We've all been there - you're casually scrolling through your Instagram feed and are bombarded with dazzling images of fellow bloggers jet setting to exotic vacations, attending dazzling events, and modelling high-end designer duds. You would have to have a resolve made of steel to not experience a little FOMO -
fear of missing out. In an age where we're able a curate a wonderful picture of our lives through the magic of social media, it seems as though you just can't escape the pangs of jealousy that inevitably come along with being active online.
As bloggers, we're constantly interacting with one another online - and are highly aware of what each other are doing. I can personally admit that I've been at home in my PJs scrolling through my Instagram feed and wallowing in a self-pity party as I stare at photos of girls and guys who seem to have a much more exciting life than I have - FOMO is real! To deal with the blogger FOMO I've been practicing these 5 tips that help to dissolve feelings of jealousy and bring me back down to earth.
1. Unplug
Call is self-destructive, but why does it seem like the easiest - and most obvious - way to deal with online envy is often the hardest. As much as I crave to track blogger x's next move on a fabulous vacation via social media, the healthiest thing to do is to unplug and step away from the Internet and do something productive. I like to tidy up, walk Fritz, start reading a good book - anything to keep my attention long enough to avoid the temptation of looking at the screen. By taking any energy you would spend on your FOMO and using it towards something productive, you'll be distracted long enough to forget about your blogger envy and be left with feelings of satisfaction from getting a task done.
2. Take a Look At Your Own Social Media Feeds
It's so easy to lose track of the fact that everyone is projecting the very best image of themselves through social media, and there's the inevitable mediocrity that comes along with life that doesn't get staged and posted. The best way to get a reality check is to scroll through your own feed - looks pretty good, right? I know that I certainly am not posting the fact that I ate cereal for dinner three nights in a row - but will definitely post when I'm out having dinner on a chic patio. Use yourself as the example. and trust that the bloggers giving you the FOMO aren't tracking the less glamorous aspects of their own lives either.
One of my favourite big-time bloggers Kayla from Not Your Standard just wrote a beautiful post addressing this very issue
here.
3. Own Your Hood
This is specifically for that pesky FOMO that comes from following bloggers that live in world-class destinations - I'm talking your Manhattanite, Californian, European bloggers who seem to have a never ending supply of post-card like photos that fill your feed. The best way to stop coveting a metropolitan hometown is to get out, explore and
own your city. Does your town have a picturesque park, a cute coffee shop, or a colourful florist? Embrace it! Once you start viewing your own city as a destination you won't even be phased by the location shots in your feed.
4. Create Your Own Events
Sometimes it seems like everyone and their Grandmother are out at media events, socializing at trendy hot-spots, brunching on patios, etcetera, etcetera. Instead of wondering if your invite got lost in the mail, why not create your own event? Try reaching out to some local bloggers in your area that you've connected with through the blogosphere or social media and rally everyone together. The meet up doesn't need to be formal - even a casual happy hour or afternoon latte to talk shop can be just what the doctor ordered to cure FOMO!
5. Turn FOMO into Fire
Taking the first tip a little further, channeling that jealous FOMO energy and throwing it back into your own blog or project is sometimes just the push that you need to get your head in the game. There's nothing wrong with a little
healthy competition - even if it's completely one sided on your part. Plan out your blogging editorial calendar, make a list of potential blog posts, research, strategize - get
hungry. Taking any energy that would be expelled on jealous feelings and pouring it back into your own blog can spark your creative and strategic brain, and has the potential to yield huge results!
What do you guys think? Is Blogger FOMO real, do you experience it? If so, how do you manage it? I would love for you to join the discussion!
xo Joëlle
