The Joy of Missing Out Isn’t Weak—It’s Strategic

Let's get straight to the point: most people are afraid to stop moving. If we pause, we'll fall behind. If we unplug, we'll be forgotten, and if we say no, we'll be replaced.

That's the fear FOMO?Fear of Missing Out?feeds on. It's the reason we overload our calendars, overextend our energy, and overvalue other people's opinions. We scroll and scroll, not because we enjoy it, but because we're afraid we'll miss something important.

But what if the real danger is in always saying yes??????

What if the strongest move isn't adding more but cutting the noise?

Years ago, I stood outside a military recruitment office after another aimless day at work. I didn't know what my future looked like?I just knew the one I was living wasn't working. I wanted something different, something that demanded more from me.

So I asked myself, "What's the hardest thing I could do right now?"

And I walked into the Marine Corps office.

That wasn't just a career move. It was a declaration. I wasn't going to keep floating through life, waiting for something to change. I was going to change it myself.

That decision cost me comfort, familiarity, and the version of life I had always known. I also missed out on a lot of things people my age were doing at the time.

But I gained purpose, direction, and a belief in myself that I hadn't felt before.

That's JOMO?the Joy of Missing Out.

It's not some cute lifehack or excuse to flake out. It's a conscious, sometimes uncomfortable decision to step back from what doesn't serve you so you can build something that does.

So, no, I don't chase every opportunity anymore. I don't measure my worth by how full my schedule is. I don't feel guilty for unplugging.

????????

I've learned this: when you choose yourself on purpose, you're not missing out?you're moving forward.

And that's a trade I'll make every single time.

Action Steps (Straight Talk Edition)

Pick One Thing to Say No To This Week - It doesn't matter if it's a happy hour, a Zoom call, or some task you hate. Say no. Watch how much lighter you feel.
Schedule a No-Phone Hour Every Day - Put it on the calendar like a meeting. No screens, no scrolling. Just be present?for yourself or someone you care about.
Write Your Own 'Hardest Thing I Could Do' List - Make a list of things that scare you but could change everything if you followed through. Pick one. Start small, but start.
Make a Not-To-Do List. Be honest about the things that drain you. Then, commit to cutting them out. Don't apologize for them.
Ask This Every Morning: "What Do I Want to Miss Out On Today?"- Let the answer guide your choices. That's how you create space for what matters.