JOMO: How to step up your game?
Kajol Kumari • March 31, 2022 • 8 mins read
Here, the JOMO acronym stands for "Joy of Missing out".
This is one of the most widely used "slang" in this fast-paced world and it has gained popularity recently.
If we go by definition, it means-
"pleasure derived from living quietly or independently without feeling anxious that one is missing out on exciting or interesting events that may be happening elsewhere."
Why are we all of a sudden discussing JOMO and how is it going to benefit me to step up my game? Is this phenomenon even applicable for design exams? How am I going to achieve this level of patience when I'm constantly running toward my phone!
In this article, we'll try to analyze why is it required to maintain momentum while you're preparing for design exams and how you can be ahead of others in this competition by various hacks. So, let's flex our mind's muscles!
- Stop underestimating yourself: Don't burn yourself out! Sometimes we don't accept our progress and keep believing that we're not worthy of anything. Stop when you're triggered by your failures, instead think about how it has taught you to be a better designer.
Bole toh, aesa sochna ka-
"Kabhi kabhi lagta hai ki apun hin bhagwan hai!"
Not to joke around from the above statement but yes, start believing in yourself as a designer. Khud ki khud hi tareef karne mein koi burai nahi hai! This will work as an added benefit because there will be minimum self-doubt.
2. Stop this FOMO:
Koi nahi bhaag raha hai yaar, sab apne pace pe kaam kar rahe hain!
If something or someone has important work with you, they'll automatically come to you. You are not missing out on anything in this world when you're away from your social media, audience or simply your phone.
Take this fear of missing out from your head and try to replace it with joy! This is going to benefit you in the long run in the following ways:
- An extra number of hours on studies instead of just scrolling down weird Instagram feeds. Quick example, I minimized the use of Instagram throughout my preparation and only used it as a communication tool between me & my interests.
- Conversation with like-minded people increased (online+offline) regarding preparation strategies.
- Followed designers from all over the world related to my domain and got an idea of how to present my work authentically.
- Joined various communities where I can learn about my future design jobs.
3. Delayed Gratification:
This concept is used in behavioural psychology. There's a human tendency to do the most pleasurable thing at first irrespective of its consequences.
Scientific research was done in the field of psychology which's called the "Marshmallow experiment" which interprets the users' performance based on their urge to suppress.
This state of mind is hard to achieve because it requires a lot of willpower & energy. But, if we practice this during the phase of examination...I'm sure some way or the other, you'll eventually succeed!
4. Have fun:
Lastly, have fun in this process of tirelessly preparing for your design exams. Your productivity is directly proportional to your happiness index. Try to enjoy this process as much as possible and don't forget to have fun.
We all are so busy competing with each other that we stop helping others. Of course, you are in a competitive environment and you need to level up your game on daily basis. Constantly seek feedback and try to improve. That's how our world works!
Life in itself is an iterative process and to be brutally honest, there's no time to cry over it. Be it your profession, job, hobby or career...take accountability for yourself and stop wasting your precious time on mundane things. Stop finding excuses; just get started with your work wherever you are!
Remember people; always show up no matter what! :) (Even on your bad days)
About Kaphal Studio
Kaphal Studio is a modern, internet university for creators that brings community and learning together. We aim to prepare designers for the startup economy. We offer a new approach to online education through synchronous cohorts with an emphasis on peer-to-peer learning.