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This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to make a decision, but it is impossible to do it because of the thought: "And suddenly there is something better?" If so, you've probably encountered FOBO – Fear of Better Options or fear of the best options.
The term has entered the modern lexicon thanks to author and entrepreneur Patrick McGinnis. It was he who introduced and popularized the concept of FOBO, explaining how information oversaturation and the vast amount of choice in today's world affect our thinking and behavior.
What is FOBO and how does it work?
FOBO occurs when a person is so afraid of losing the opportunity to make the perfect choice that he postpones the decision or avoids it altogether. This manifests itself in everyday things:
- In store: standing between two coffee brands because both seem nice, but suddenly there is even better?
- In social networks: View dozens of reviews before ordering a restaurant or buying a gadget.
- At work: experience difficulties in choosing among several projects or proposals.
This fear is supported by our need for ideality and our fear of losing something meaningful. Paradoxically, FOBO can lead to more stress than the choice itself, because long-term thinking depletes our resources.
FOBO vs FOMO: what is the difference?
FOBO is often confused with FOMO (Fear of Missing Out – fear of missing something interesting). But there is an important difference between them:
- FOMO occurs when it seems that others are doing something better, more interesting or more useful than you.
- FOBO focused on you: You are afraid to make a decision that may not be the best.
Imagine being invited to two parties at the same time. WITH FOMO you will worry about the possibility of missing the best of them if you choose the first one. And with FOBO you won't go to any one at all, because you can't decide which party is better.
Why is FOBO so common?
The modern world offers us many opportunities and access to an endless flow of information. The Internet and social networks have made the choice both easier and more difficult. Here are some reasons why FOBO is so relevant:
- Information noise. The number of options sometimes seems endless.
- Social comparisons. We see others making "perfect choices" and are afraid to make mistakes.
- Perfectionism. The desire to get the best of everything often prevents you from enjoying what you have.
How to overcome FOBO?
- Set deadlines. Limiting the time for thinking makes it faster to make decisions.
- Define priorities. Understand what is really important to you. For example, if you choose a restaurant, what is more important: the atmosphere or the taste of the dishes?
- Accept a sufficient result. There is no perfect choice. Learn to be satisfied with good things.
- Trust your intuition. Research shows that the first impression is often correct.
- Reduce the number of options. If you have 10 options in front of you, reduce them to the three most suitable ones and choose among them.
Why is FOBO important to understand?
FOBO does not just interfere with small things, it affects important decisions: choosing a partner, career or even place of residence. By overcoming this fear, you will be able not only to simplify your life, but also to get more pleasure from the decisions made.
Remember: It's better to make a good choice today than to lose time looking for the perfect tomorrow.
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