Do You Have the FEAR of MISSING OUT Syndrome?

 

I don’t like missing out on things. If I hear of something, I want to be a part of it. I like to be involved and have experiences.

But I have found this thinking can and has led me into trouble when I also desire to eat healthy at home but especially while traveling on business. I’ve found I simply cannot always have both. Insert “ARGH” here.

I’ve defined this as FOMO = Fear of Missing Out

It’s not to the extreme of a fear of snakes, heights, or even dying but becomes very real to me when I feel like I’m going to miss out on something.

Let me give you an all too often example. I take a partner or customer out to dinner and the “price is no option” becomes front and center. So, that means appetizers, the best steak, the darkest chocolate dessert, and wine. And oh do I like and know wine.

Let the games begin.

But herein lies the problem. Do I HAVE to eat or drink everything in front of me? In the moment it sure feels that way and hence FOMO.

 

This is because I’ve believed the following four assumptions:

 

1. It Won’t Be Around Later

I fall for this all of the time. If I don’t “jump right in”, the appetizer everyone wants will be gone. Or I need to get one of the first bites of dessert.

And worse for me, what if I don’t stay close to the wine?! You know, there’s always the person who gets the good wine poured into THEIR glass to be polite and doesn’t even like wine! Oh the problems I need to solve in advance.

I simply assume that it won’t be around later if I wait or it’s a one time offer.

 

2. I Cannot Handle the Pressure of the Temptation

This may be self-imposed. I can believe the press ahead of time before I even show up so why even try. I’m going to give in anyway.

Or it’s the company of others who are the friends you should’ve avoided in school who said, “come on, one time won’t hurt you.”

But if I plan on going in to cave, that’s exactly what I’m going to do. The problem is they really don’t care THAT much and if I’m prepared for a couple seconds of “pressure” (if you can even call it that), you’re almost always home free.

But it makes for a great excuse ahead of time and increases FOMO.

 

3. I Feel Like I Need It

Before the meal, I feel like I could take it or leave it. But in the moment, oh how the mind can convince me that I absolutely need it. And just one bite or sip. Then just “one more”.

The problem is “just one more” becomes the gift that keeps on giving for me.

I don’t NEED it. I WANT it. Big difference. And this “seemingly overwhelmingly” want can fade so quickly.

Once I come to terms with the difference and get to the point of take it or leave it, you would be surprised what you actually need. I’d like it but don’t but don’t have to eat or drink it.

 

4. I Will Regret It Later If I Don’t Do It Now

This is my Achilles Heel in FOMO. I feel like I’m going to regret not having that killer appetizer or once in a lifetime glass or bottle of wine.

In the moment, I make a bigger deal of it that it really is and as a result, I regret it before dinner is even complete. I MUST partake because there is no other option.

This is because I’ve not considered the regret is self-imposed and has been created by me and only me.

I may miss “wondering” what it was like, but very few things with food or drink do I ACTUALLY regret.

 

How to Minimize FOMO:

Willing to Sacrifice Now for a Better Later

This is the line I need to memorize and have front and center. I need to ultimately be willing to sacrifice now, whatever I feel like I am going to miss or regret, for a better later.

And this for me is staying in great shape which is the ultimate challenge on the road. So, as a result, I need to be willing to sacrifice the short term for the long term.

And when I do, it’s worth it because I’ve demonstrated self-control and thinking of my preferred future more than my immediate gratification.

It’s always worth it in the end. I just need to get to the end. I can and you can too!

 

Closing Challenge…

If we have a strong desire to improve how we look and feel, we need to address the issue of FOMO. I hear one of these excuses all of the time when traveling. And what are they? FOMO. And avoidable.

So, did you see yourself in one of these assumptions? You can minimize and conquer FOMO when you decide and commit to sacrificing now for a better later.

I challenge you to look at what you fear you will miss out and commit to “Making the Healthiest Choice” when you travel.

 

Closing Question…

How does the Fear of Missing Out affect you personally?