The Joy of Missing Out: How to Embrace JOMO and Reclaim Your Time

Everyone has experienced FOMO at some point in her life. It’s why so many of us say yes to everything—even when it’s way too overwhelming. For women who run their own businesses, FOMO isn’t focused solely around missing a party or event—it’s that nagging feeling that you need to do more, be more, and achieve more ALL THE TIME. Thankfully, there’s another way with a very similar acronym: JOMO. The “Joy of Missing Out” is less about what you skip and more about what you gain.

Life is already demanding enough; you deserve a self-care approach that helps you reclaim your time and prioritize your well-being. Let’s explore how embracing JOMO can help you navigate the coming year with more balance, intention, and joy.

Why We LOVE the JOMO Philosophy

The Joy of Missing Out isn’t about isolating yourself or saying no to everything—it’s about intentionally designing a life you love, which is what we care about most at DesignDash. Think of JOMO as curating a life filled with moments that align with your true priorities.

Instead of chasing the latest bit of mental bling, focus on finding joy in what truly matters, whether it’s family, friends, or your peaceful self. When you embrace JOMO, you’re no longer driven by social pressure or the “restless hungry thing” that is FOMO. You’re giving yourself permission to design a life that feels abundant and fulfilling.

It Gives Us Permission to Pause

Oh, the joy of pausing! Taking a moment to breathe, reflect, or simply rest can feel like an act of rebellion in a constantly moving society. But stillness is not the enemy of success—it’s often its secret ingredient.

By choosing to embrace tech-free time and step away from the background noise of endless notifications, you create space for clarity, inspiration, and real-life connections. The world begins to feel less overwhelming, and your inner calm grows stronger.

Let’s Reflect on the Value of Presence Over Productivity

We live in a culture that glorifies busyness, but at what cost? JOMO invites you to consider whether constantly chasing instant gratification or achievements truly makes you happy.

Social psychology tells us that our self-esteem is often tied to comparison, but finding balance requires resisting the pull of the shiny, fleeting “achievements” we see on social media. When you focus on the present moment instead of the grind, you may discover that a slower, more intentional path can be just as fulfilling.

The Origins of JOMO: A Movement for Mindful Living

The phrase Joy of Missing Out was introduced by entrepreneur and writer Anil Dash in 2012 as a response to the relentless anxiety fueled by FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). His liberating shift in perspective encouraged people to stop chasing every shiny thing and instead find joy in choosing what’s meaningful.

Expanding the Concept

Books like Christina Crook’s The Joy of Missing Out: Finding Balance in a Wired World (published by Thomas Nelson) expanded the conversation. Crook explores how JOMO can transform lives by encouraging us to embrace tech-free time and prioritize our true priorities. This philosophy invites us to trade the restless race of “having it all” for the deeper pleasure of being present.

DesignDash Top Tip

Reflect on your social media use and other triggers of FOMO. Ask yourself, “Am I doing this because I feel obligated or because it genuinely serves my life?” Shift your focus to things that create joy and connection.

The Benefits of JOMO for Super Busy Women

In an era dominated by social media use and digital distractions, embracing JOMO is more relevant than ever. It’s about tuning out the majority of noise to spend time on what really brings value to your life. From reducing anxiety to improving mental health, the philosophy of JOMO offers a sense of freedom in a world constantly demanding more.

Reclaiming Mental Space

Saying no to work drinks or unnecessary social commitments can free your mind to focus on creative thinking and future goals. When you strip away background noise, you make room for ideas that drive a more abundant life forward.

Prioritizing What Truly Matters

JOMO helps you identify and focus on what truly matters—your family, your personal growth, and the moments that create lasting joy. This shift isn’t about missing out; it’s about prioritizing your own life and aligning it with your values.

Strengthening Relationships

When you spend time intentionally, your connections with loved ones deepen. JOMO encourages you to enjoy missing out on meaningless obligations to focus on meaningful time with your family, close friends, and yourself.

Fostering Well-Being

The joy of JOMO lies in reducing stress, avoiding burnout, and reclaiming your mental health. You’ll discover that slowing down and stepping into the slow lane brings a calmer, more fulfilling rhythm to your days.

