JOMO (Joy of Missing Out): How to Reclaim Your Time
In a world of constant notifications, endless meetings, and societal pressure to say yes to everything, many professionals find themselves overwhelmed and stretched thin. Instead of FOMO (fear of missing out), I introduce my clients to JOMO—the joy of missing out. Rather than fear what you’ll miss by saying no, embrace the joy of prioritizing your peace.
Why Do We Overcommit?
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Social media and networking create pressure to participate in every event or opportunity.
Guilt: Feeling obligated to say yes to avoid disappointing others.
Cultural Expectations: A belief that being busy equals being successful.
While these factors might drive you to overcommit, the result is often stress, burnout, and decreased productivity.
How Do We Get JOMO?
JOMO is about recognizing that your time and energy are finite resources. Saying no to one thing often means saying yes to something more valuable, such as rest and rejuvenation; quality time with loved ones; or focused attention on meaningful work.
Four Practical Ways to Embrace JOMO
Clarify Your Priorities: What truly matters to you? Let your values guide your commitments.
Practice Saying No: Politely decline invitations or tasks that don’t align with your goals.
Schedule Downtime: Block time on your calendar for relaxation and self-care.
Celebrate Your Choice: Remind yourself that missing out isn’t a loss—it’s a gain in time and energy.
Your Nugget of Wisdom
“Saying no isn’t selfish—it’s an act of self-respect.”
