FOMO, or "fear of missing out," is a real phenomenon that is becoming increasingly common and can cause significant stress in your life
The feeling or perception that others are having more fun, living better lives, or experiencing better things than you are.
It involves a deep sense of envy and affects self- esteem.
It is often exacerbated by social media sites like Instagram and Facebook.
This is rooted in our lack of knowing who we are. So we constantly go back to media to define us and feed us with who we think we should be based on highlights of other people's lives. This leads to a false sense of identity, and consequently, a live outside of purpose.
How do you overcome FOMO?
1. IDENTIFY and ADMIT IT
Identifying the presence of a problem is critical to solving it. You can't keep a facade for too long. Admit you have FOMO. Admit the the type of FOMO. And you are on your way to getting out of it.
2. CLARITY OF IDENTITY
Truth is FOMO creeps in when you are not grounded in your identity in God- who He has called you.
Your identity is largely determined by what you think the people whose opinions matter to you think about you. Since this is true, it is highly recommended that you make Christ the most important person (whose only opinion matter to you) in your life.
Your identity is in God's Revelation about you to you, and not people's Speculations about you.
3. CONFIDENCE IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD .
Know that God is always with you, and if He is there with you, be confident you won't miss out on what He has for you.
But, if God is with you, ARE YOU WITH HIM?
We are able to experience God and feel His presence more when we love Him with our whole heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22: 37). We show that we love God by living as He wants us to live- a life that pleases Him.
As much as God's presence is always there, reaching out to us, a life of sin forms a barricade that prevents us from experiencing His presence as we should.
God is with you. Check that you are with Him. Lean your hearts towards Him to hear, know and follow His tailored plans for your life.
4. ENGAGE PURPOSE ACTIVELY
Fear of not being successful comes highly from not engaging purpose.
You would greatly reduce your FOMO by finding what it is you should be doing from God.
Form follows function. The ONE who formed you, formed you in consonance with a specific function- Purpose.
Imagine a world where everyone is busy with their purposes, no one would be caught up in envy, anxiety, low self esteem or FOMO.... because there is really nothing to miss out on, you are already neck deep into what you should be doing.
5. DIE TO THE FEAR OF MEN
If you will engage Purpose properly and please God, you have to fear only God and not man.
Over and over God has commanded us to 'Fear not' but work in courage (Isaiah 41:10, Joshua 1:9).
Isn't it awesome that God has made provisions of 365 'fear-nots' for us in His word - that does not lie? Pick one for each day, knowing God will back His word up, and keep it moving.
6. DIE TO THE CRITICISM & PRAISE OF MEN
This is not to dismiss the place of enjoying or 'enduring' feedbacks from people. Not at all. It is to say don't let it get to your head that it lures you into self aggrandizement and unhealthy comparison which could trigger FOMO.
7. UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENT SEASONS OF LIFE
If you are in a season where you feel you've being dealt the wrong cards in life, you might be tempted to think you have missed something important in life, or even anticipate missing it because of the phase you are in. I want you to;
• Understand that everything that has a beginning definitely has an end.
• Know that all seasons are in God. He is the Alpha Omega. He is there with you from the very first to the last day of that phase and in between. The 'inbetween' is what we dread so much, but we can really make the best of it if we allow God to teach us how to.
• Know that the present season is preparing you for the next.
8. GROW NO MATTER WHAT SEASON
This is a continuation of the last point. Grow. No matter what's happening and where you are.
Seasons especially if they are new to you, are teachable moments. And if you look around with your sharp student spirit eye, there are teaching materials God has provided suited for that season of your life to learn from and grow as a result.
Quit searching people's timeline, put your student cap on, its time to learn, study and GROW! This growth is what you shouldn't miss out on!
9. STAY AWAY FROM GOSSIPS OR TELL TALE FRIENDS
Makes complete sense to stay away from things or people that tries to draw you back into a ditch you are working to get out of. Stay away from things or those that trigger your FOMO.
10. LET THE HOLY SPIRIT EXAMINE YOUR HEART.
FOMO is largely triggered by envy, low self esteem, skewed sense of identity. And these you can't really deal with by yourself. Let the Holy Spirit examine your heart. There is no need hiding from Him. Let Him do the washing, cleansing. Let Him fill your heart again with the Father's heart.
A bonus point; IF YOU FEEL YOU NEED TO, PLEASE TAKE A BREAK OFF SOCIAL MEDIA.
That's the wisdom for today, till I come your way next time, stay blessed!
Love
Pelumi
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