Practical Tips for Embracing JOMO in Your Professional Life

Step 1: Audit Your Commitments

Take stock of everything on your plate. What aligns with your goals, and what’s just clutter? Let go of tasks that don’t serve your future goals or true priorities.

Step 2: Set Clear Boundaries

Learning to say no is a form of self-love. Whether it’s declining work drinks or scaling back on meetings, setting boundaries creates the mental space to spend time on what truly matters.

Step 3: Embrace the Power of Deep Work

Embrace JOMO by focusing deeply on one task at a time. Instead of multitasking, concentrate on producing meaningful work in the present moment. This strategy enhances both success and fulfillment.

Step 4: Delegate and Automate

Stop doing it all yourself. Whether it’s hiring help at work or automating repetitive tasks, freeing up your energy for the work and social activities you love is a powerful way to foster JOMO.

DesignDash Top Tip

Create a JOMO list every week. Write down things you will not do, like checking emails after dinner or saying yes to every new project. Stick to it, and watch your life become more peaceful and intentional.

Practical Tips for Embracing JOMO in Your Personal Life

Step 1: Simplify Social Obligations

The constant pressure to say yes to every invitation can be draining. Instead of trying to do it all, focus on meaningful interactions that truly matter to you.

Choose quality over quantity—whether it’s spending time with close friends or enjoying a quiet evening with family. Let go of the need to fill every blank space in your calendar, and you’ll find joy in a life filled with connection and calm.

Step 2: Build Rituals of Rest

Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Create daily and weekly rituals that allow you to recharge and reflect, whether it’s a Sunday afternoon walk, journaling in the morning, or a quiet cup of tea before bed. These moments may feel small, but they nurture your peaceful self and give you the energy to show up fully in other areas of your life.

Step 3: Say Goodbye to Guilt

It’s time to stop feeling obligated to attend every event or meet every demand on your time. Declining an invitation or taking a day off doesn’t mean you’re letting people down—it means you’re honoring your own needs. Embracing JOMO means finding a balance between what you want to do and what you feel obligated to do, letting go of guilt, and fostering self-love through self-restraint.

Step 4: Consider a Digital Detox

One of the easiest ways to embrace JOMO is to reclaim your attention from the constant pings of social media. Reduce screen time by setting tech-free time zones, like turning off notifications during family dinners or unplugging before bed. This simple act transforms background noise into focused moments and makes you more present in real life.

DesignDash Top Tip

Plan intentional alone time, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day. Use this time to reflect, journal, or simply sit quietly without distractions. Oh, the joy of reconnecting with yourself!

How to Approach Next Year with JOMO in Mind

Step 1: Create a Personal Vision Statement

Before diving into another busy year, reflect on what you want your life to feel like 12 months from now. Envision an abundant life where your priorities align with your goals.

A clear vision of your future goals can act as a compass, guiding your decisions and helping you say yes to what truly matters.

Step 2: Set Intentional Goals for Family and Personal Time

Balancing family needs with your own doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intention. Plan ways to spend time together that feel meaningful, like a weekly movie night or a tech-free Sunday. Just as importantly, carve out time for your personal growth, whether through hobbies, rest, or self-care.

Step 3: Plan Seasonally

Think of the year as a series of seasons, each with its own rhythms of rest, play, and growth. Use this approach to build balance into your schedule. For instance, prioritize relaxation in winter, creative projects in spring, family adventures in summer, and reflection in fall.

Step 4: Observe the “One Thing” Rule

Each month, pick one thing you’ll do just for yourself. It could be as simple as reading a book you’ve been putting off or taking a solo day trip. This practice helps you focus on the present moment and prioritize personal joy.

DesignDash Top Tip

Identify three things you want to stop doing next year to make room for joy. By eliminating these, you’ll discover more time and energy for the things that truly fulfill you.

Final Thoughts: The Joy of a Well-Curated Life

For too long, society has equated success with endless hustle. But what if success could also mean rest, connection, and joy? Redefining success allows you to focus on building a meaningful life that aligns with your values instead of chasing constant productivity or social comparison.

Simplicity truly can hold the key to fulfillment. In the final words of this article, we encourage you to celebrate the small wins—like a quiet morning walk or an evening spent laughing with loved ones. These moments are the true shining things in life, and they’re worth more than any fleeting reward of instant gratification. Live your best life—on your terms.