The Joy of Missing Out: Finding Peace in a Go-Go-Go World
We live in a culture that celebrates hustle. The more we do, the more we’re applauded. Social media tells us to rise and grind, fill every hour, cross off every item on our to-do lists, and still smile like we’re not exhausted. Somewhere along the way, we started to believe that our worth is tied directly to our productivity. But let me remind you of something my mother would say with a knowing smile: You are more than your accomplishments.
In coaching sales teams and leaders, I’ve noticed a dangerous trend—we’ve replaced peace with performance. We wear burnout like a badge of honor, assuming that if we’re not busy, we’re falling behind. And yet, ask anyone who loves you most—your kids, your partner, your closest friends—they don’t love you for what you check off each day. They love you for who you are when you're fully present.
That’s why I want to introduce you to an old friend with a new name: The Joy of Missing Out—JOMO.
Unlike its cousin FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), JOMO gives you permission to slow down, to be where your feet are, and to embrace stillness without guilt. It reminds you that peace isn’t found in piling on more meetings, more goals, more hustle. Peace is found in the quiet spaces—in a deep breath, a meaningful conversation, or simply a moment of stillness with your morning coffee.
One of my favorite lessons from Fortune Cookie Leadership is “Don’t Force It.” When we try to jam more into already maxed-out lives, we lose clarity. We get disconnected from what truly matters. Slowing down isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. It's choosing to live in alignment instead of in overdrive.
In my upcoming book Selling Like a 6-Year Old, we talk a lot about rediscovering joy and presence—two things kids are brilliant at. Kids aren’t worried about inbox zero or next quarter’s projections. They live right here, right now. They ask questions, chase butterflies, and laugh loud. What would happen if we brought that kind of presence into our professional lives? What if we gave ourselves permission to enjoy the work and the pauses in between?
So today, I challenge you to redefine success. It’s not just about the hustle. It’s about the harmony. Take a walk without your phone. Watch the sunset without feeling the need to photograph it. Cancel that nonessential Zoom call and replace it with a moment to breathe.
Remember: you are not your checklist. You are a whole, worthy, deeply valuable human BEING—whether or not you sent that email or hit that sales number.
Give yourself the grace to rest. That’s not slacking off—it’s leveling up.