What is JOMO?
Jomo, short for Joy of Missing Out, is a term used in the cryptocurrency and finance community to describe the feeling one gets when they abstain from investing in a particular asset. This concept of Jomo stands in contrast to FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) which is often seen as an investor’s response to market hype. Whereas FOMO describes the anxiety that comes from being left behind, Jomo is a more positive sentiment that celebrates not participating in an asset’s price movement.
Many cryptocurrency advocates focus on the potential gains one can make by investing in a timely manner. However, savvy investors also know that taking a measured approach and looking at the long-term potential of an asset is often the most beneficial strategy in the long run. Therefore, Jomo can also be seen as a reminder to think before one invests and consider all options available.
In conclusion, Jomo has become an important concept for cryptocurrency investors, serving as a reminder that it’s not always necessary to chase FOMO or succumb to market pressures. By taking the time to understand an asset, investors can make more informed decisions, making them less likely to miss out on potentially profitable opportunities.
Simple Example
JOMO is like choosing to play with your own toys instead of always wanting to play with someone else's toys. Sometimes, when you see other kids playing with cool toys, you might want to play with them too. But JOMO is when you realize that you have your own special toys at home that you like just as much, if not more. Even so, the other kids’ new toys may break and you realize that you were better off not playing with them, to begin with.
History of the Term "JOMO"
The specific origin of the term "JOMO" remains unclear, yet it is thought to have surfaced in the early 2010s, aligning with the growing prevalence of social media and smartphones. The term garnered broader recognition in 2015 with the release of Christina Crook's book "The Joy of Missing Out: How to Stop Comparing and Start Living".
Examples
Investing in a budget-friendly index fund and missing out on the fluctuations of individual stocks. Choosing to invest regularly in an index fund that tracks the stock market, rather than taking risks with specific stocks, is a great example of Joy of Missing Out (JOMO) when it comes to finance. By investing in such a fund, you can avoid the unnecessary stress and learn to be content with consistent returns rather than chasing after potentially higher gains from individual stocks.
Paying off debt instead of focusing on accumulating wealth for retirement. For many people, managing their debt can give them more joy than worrying about the future or trying to save enough money for retirement. Making progress towards eliminating debt through steady payments while maintaining a comfortable budget can be a great source of joy and peace of mind.
Not taking out high-interest loans, such as payday or title loans. These types of loans often come with very high interest rates that make them difficult to pay off in the long run. Instead of turning to these dangerous forms of debt, some people choose to find other sources of money – such as cutting back on expenses or asking family and friends for help – so they can avoid the stress and worry associated with these kinds of loans. By saying 'no' to short-term solutions like this, you are embracing JOMO when it comes to finances.
Related Terms
FOMO: The emotional anxiety experienced when investors feel that they could be missing out on potential financial gains by not taking risks and investing.
Initial Coin Offering: A form of crowdfunding that has become increasingly popular in recent years.