#32 - FOMO: The Invisible Enemy of Your Professional Success š
Fear of Missing Out, commonly known as FOMO, is a feeling of anxiety that happens when you believe that you are missing out on something important or exciting.
Welcome to the 32nd issue of 5 Minute Friday from The Backpack CPA! Every Friday I share a short newsletter with tips & resources to help you with your professional & personal growth & development!
Let's start "GROWING" through our human journey instead of just "GOING" through it!
First a few words from a wise personā¦
āThe fear of missing out on things makes you miss out on everything.ā ~ Etty Hillesum
Fear of Missing Out, commonly known as FOMO, is a feeling of anxiety that happens when you believe that you are missing out on something important or exciting. While it is typically discussed in the context of social situations and personal relationships, FOMO can also have a detrimental effect on your professional success if left unchecked. Let's see how FOMO can sabotage your professional success and what strategies you can use to combat this invisible enemy.
Signs FOMO Is Affecting Your Professional Life
One of the most common signs of FOMO in the workplace is difficulty focusing on the task at hand. If you find yourself constantly checking email and social media for updates, or getting distracted by other peopleās successes, then chances are you are experiencing some level of fear of missing out. In addition to distraction, those who suffer from FOMO may also experience an unhealthy sense of competitionāfor example, comparing your own performance with that of your peersāwhich can lead to feelings of inadequacy and resentment.
How FOMO Undermines Professional Success
FOMO can be detrimental to both your productivity and your overall career development. If left unchecked, it can cause stress and burnout due to the constant pressure to keep up with othersā successes or stay on top of industry trends. Additionally, those who suffer from FOMO may become so focused on what they donāt have that they fail to recognize and appreciate all the amazing opportunities they do have access to. This can lead to dissatisfaction with oneās current job or situation, as well as feelings of envy towards those who seem better off than them.
Strategies to Overcome FOMO in the Workplace
The key to overcoming FOMO in the workplace is learning how to focus on what you do have rather than what you don't have. Make a conscious effort to shift your focus away from external sources by setting achievable goals for yourself and celebrating small wins along the way. Additionally, make sure that you're taking time away from work for yourselfāwhether it's going for a walk outside or reading a bookāto give yourself space from any potential stressors or triggers related to your job.
You can also embrace the power of "JOMO" (Joy of Missing Out)! JOMO involves shifting your mindset from a fear of missing out on experiences to appreciating the benefits of not participating in every opportunity that comes your way. JOMO allows you to focus on the present moment, find contentment in your current situation, and prioritize your well-being and personal growth. By cultivating JOMO, you can reduce stress, improve work-life balance, and strengthen your ability to make intentional decisions about how you spend your time and energy. Ultimately, embracing JOMO can lead to a more fulfilling professional and personal life, where you are in control of your own priorities and experiences, free from the anxiety and distractions of constantly chasing after the next big thing.
Remember not to compare yourself to others; everyone has unique experiences and paths that will take them down different roads in life - no two journeys are exactly alike!
So you see FOMO is an invisible enemy that presents itself in many different forms; however, it does not need to derail your professional success if managed correctly. By becoming aware of how it manifests itself in our lives and implementing strategies such as goal-setting, self-care practices, and avoiding comparison traps we can learn how best to manage our anxieties around āmissing outā both personally and professionally. Remember - there is always something new around every corner - but just make sure not let it consume all your energy! Is FOMO sabotaging your professional success? Only you can decide!
šš” Learning/Tools
I couldnāt find any one particular app or tool that can help us reduce distractions from our phones & social media during our workdays, so I compiled a list of tools & strategies to give you some ideasš”.
App blockers: Applications like Freedom & Cold Turkey allow you to block or limit access to specific websites or apps during designated work hours, helping you maintain focus and productivity.
Focus apps: Tools like Forest provide customizable focus sessions to encourage you to concentrate on work while discouraging phone usage.
Smartphone settings: Most smartphones have built-in features to help manage distractions, such as Do Not Disturb mode or app-specific notification settings, which can limit interruptions from social media or other apps during your workday.
Time-tracking apps: Applications like Toggl and RescueTime can help you gain insight into how you spend your time on different tasks, including time spent on social media, enabling you to make more informed decisions about how to manage your workday.
Physical separation: Keeping your phone in a different room or using a separate device for work-related tasks can help reduce the temptation to check social media during your workday.
Scheduled breaks: Setting specific times for checking social media or taking short breaks can help you manage your usage more effectively, allowing you to maintain focus on work tasks during designated periods.
Mindfulness techniques: Practicing mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help you build greater self-awareness and self-control, making it easier to resist distractions throughout the day.
Experimenting with a combination of these tools and strategies can help you create a more focused and productive work environment, minimizing the impact of social media and phone distractions on your workday.
If you want to chat about anything feel free to send me a message or even book a time to chat https://calendly.com/vbcpa/thebackpackcpa
Stay inspired & keep growing š,
Vimal (or Vic)
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