Do you know what JOMO is? It’s an acronym that stands for Joy Of Missing Out, and it’s the opposite of FOMO, or Fear Of Missing Out. JOMO represents the pleasure of choosing not to participate in certain activities or events.
Today, we live in a culture where no one wants to be left out. Everyone wants to do everything, be everywhere, and have everything. If your colleague has a better car, you aspire to get the same one. When a friend vacations in Monaco, it might trigger FOMO, making you feel discontent for not enjoying the same experience. This is a common trait in our social media-dominated world, where people feel the need to be seen everywhere.
People often try to attend every event, participate in all social activities, join every WhatsApp group, and take important positions in all committees. Why? Because they don’t want to be left behind or miss out on anything—this is due to FOMO. The result is burnout, exhaustion, and a constant feeling of weariness.
To counter this, the concept of JOMO, or Joy Of Missing Out, has become prevalent. It is not a new concept though. It encourages you to enjoy staying home instead of attending that evening party. JOMO suggests you exit from WhatsApp groups that are of no use to you but demand your attention. Not attending a committee meeting or a social activity shouldn’t create a feeling of insecurity; instead, it allows you to enjoy having time for yourself. JOMO gives you the freedom to choose activities that genuinely interest you and reject the rest. It encourages you to be selective in a way that best suits your needs and preferences.
Develop a sense of JOMO that aligns with your personality and life goals. If you don’t want to be a social leader, find joy in missing out on activities organized by your community that don’t add value to your life. This is the best way to take care of yourself in these demanding modern times, where countless avenues vie for your attention. Why suffer from FOMO and feel discontented when you can embrace JOMO and feel relaxed?
Use the time you save by missing out on unnecessary activities for self-care. Read a book. Listen to music. Talk to a friend or family member. Take a walk alone. Play with your pet or children. These activities will likely bring you more joy than participating in things you don’t enjoy or find useful. So, choose JOMO over FOMO.