P.O.M.O.

Apr. 17, 2020

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Everyone talks about the danger of FOMO, Fear Of Missing Out.

It leads to anxiety and depression-type feelings.

But there’s an easy solution to this problem: POMO.

Proud Of Missing Out.

Being fearful others are having more fun is a glass-half-empty, demoralizing feeling.

Being proud we’re missing out is a glass-half-full, energizing feeling.

What if we decided that our answers were good answers? What if we decided that the secrets aren’t “out there” and decided the secrets are “in here”?

For example, what if we decided to work out at 5 pm instead of going out with colleagues for after-work drinks?

If we did that, we’d be getting stronger, tougher, healthier, and more attractive.

The alternative is getting drunker, more distracted, less healthy, and more worried about the night’s events.

When you lay it out, which one looks better? Which one would we be Proud of?

We would love the choice we made–with no regrets.

Personally, I know very smart people whom I respect that play fantasy football. They spend a lot of time. They get to talk to their friends about it and have the chance to win trophies and cash prizes. They get to watch eight hours of games on the weekend.

I couldn’t be happier that I’ve never spent one second on fantasy football. Every hour they spend on injury reports is an hour I’m ecstatic I did something else.

Another example is Tiger King. I was forced against my will to watch the first two episodes before I laid down the law. The internet loves to spend time discussing and making Joe Exotic memes. One of the proudest moments of my life is not knowing what happened to those people. And the books I read with that extra five hours of life.

I don’t worry what I’m missing.

I’m overjoyed that I missed it.

If we subscribe to this line of thinking, we would be creating an environment with no fear.

We’d be the proud trend-setters rather than the fearful followers.

Filled with anxiety and angst?

The answer is available.

POMO.

My book is called The Inevitability of Becoming Rich, and you can find that here.