FOMO: what is it and how to overcome it?
I- Acmé offers a three-stage customer journey: FOMO, Acmé and Halo
First of all, FOMO is used to create excitement and curiosity around the event. This is done through clever communication on social networks, enticing teasers or an inventive marketing campaign. The goal is to make the audience want to attend the event and to make the anticipation part of the experience itself.
Secondly, the Acme is a key moment of the event. It is an exceptional moment, where participants live a unique and memorable experience, in line with their expectations. The objective is to ensure that the event lives up to the FOMO created beforehand, and that the participants are fulfilled and satisfied.
Finally, the Halo closes the customer journey, cultivating a positive feeling of persistence. This can be done through a personalized follow up, by sending gifts or by promoting the event on social networks. The objective is to extend the experience of the event, to create lasting links with the participants and to promote a positive propagation of the company's image.
This three-step customer journey creates an immersive, coherent and memorable experience for participants, and thus contributes to strengthening the company's reputation and image.
II- But what do we mean by FOMO?
Focus on the FOMO effect: where does this growing malaise come from, how to create an armor against it but also... How to make it your own to inflate the excitement around unique events?
FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is a social phenomenon that appeared in the 2000s in English and French. It refers to a social anxiety syndrome related to the fear of missing an opportunity or an important event. In this article, we will discuss what FOMO is, its causes, its consequences and how to overcome it.
This phenomenon manifests itself in different situations in life, especially on social networks, where users often feel they are missing out on something important. It can also occur in events or opportunities that are perceived as exclusive or rare. FOMO can affect the mental health and well-being of individuals by causing them to engage in compulsive behaviors and feeling dissatisfied with their lives.
The statistic, to get a better idea: The phenomenon of FOMO has become more and more prevalent with the rise of social networks. According to a study by Global Web Index, 56% of social network users reported experiencing FOMO. Individuals often feel that others are having more exciting or interesting experiences than they are, which can cause them to constantly check their phones and not focus on their real lives. Additionally, a University of Illinois study found that FOMO is associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression.
Social networks and the Internet have a major impact on FOMO. Individuals often have social pressure to be constantly online, which causes them to compare themselves to others and fear missing out on something important. Psychological factors such as fear, anxiety, the need for social validation and competition can also contribute to FOMO.
The podcast to go further: To better understand FOMO, it can be interesting to listen to podcasts such as "The Science of Social Media" by Buffer or "The FOMO Sapiens" by Patrick McGinnis. These podcasts explore the different aspects of FOMO and provide practical advice on how to deal with it.
III- Fortunately, it is possible to overcome FOMO! Here are a few tips to help you do just that.
There are effective strategies to overcome FOMO and regain a sense of control and satisfaction in our lives.
1 - Identify your values and priorities
One of the first steps in overcoming FOMO is to determine what is truly important to you. By clarifying your values and priorities, you can reduce the feeling of lack or pressure related to activities or events you might miss. Ask yourself questions like, "What is really important to me in my life?", "What makes me happy and fulfilled?", "What do I need to feel satisfied and accomplished?" By identifying your values and priorities, you can be more selective in your choices and focus on the activities and events that are most meaningful to you.
2 - Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude can help you focus on what you have rather than what you lack. Regularly take time to reflect on what you are grateful for in your life, whether it's relationships, accomplishments or moments of joy. Gratitude can help you develop a more positive attitude and appreciate what you have rather than focusing on what you don't have.
3 - Practicing mindfulness
Mindfulness practice is a great way to get rid of FOMO. FOMO is often related to excessive worry about the future or what might happen if you miss an opportunity. By practicing mindfulness and staying present in the moment, you can reduce this anxiety. Try to focus on the experience you are having now, rather than worrying about what might happen in the future. You can also try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help you relax and stay calm.
Mindfulness is about focusing on the present moment, leaving aside worries about the past or the future. It allows you to better appreciate the moments of everyday life and to free yourself from the pressure of always having to be doing something exceptional. Mindfulness can be practiced by meditating, doing yoga, taking a break to breathe deeply or simply enjoying a cup of coffee or a walk in nature.
4 - Set limits for the use of social networks
Social networks can be a breeding ground for FOMO. It is important to be aware of this and to set limits for their use. For example, one can decide not to use social networks for an hour before bedtime to avoid being overwhelmed by images of other people's lives before bed. It is also possible to decide not to use social networks for a whole day to focus on real life activities.
5 - Develop positive self-esteem
Developing positive self-esteem can help overcome FOMO by helping you feel more confident and satisfied with yourself and your life. People with positive self-esteem tend to be more resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks because they believe in their own worth and ability to overcome obstacles.
Here are some strategies for developing positive self-esteem:
Learn to accept yourself as you are: Instead of focusing on your flaws or the things you don't like about yourself, learn to appreciate your qualities and strengths. Accept that you are an imperfect human being and that this is part of your life experience.
Do things that bring you joy and fulfillment: By focusing on activities that bring you satisfaction and fulfillment, you can build your self-esteem. Try to find hobbies or activities that you are passionate about and enjoy, even if it means spending time alone.
Surround yourself with positive people: The people you spend time with can have a big impact on your self-esteem. Try to surround yourself with positive people who support and encourage you in your plans and aspirations.
Set achievable goals: Setting goals and working towards them can help build your self-esteem. Try to set realistic and achievable goals, and celebrate your successes when you reach them.
By developing positive self-esteem, you can focus on your own life and what's important to you, rather than feeling competitive with others or worried that you're missing out. This can help you overcome FOMO and regain a sense of control and satisfaction in your life.
In conclusion, FOMO can be a source of stress and anxiety, but it can be overcome. Practicing mindfulness, setting boundaries for social media use, and cultivating meaningful real-life social relationships and experiences are effective ways to break free from this fear. It is important to remember that each person is unique and each person can find their own way to overcome FOMO.
III- Let's end on a positive note about FOMO!
FOMO can have positive uses in some people's lives. It can be a driving force to encourage them to step out of their comfort zone, explore new opportunities and take risks to achieve their goals. FOMO can also be a catalyst for strengthening social relationships, as it encourages people to join events and interact with others. However, it is important not to let FOMO take over one's life and to make sure to maintain a healthy balance between social experiences and personal time.
By using the FOMO effect in a positive way, event organizers can create an unforgettable experience for attendees and build a true community around the event. Attendees will be more involved and engaged in the event, and will be more likely to recommend it to their friends and family. It is possible to create a real impact and positive brand awareness around their event.
