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The feeling of Missing Out: Opportunity Cost Fallacy

The feeling of missing out can literally bog you down

It is hard to admit that our world is a composition of mere hyperbole. Our worldly attachments are mostly dominated by the feeling of missing out.

Consider your Facebook or Instagram usage habits. Do you really think you need those social media platforms because you got some ‘Meaningful’ tasks to do? Or you prefer to stay online because otherwise, you will miss out!

For a decade, I have been fooling myself by saying that – ‘Well, I use Facebook for my study or job. Everybody is out there. I can’t afford to be disconnected from my community.’

You will always feel like you are missing out on a better opportunity

The human brain has evolved for millions of years to seek self-reassurance. Naturally, when we doubt our actions, our insecurity or fear make us overwhelmed, we try to justify our deeds by assuring ourselves –

‘Oh, you are just doing the right thing!’

Coming back to the point, rather we cling to our behaviors as we believe, doing something unusual will lead us to miss out on the opportunity.

Since all my friends are going to pursue Ph.D., I have to do the same! Unless I will miss out!

Well here comes another job circular. Let me quickly register for the recruitment exam. Otherwise, I will miss out!

Mr. X has made his fortune in the Stock market. Damn! What a loser I am. I could have gone big!

I missed out!

Trust me, most of us lead an unsatisfied life judging ourselves in the peer-scale metric. We grew up dreaming of how to be like others. Our parents taught us to lead a safe and secure life. We grew up listening to pieces of advice like: You can’t afford the opportunity cost. The reason behind this is sung by Linkin Park.

RIP Chester! You subtly taught us the true meaning of passion and compassion

And I know I may end up failing too

But I know you were just like me with someone disappointed in you 

Peace 

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Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh

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