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Enjoy Complementary Interests

Posted on:June 29, 2021 at 12:13 PM

I used to get major FOMO (fear of missing out) when I heard about activity that others in my organization were doing that vaguely related to what I was doing or that were what I wanted to be doing.

I would think things like, “why wasn’t I consulted on this”, or, “who died and made you king of that thing”. I felt others didn’t have the right to pursue their passion if it aligned too closely with mine.

Closely associated with this thought is the fallacy (I forget the exact name) that says everyone needs to be caring about the most important thing at all times.

“How can you worry about the price of fruit when a genocide is happening?”

We must accept that each person has different interests and passions and while it is important to generally be good and charitable people, we have to accept that not everyone should be focusing on the same thing at the same time.

The same goes for work. I’ve transitioned from FOMO to a position of encouragement and service because I know the more people in my organization passionate about he same things I am, the more the organization will remain a place I love to work. Now I celebrate those who go above and beyond doing what they (and I) love to do and get promoted for it.

It’s a subtle mindset change, but incredibly meaningful for my overall happiness.