When FOMO Keeps You From Enjoying the Moment

If you know me, you know how much I love the work that I do. I love it so much that sometimes I work too much, and sometimes I get FOMO (fear of missing out) when someone else is doing work I also love but I’m not. I find myself wishing I was doing what they’re doing instead of fully enjoying what I’m doing in the moment.

A few weeks ago, I was teaching a coach training class — one of my absolute favorite things to do. Meanwhile, my family was out doing something really fun, something I also would have loved to join. Instead of fully embracing the joy of teaching, I caught myself feeling FOMO. And here’s the kicker: those FOMO moments keep me from truly loving and enjoying the moment I am in. It’s almost as if I’m making sure I’m never fully content.

Here’s the truth: I love doing lots of things, and if I could, I’d do many of them all at once (like reading a book on the beach). But since that’s not always possible — and since I don’t want to drag my family into my work with me — it’s time for me to release some of that FOMO.

Here’s my plan (and maybe you’ll join me):

• When I’m working, I’m going to fully be at work. I love my work, and I’ll love it even more if I’m fully present instead of wishing I was somewhere else.

• When I’m with my family or friends, I’m going to fully be there too. No sneaky work thoughts, no looking over my shoulder at what I might be missing.

Good riddance to FOMO, and hello to being fully present and enjoying what I’m doing — right where I am. I’m not really missing anything if I’m here, engaged in this moment (and hopefully that sentence makes sense to you!).

Who’s with me in saying goodbye to FOMO?

 Love,