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Fear of Missing Out – Nerdful Mind #61

March 14, 2021 by Simon Mannes

You know that fear of missing out.

You may have it when your friends are doing an activity where you don't take part. Others have FOMO about social media like Twitter or Reddit.

“Just a quick check. Maybe I'm missing something!”

Our time is limited. Not only in projects, but in real life. You use your time and energy better when you enjoy the moment you're in, not when you think about what could be.

Be honest with yourself. Would it make you truly happier if you satisfied your FOMO and checked social media? Does that anxiety of missing out make you any happier? If not, why bother?

Make the deliberate decision to stay present.

Then enjoy whatever you're doing.

“For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Reading Recommendations

What would you stop doing?

“I was recently listening to a Tim Ferris podcast interview with author Jim Collins that was filled with nuggets of wisdom. Toward the end of the nearly three-hour conversation, Jim recalled a college class in which his professor, Rochelle Meyers, asked students...”

People who think their opinions are superior to others are most prone to overestimating their relevant knowledge and ignoring chances to learn more

“The final picture is of human rationality that is flawed, but correctable, not doomed.”

Being a Dev Dad

“My experience becoming a parent, doing everything wrong, and finally striking a good work/life balance. […] Measure your value at work by impact, not time. If you can move a mountain in two hours, don't expect to move four in eight.

Weekly Mindfulness Practice

Sit down for 5 minutes and listen to your surroundings. What can you hear?

Cars in the distance? The fridge humming along? Your own breath?

Find a few minutes of peace and sink into the surrounding sounds.

End Note

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Have a great week

Simon

PS: If you found an article you think others might like, and that fits this newsletter, I’d love it if you write me an email. Just reply!