The Tug of Impulsiveness and FOMO in Decision-Making

Hey everyone,

Today, I want to delve into a topic that significantly impacts our lives—impulsive decision-making and the fear of missing out (FOMO). These elements can be real game changers when it comes to business or personal decisions. If you find yourself struggling with making decisions, then sit tight because this is going to be relevant to you.

Firstly, welcome back to consecutive day 1440 of the diary of a Runpreneur. If you're new here, my mission is simple: to save the lives of children by attempting the ultimate ultramarathon. I've been running consecutive days, trying to cover the distance equivalent to a lap of the world. If you believe in this mission, your support through subscriptions, shares, likes, and comments is invaluable. The more we spread the word, the more money we can raise and ultimately, save more children's lives. That's the cornerstone of why I push myself every single day.

So, let's dive right into it. Impulsive decision-making and FOMO. Recently, I've touched on my journey with a hypothesis that I might have ADHD. Now, while I'm considering seeking a professional opinion, I've been grappling with the term ADHD itself. Attention deficit? Hyperactivity? Those parts don't bother me. It's the "disorder" bit that doesn't sit well with me. Sure, it's a condition with its challenges and limitations, but it also comes with strengths. I attribute much of my performance in entrepreneurship and ultra-endurance running to this condition. I believe it drives me, and I'm almost certain I have it.

One trait commonly associated with ADHD is impulsiveness. With countless thoughts swirling around, the urge to be decisive is strong. Impulsiveness is something I battle with daily. For instance, I'm nearly four years into a twelve-and-a-half-year challenge of running every single day. The average distance is seven and a half kilometers daily. I didn't truly contemplate the long-term ramifications when I started—how it would impact my family, my daily life, and even the simple logistics of laundry. I just saw an opportunity with Covid canceling numerous running events and decided to create my own challenge. That’s a textbook example of an impulsive decision.

Then we have the fear of missing out, or FOMO. It's a term many of you might be familiar with. This fear can push you to make decisions because you don't want to miss out on potential opportunities. There's also the "opportunity cost" to consider—the potential benefits you might forego when choosing a particular path. For me, this fear of missing out has often led to decisions that I might later regret.

Take today, for instance. I was on the brink of making another impulsive decision driven by FOMO. Fortunately, this time, I had enough evidence and counsel pulling me back from the edge. The reality is, while an opportunity might seem irresistible, we have to weigh the actual cost and the readiness we have to immerse in it fully.

Life, business, and even running come with their own sets of decisions—big and small. Impulsiveness, while sometimes advantageous, needs to be balanced with thorough consideration, especially regarding the impact these decisions can have on those around us and on our long-term goals.

I'd like to encourage you all to think things through, feel the pull of impulsiveness, but also balance it with reason. Remember, every decision has its consequences. Seek advice, weigh the pros and cons, and don't let FOMO cloud your judgment.

Thank you for your continued support on this journey. Your belief in this mission means the world to me. Let's keep pushing forward, one step at a time.

Best,

Kevin Brittain