Ever spent hours scrolling through Netflix, unable to pick a show—only to end up rewatching The Office for the tenth time? Or maybe you’ve agonized over picking a restaurant, convinced there’s one perfect choice out there, just waiting to be discovered? If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with FOBO—the fear of a better option.
We’ve all heard of FOMO (fear of missing out), but FOBO is its sneaky cousin. It’s that nagging voice in your head whispering, But what if there’s something better? It can strike when you’re job hunting, house shopping, dating, or even trying to pick a vacation spot. Suddenly, every decision feels like a trap—what if you choose the wrong thing and regret it later?
Patrick McGinnis, the guy who actually coined both FOBO and FOMO, explains that FOBO kicks in when you have perfectly good options in front of you but still struggle to commit. Life coach Tomas Svitorka sums it up with one simple question: What if there’s something even better out there? (Spoiler: There probably is. But that doesn’t mean you need it.)
Here’s the reality: Most decisions aren’t permanent. Sure, some are big deals (choosing a life partner, buying a house, naming your kid—no pressure). But in many cases, you can adjust, pivot, or even change your mind later. Svitorka suggests a simple trick: Flip a coin and pay attention to your gut reaction. If you’re disappointed with the result, you’ve already found your answer.
So, the next time FOBO tries to paralyze you, remind yourself: Done is better than perfect. Pick the best option for now, and trust that you can always make adjustments along the way. After all, the perfect show, meal, or job won’t change your life—but making a decision just might.
👉 Have you ever experienced FOBO? Hit reply and let me know how you deal with it!
