The FOMO is real. It's contagious. And it's everywhere.

We have a FOMO epidemic. At least here in SF. I'm betting in all major cities. And perhaps even beyond—this damn disease is transmissible by phone.

Whether it's on IG or through the grapevine, the world is shipping us advertisements that pull our attention. I don't mean a gentle tug. I mean these damn adverts grab you by your hair and pull (no, not in the fun way). The next scroll, there's that pull in another direction. Attention thrash to the max.

There are infinite things going on in a given day. How to choose? Will I miss out on this "amazing experience"? If I don't go to this or that, will I miss out on meeting that special person? The love of my life? My next lover? The person to finally see me for me and offer me the job of my dreams?

Maybe.

But more likely, this extra event is just another link in the chain. Look, I get it. Going to event after event, socialization after socialization, is a strategy. It does yield opportunities—whether it's access to some event you want to go to, face time with powerful people, access to potential romantic partners, you name it. The hang is the job, after all.

But there's a cost: your energy.

I hear it over and over again: I am so exhausted, burnt out, etc. Putting on or going to event after event is an energy sink. If you've got a full-time gig, this is a whole other full-time gig. And riding two horses at once is dangerous.

So what's the balance?

Make where you go high leverage. There are diminishing returns to going out all the time. We need time and focus to sit, concentrate, and do the actual work. Whether that's building your own startup, practicing an instrument, meditating, whatever. Going out and partying can be a conflagration for your life—if you're not careful, it can eat up all your life energy.

Here's my invitation: choose 1-3 events to go to per week. Choose them with intention by asking yourself, "Why am I going to this event?" or "What purpose does this serve?" or "How does this further my goals or values?" The answer doesn't have to be profound—it could be as simple as "I haven't had fun in a long time, and having play in my life is important."

You may find yourself socializing in a whole new way.