Recently, I shared how I’d taken a hiatus from Grindr and encouraged you to step away from any app that felt like it was draining your time and energy.

The truth is when you’re not doing something that you’re used to doing, it’s easy to find yourself missing out. In this blog I’m sharing a quick intro to impact bias and a tip to help you flip the script and find more joy.

Saturday night FOMO

This idea came to me while I was mid app-free challenge, on a Saturday night, the FOMO hit hard. I was walking home from the Village after a night out—prime Grindr hours—and wondering what I might be missing: the perfect guy, connection, or an opportunity for fun.

But then I checked myself. I realized I’ve done this “check Grindr on the way home from the bar” routine so many times before, and most of the time, those chats led absolutely nowhere.

So why would this night be any different?

Impact bias

That’s the thing about FOMO. Ever notice that the moments you build up in your head almost never live up to the hype when you’re actually there?

It’s a sneaky little trick our brains play on us called impact bias– when we overestimate how great (or awful) something will feel, only to realize it’s not that intense after all.

JOMO

That’s where JOMO comes in: the joy of missing out. It’s the opposite of FOMO and all about finding contentment in the things you aren’t doing.

Instead of worrying about what you might be missing, you lean into the satisfaction of the present moment—whether it’s spending a quiet evening with yourself, catching up on rest, or simply appreciating the space to breathe.

A powerful tip to help you find joy

Be kind to yourself the next time your brain tricks you into thinking you’re missing out, and do this.

Ask yourself: Is this thing really going to be as amazing as I’m imagining—or am I just chasing a fantasy that won’t deliver?

And remember: Joy isn’t always about exciting events or memorable moments. Often times, the most joyful experiences are found in the small, everyday things that we tend to take for granted—like your dog’s tail wagging when you come home, or the feeling of sliding into a cozy bed after a long day.

Let’s celebrate small wins along the way too! Here’s to JOMO and finding joy in the little things.

Ready to live your life with joy? Through the feel good moments and the rougher ones too? Let’s talk about it. Book a free discovery session with me to unlock the power of coaching in your life.

If you can’t escape that fear in one way or another, I’ve got a video for you. It’s a little of my personal story that I hope will empower you too 👇