon, you'll have people begging you for an invite.

 

You Can Live Life at Your Own Pace

Since things are fast-paced enough when you're dealing with school or work, when it comes to personal time, you should be allowed to go at your own pace. It's easy to get caught up with friends and family when they're all moving along with the rapid hustle and bustle of their lives. Instead, by being less concerned with missing out and not keeping up, you're allowed to slow down and do your own thing.

This doesn't just pertain to going to most events or keeping up with every social development, but also simpler things like media. Who wants to feel rushed about getting out to the theater to see that popular new movie or to binge a whole season of a new show just so you can take part in the conversation? JOMO frees you up to instead watch only what you want, and when you want. Chances are that even if you do hear spoilers, you'll forget about them by the time you do decide to watch.

 

You're Less Prone to Burnout

Career and academic obligations put enough on our plates as it is. When packing your calendar with events starts to feel like work, too, it's easy to get drained and burnt out. Instead of agreeing to everything, prioritize the things you absolutely have to do in addition to the things you truly want to do. These are the events that will be lots of fun or bring you closer to your most important goals. If it doesn't fit into either of those categories, you're usually better off resting, relaxing and going at your own pace. You're likely to find way more happiness and health in the process.

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Also read about: Three Easy Steps for Overcoming FOMO

 

You Realize How Much Autonomy You Have

When you finally get off of autopilot and stop doing things just because everyone else is,  you might realize just how much autonomy and independence you actually have. This allows you to make your own thoughtful choices in life, rather than letting someone else make all of these choices for you. You can use your free time to literally do anything your heart desires when you're not being dragged everywhere. Make some intentional choices about how to act in accordance to your personal wants and needs, and see where that takes you.

 

When You Do Show Up, It's Special

It's important to remember that the joy of missing out doesn't actually entail missing out on everything just for fun. It's about being picky with how you spend your time so you're doing the things you actually want to do. When you do show up, it'll be to surround yourself with the people you enjoy most at an event that interests you. You'll be there for a reason, and that enjoyment will be infectious, putting your best foot forward. It'll also feel totally worth it, so the next time a cool opportunity comes around, you'll be motivated to hop on that one, too.

(via Unsplash)

 

Now that you know about JOMO, click HERE to discover the other "fears of…" you should know about.