With an endless stream of comparisons - on social media, in the workplace, within social circles, and even within our own minds - it can be easy to get lost in all of the things we aren’t doing or haven’t done yet.

Thoughts begin to creep in: Other people seem to have it all, why don’t I? How is there never enough time? Why am I the one who seems to be missing out? I’m not living up to my potential, and I’ve already missed my chance.

If any of this sounds familiar, you may be stuck in a spiral of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) – a condition that, when left unchecked, can drain you of time, energy, life-force, and joy.

On top of that, rather than getting you into action towards what you truly want, it can clutter your vision and throw you off track.

But, there is another way…

Check out these 5 simple tips to shift out of FOMO so you can focus on what truly matters to you in life.

1. Get Present

Start your day by connecting to the present moment and allowing yourself to JUST BE. As simple as this sounds, you can easily get sucked into the world of To Do’s (worries about the future) and Missed Opportunities (worries about the past) before you even get out of bed, and doing so means you start each day in a frenzy.

Does your mind begin racing as soon as the alarm goes off? Do you start running through your mental checklist before you’re even out of bed?

Instead, take a few minutes to do some deep breathing with the intention to be present with yourself as you move throughout the day. Think of it a starting your day with a nutritious breakfast for the mind, where the simplicity of a few deep breaths first thing in the morning can set you up for a day of greater enjoyment, peace, and success.

2. Do a Digital Detox

Social media, email, texts - these are surefire ways to suck you into the land of missed opportunity and comparison, and social media especially is designed to keep you hooked on the platform, scrolling continuously for the next best thing to do (or latest thing you missed.)

FOMO alert! Do you check your phone as soon as you wake up?

Try taking a break for one week in the mornings and see what happens. Maybe this means waiting an hour after waking before looking at your phone, only checking social media after 5 p.m., or taking a few days to unplug from it altogether to reset your nervous system and habitual response.

3. Keep a Daily Gratitude Journal

If you’re afraid of missing out, that means there’s a good chance you’re not seeing what’s already good and wonderful in your life right now at this very moment. We so often set goals for ourselves, or think of things we want, and as soon as we experience them, it’s two seconds of enjoyment and then off to figuring out the next best thing to put on our checklist of life.

Are you really missing out, or are you just not noticing what’s already going well?

For one week, write down three new things each day that you’re grateful for. Begin by noticing things that bring you joy, meaningful interactions with others, celebrations or successes you’ve experienced, and new life lessons you’ve learned. By doing so, you’ll start to draw awareness to what matters to you most, and soak in the goodness of what already exists.

4. Make a Contribution

Often what we’re seeking is the desire to make a difference - to be known, seen, valued, connected, and help others in a powerful way.

Getting out of our own heads and into the community to support others is one of the quickest ways to shift out of FOMO and into living a life of true fulfillment.

Perhaps it starts with taking an extra moment to connect with the person ringing you up at your local café, joining that volunteer group you’ve had your eye on, or making an impact by finally sharing your greatest gifts, talents, and passions with the world.

5. Commit to Taking One Action Today

We can get overwhelmed with the possibilities in life, and this article alone provides 5 different ways to overcome FOMO.

Worried you’ll pick the wrong one? Well, guess what? Now you’re back in FOMO-land! Take a moment, take a deep breath, and ask yourself – “What’s the one thing I choose to put into action today?”

Follow your clarity, take action, and give yourself some credit when you successfully complete the action you set in motion.

Wondering when to start? How about now?

You have the power to change the course of your life at any moment, and you’ve got this!

With gratitude,

Lena