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Last week, I had a few “Soulful Connection Calls” with people. Something I’ve talked about before, where we move our focus from surface-level interactions on social media, to having a proper conversation on a call.

I love these calls. They always spark something, whether that’s new ideas, unexpected connections, or shifts in perspective. This time, people kept asking about my book, so I found myself opening up about it more than I usually do.

Then came 3am Saturday.

I woke up, my mind buzzing, filled with ideas. It was like everything was suddenly falling into place. Like bits of these conversations were the dots, and they were connecting, helping me see insights I hadn’t spotted before.

Half-asleep, I grabbed my phone to capture my thoughts. I didn’t want to lose them in the mess of my notes app. So, I made a calendar appointment instead.

But this cycle was on repeat: pick up phone, open calendar appointment, type frantically, put down phone.

By the time I’d emptied all my ideas from my head, I realised I’d scheduled six appointments between 3am and 5am. In essence, my Saturday was already “booked.”

Choosing to Opt Out

When morning actually came, I had a choice.

I could stick to my plan, spend the day at my laptop, working through the ideas that seemed urgent at 3am.

Or I could step away and enjoy the sunshine outside. Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have even noticed the sunshine if my husband hadn’t pointed it out.

And just like that, I decided to scrap my schedule. Close my laptop. And we got in the car to go for a walk in the sunshine.

Trying to find a parking spot was a nightmare. We drove round for ages trying to find a space, and ended up having to park at a pub. To register our car though, we had to buy a drink.

So, there we were, sitting outside this pub, sipping a drink we hadn’t planned to have.

And you know what happened?

One drink turned into three hours. Conversation. Coffee. Cake. Watching people walk by. Feeling the sun on my face. Not a single thought about my book.

Pure, unexpected joy.

And the best part? I didn’t feel a single ounce of guilt for not working on my book.

What My Saturday Taught Me About JOMO

That day showed me what JOMO is really about – the Joy of Missing Out.

We live in a culture obsessed with more.

• More productivity.
• More connections.
• More content.
• More opportunities.

You’ve probably heard of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). That anxious feeling that you’re somehow falling behind, that everyone else is doing exciting things you should be doing too.

JOMO is the opposite. It’s the calm that comes when you intentionally choose to miss out on the noise so you can tune into what actually matters to you.

Over the years, I’ve come to realise it’s not about missing out for the sake of it. It’s about choosing what’s worth your time and energy.

Those book ideas? They’re still there. But now they feel clearer, more grounded. Because I gave them space. It’s what happened at that pub – I opted out of productivity and stumbled into something much better.

Your Turn

Where in your life could you benefit from a little more JOMO? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

I’m sensing there could possibly be a follow-up article to this. If it’s something you’re interested in, let me know.

Until then, consider this:

• What might happen if, just once this week, you chose the unexpected over the scheduled?
• The spontaneous over the planned?
• The joy of missing out over the fear of missing out?

That’s where the magic happens.

If these words resonate with you, I invite you to:

• Book a free “Soulful Connection Call” with me. A genuine conversation where we can talk about what truly matters to you, and see what unfolds. No pressure, no agenda – just real connection.
• Share your thoughts in the comments below.
• Message me privately for a genuine chat.
• Or simply take a quiet moment to reflect.

Whatever feels most authentic to you.

Until next time.

Andrea – your “Soulful Challenger.”

 

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The secret to great leadership starts with you.

Remember, the most powerful leadership journey ignites from within.

Ask yourself: How can you spark that inner fire for great leadership to thrive?

About Andrea

Over the last two decades, I’ve supported Executives and Leaders across the NHS, private health, Local Government, transport, consultancy, sports, education, engineering, and marketing.

These have included leaders with job titles like Executive Directors, Clinical Leads, Headteachers, Consultants, Heads of Department, and Managing Directors.

I’m a firm believer that Great Leadership starts with you, which is why I’ve designed the “5 Principles of Great Leadership” – my unique perspective on leadership that emphasises the importance of your inner world (aka the ‘internal stuff’).

If you choose to embrace the ‘internal stuff,’ awaken your inner leader, and put yourself at the heart of leadership, let’s chat! Schedule a 30 minute complimentary call with me to explore how I can help you thrive as a leader by focusing on you.

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