Be immune to FOMO, Dream bravely!
Stories of Role Models
If you live daily in fear of missing out (FOMO), I might have some insights for you.
Fear of New
My father worked for Coal India. It was a transferable job. It had its own charm.
Every few years, I made a fresh set of friends (no choice!). Gradually, I learned to juice out a nomad life pretty early. Even today, I thrive on the new.
Fear of Loss
When I moved out of my home for High School, I got a new cycle. It was my jaan.
There were a lot of cycle thefts happening those days. I feared if my bike would be safe with merely a lock.
Staying helpless was out of the question. I took to removing the saddle and taking it along with me, when I parked. If you can’t ride it away, you can’t steal it!
Bike Safe. Me Happy!!
Fear of being Stuck
In the 4th standard, I learnt to fix myself too, as and when needed.
I failed in maths. My teacher bailed me out with grace marks - seeing my performance in other subjects.
I resolved to myself, ‘Never Again!’
Staying Inspired
During summer breaks we would make our annual pilgrimage to Calcutta. I loved the time with my grandfather. He had always walked the talk and lived a full life.
His stories were eye-openers. He had survived the famine, the partition, and the emergency. At the age of 70, he walked 7 kilometres every day & kept himself hale and hearty.
He instilled in me a desire to read and to emulate worthy role models. I have tried to do so over the years.
Netaji and Kalam for rewriting the social DNA.
Ratan Tata and Boyan Slat as captains of industry, bringing about responsible change.
Machiavelli and Christopher Nolan as thinkers who pushed their limits
They say, when you want to drive faster - and go further - on the highway, you should look further down the road, as you drive. These role models showed what was possible. If I had to compare, I would compare myself to these.
With an inoculation dose like that, how can you get FOMO?
It also helps if you thrive in the new and are resourceful. No FOMO for you.
Staying Persistent & Focused
The biggest difference to me, came from realising that I can fix in myself, whatever needs to be fixed. It just needs time and effort.
Once I knew that; I was able to excel, not only in studies, but whatever I took fancy to (see Growth Mindset). I became resourceful.
That took me to IIT.
Once there, I got a platform to groom my social skills, which were sub-par. So, I consciously involved in extracurricular activities. It was very hard but I pushed. Problem solved!
Then I went to IIM. By now, I had learnt to follow my own internal compass for my decisions. I groomed myself further to make this process more efficient.
During placements, I opted out of campus rounds & found myself an internship at Volvo. I knew where I wanted to go. That always helps.
Over the next 8 years, I took myself to FinTech, Banking & Insurance and did well. Got awards lagataar. Never worried about the fear of missing out. Not then. Not today.
Having Fun & Being Healthy
In all these years, what I cherish the most are not my successes.
It is the relationships - personal and professional.
I have learned from them, coached them, partied with them, fought with them and held them during difficult times. I love them.
My marriage wasn’t too easy either. However, I had found a fighter just like me. We stayed strong, persistent. It took 4 years.
We didn’t learn to give up and also, have fun in the process.
I am so lucky to have her that I can’t imagine.
FOMO Killer Instinct!
I aspire to live my life to the full and pack in as much as I can, by the time I am done.
My insights, in case you are worried about FOMO today -
Find yourself worthy role-models. Emulate them.
Explore to define your goals. Prioritize them & strive for them.
Find it in yourself, to change for the better, whenever needed
Remain curious, resourceful and persistent.
& most importantly,
HAVE FUN & TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF
Rock your FOMOs like a Hurricane!