JOMO: The joy of missing out
An antidote to FOMO, a shift towards less is more
I was sitting on my bed after a cognitive neuropsychology class, with many dishes uncleaned. Suddenly, I decided to go on YouTube, and based on what I was watching, it showed me this video.
Okay, I say. I know, I’ve studied the issue. Minimalism, less, decluttering and all the basics that help to a better quality of life. When again, all of a sudden, I heard about JOMO, the antidote to FOMO, two acronyms we psychologists love (joy of missing out being the first and fear of missing out being the second).
Of course, to be honest, I have only come across the second acronym in the literature. People constantly want to be connected. To learn the news. To receive notifications. To feel that coveted inclusion. And so, when something goes wrong, you have FOMO.
In my life, I have experienced many times FOMO. When I didn’t have social media for example, or when I lost my cell phone. JOMO though? Also, when I was with friends, acquaintances, in classes and lectures, or just doing something I like.
Less is more says the article, emphasizing that the less expectations we have, the less we will be disappointed. And it’s right. From a minimalist perspective, you gain valuable ground.
But why would you want less in order to experience JOMO? Good question.
I would say, we feel so much pressure to go from adequate to perfect that we literally break out in material goods and services. We try to show off our wealth, possessions and what we’ve earned, forgetting that a simple daily routine is the key to peace of mind.
This doesn’t mean that we don’t have to work, but keeping a balance between the impulse of FOMO and reality. Because trust me, nothing will happen if you don’t reply to the message in 10 minutes. Or if you don’t read that email in 2 minutes. Or if you’re in such a hurry that you forget to be grateful for what you have.
In the picture of the article, you can casually see a child with bubbles and a mother. Think about how much quality time you spend with your friends, family, pet and loved ones.
Think about your hobbies. Your interests. The things you’d like to do but don’t, not because you’re working but because you’re using it as an excuse because you’re simply scrolling through Facebook or Instagram.
I think the key is balance. But most of all, living our lives in the epicenter.
Because one day, which we never know when it will come, we will need to take feedback from ourselves if we don’t do it every day. And there we will see, that FOMO was nothing important after all, nothing more than a mere insecurity that can be overcome with exposure...
And JOMO? The natural antidote to it...