The Joy of Missing Out (JOMO)

You know that lightbulb moment when a simple idea shifts everything? That’s how I felt when Jason Fried, founder and CEO of 37Signals, introduced me to JOMO—the joy of missing out. It’s the antidote to our hyper-connected, always-on culture. While FOMO (fear of missing out) has us chasing every opportunity, JOMO invites us to savor what we don’t do.

Think about it: every “yes” comes with a dozen invisible “no’s.” Saying yes to a networking event might mean missing family dinner or your evening run. With JOMO, you flip the script. You choose to miss out—and relish it. It’s not about laziness; it’s about valuing your time like a precious resource. Because, honestly, isn’t it?

Here’s the thing: practicing JOMO takes a mindset shift. Start by questioning your defaults. Do you really need to check emails during dinner? Could skipping that Zoom call actually give you more focus for what matters most? Experiment with setting boundaries—like no work after 6 PM or keeping weekends tech-free. Notice how it feels to reclaim those moments.

JOMO is more than a concept; it’s a practice. And here’s the kicker—it’s addictive. Once you start appreciating the time you’ve protected, you won’t look back. After all, missing out can be its own kind of win.

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Mitch Jackson | links