Chapter 1: Breaking Free from Consumption FOMO

When I embark on a project, it’s often difficult for me to halt progress. This isn't about indulging in snacks like potato chips or cookies—though they are quite tempting! Instead, I’m referring to my cleaning habits. I always anticipate the moment when I’ll be struck by the cleaning urge, and when it hits, it hits hard.

Starting a new job in early April meant that I postponed everything else for four months, immersing myself in learning like a sponge. Unfortunately, this led to neglecting my home environment. My kitchen counter became cluttered, filled with unopened letters, junk mail, and receipts that needed organizing—along with a rather overwhelming pile of straw.

My intuition was loud and clear: “To attract positive energy, you need to declutter!” So, I took action. I committed to tidying up at least one thing every day—whether it was a drawer, a shelf, or even clearing out an old box. Cleaning can be accomplished in as little as fifteen minutes, so why do I tend to overthink it?

I genuinely believe that by closing a door or clearing a surface, I create space for the Universe to introduce new opportunities into my life. Eager for some of that magic, I began my cleaning journey.

Years ago, my mentor—who lives off the grid—advised me to cease my constant consumption. “Melinda, you are a ? (Human Design Profile). Stop consuming! It’s merely distracting you!” My writing coach echoed similar sentiments back in 2019. However, I didn’t heed their advice until 2021, when I started buying fewer books and eliminating nearly all podcasts from my routine. I only wanted to engage with stories that provided genuine transformation or unique insights.

Breaking this consumption habit remains challenging, even as I’ve made significant progress. The fear of missing out (FOMO) makes it tough to ignore suggestions from others, especially when I don’t want to offend anyone.

For instance, a fellow coach recommended a book to enhance my coaching language. Ignoring my gut feeling that I didn’t need it, I ended up purchasing both the paperback and the audiobook. To my dismay, the material was basic and unhelpful. Ultimately, I resolved my challenges through my own intuition instead.

Ironically, I had recorded a podcast discussing how to recommend content without falling into the consumption trap. I must remind myself to practice what I preach and stay focused on my own journey.

I take full responsibility for my slip-up—there’s no blame on the other coach. This moment was the catalyst I needed to refocus. Over the weekend, I tackled my extensive personal development book collection, which had grown to the point that I could have opened a store. I filled five bags with books to donate, stopping just shy of overloading myself.

Section 1.1: Letting Go of the Old

If a book feels basic, irrelevant, or no longer resonates with me, it’s time for it to go. I hope these materials can find a new home with someone who needs them. Books carry energy, and they deserve to be released to benefit others.

When I began my journey in coaching, writing, and speaking in 2017/2018, I sought advice from everyone around me, hoping to find shortcuts to success. Many people fall into this pattern, looking externally for solutions instead of doing the necessary work themselves. Some may never fully embrace the lessons of their mentors, especially if it requires significant personal transformation.

This cycle of consumption continues unabated.

Medium is a classic example. How many of us get caught up in reading articles about making money on the platform? Or perhaps you write such articles yourself? I’ve certainly read my share, mostly filled with superficial “clickbait.” Nowadays, I strive to be more intentional and avoid such distractions.

On a lighter note, while cleaning, I stumbled upon some charming photos of my adorable nieces that I had previously used as bookmarks.

I also found a delightful Capri Blue candle that had been serving as a bookend on one of my shelves—it smells divine! Additionally, I discovered a handwritten prayer asking for fishing charters for my husband and me, dated around 2014. Not long after, those prayers were answered, and we didn’t need a book to manifest that magic.

Chapter 2: Embracing Your Own Journey

In this video, "Don't Let FOMO Stop Your Sobriety," the speaker discusses the importance of maintaining focus and clarity in your personal journey, emphasizing the need to avoid distractions that lead to consumption FOMO.

The second video, "A NEAT TRICK TO AVOID FOMO (FEAR OF MISSING OUT)," presents practical strategies to help you manage your fears of missing out while staying true to your personal goals.