The social media frenzy continues to grow and evolve, making the popular saying FOMO a very much part of the conversation. Many life coaches today experience their clients’ Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), and learning how to coach clients to overcome it can be a milestone in personal and professional breakthroughs. Although saying a person has FOMO has become a bit of an insult, the toll on one’s emotional health can be affected by this connection. Many psychologists view FoMO as something that can be addressed and managed, so why can’t life coaches do the same for their clients? They can, with the right training, certification, and experience!
FoMO Can Be Problematic
According to the National Library of Medicine, FoMO can be problematic and cause loss of sleep, anxiety, and inability to concentrate. Social media has been a trigger for many who watch events unfold, as well as for those who feel the need to respond immediately to comments and likes. The problem is that FoMO can affect personal relationships, physical health, and professional performance if left unaddressed and poorly managed. Life coaches can help clients identify their fears, including the fear of missing out, navigate these perceived losses, and find healthier ways to spend their time and energy.
FoMO Behaviors
Some common things coaches work through with clients related to FoMO include overcommitment, lack of focus, and taking unnecessary risks. Lack of sleep, unhealthy food, and drinking choices can also be a result of emotions caused by extreme FoMO. Life coaches work with clients to help them better understand themselves, identify their feelings, and set objectives. Helping clients become aware of the time they spend on their phones and devices can be extremely insightful and serve as a starting point for a new outlook on the value of social media in their lives. Experienced life coaches may encourage clients to build genuine relationships and boost self-esteem to help mitigate the effects of FoMO. This is why getting a certification in life coaching is necessary in helping clients.
Social Media Isn’t Bad
The role of a skilled life coach is not to tell clients what is good and bad for them. Instead, coaching is a way to help clients self-reflect, make adjustments, and set goals aligned with what they want for their futures. Each discipline within coaching, whether relationship, professional, spiritual, or health and wellness, has elements that guide clients toward the best version of themselves. FoMO is real, but it can be overcome with intentionality and good coaching.
Social media is not bad. In fact, it has opened the doors for continual and meaningful connections. During COVID-19, social media was likely something we relied on heavily to stay connected, and we never went back. However, instead of chatting with someone who is also in lockdown today, social media highlights all the fun and exciting things people are doing, leaving others feeling left out. Another aspect of FoMO is feeling bound to reply, accept, or like things in real time. Many people complain of sleep loss due to the need to stay on top of what is happening in a chat, and some apps are continuous, leaving no room for other activities or our body’s much-needed rest. This is when FoMO can take a toll on mental and physical health.
Coaching Through FoMO Anxiety, Fear, or Depression
One of the things coaches work with clients on is the amount of time they spend on social media. As with anything in life, balance is key, and the imbalance of social media and FoMO is a large contributor to these negative effects. Coaches can help clients focus on what they want to spend their time doing and who they want to spend time with, and set goals to use social media in healthier ways. Remember that those working with a coach seek expert advice to guide them toward their best lives. Learning to coach from the best institute in the field, the International Coaching Federation, equips life coaches to implement the core skills needed to successfully coach clients. Asking questions, listening, and allowing clients to reflect and create their own destiny are critical in a trusting coaching relationship.
Holding a coaching certification gives coaches the tools, skills, and hands-on experience they need to genuinely help clients overcome not just FoMO but many other personal challenges we face in life. Some life coaches may face clients who need professional help when suffering from extreme depression or anxiety, and a professionally trained coach will never hesitate to do what is best for their client. If you are someone who is a life coaching or are thinking about a career in this area, you can be part of Life Purpose Institute. At Life Purpose Institute, we stand behind every coach, equipping them and supporting them throughout their careers. Contact us today for a free consultation.
