I attended WordCamp Asia 2024 in Taipei, Taiwan, and gave a lightning session on From FOMO to JOMO: the Joy of Missing Out. This is a subject that is near and dear to my heart: if you ever want to talk about work/life balance, figuring out what’s important to you, etc., please do reach out!

In this session, I delve into the journey from FOMO (fear of missing out) to JOMO (joy of missing out). Exploring my own experiences with productivity and time management, I have come to realize that doing more doesn’t always lead to more fulfilling outcomes. We cover the pressures of FOMO, including the constant need to be involved and the inefficiency trap of tasks like clearing inboxes. We then move on to strategies for overcoming these hurdles, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing what truly matters.

For me, JOMO embodies finding joy in the present moment and aligning actions with personal values. I recommend setting big hairy audacious goals (BHAGs), embracing failure, and indulging in activities that bring genuine joy, regardless of their perceived productivity.

Ultimately, I urge you to consider the cosmic insignificance of our actions and focus on what truly resonates.

Primary inspiration and sources:

• 4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, Oliver Burkeman
• The Liberation of Cosmic Insignificance Therapy, the Tim Ferris show
• The Joy of Saying No, Natalie Lue 
• The Joy of Missing Out, Tanya Dalton
• Do Nothing, Celeste Headlee
• Reminder: Whenever you say “yes” to something, you’re saying “no” to something else, Ryan Holiday

Photo by Angela Lo on Unsplash