“Fear of missing out syndrome”: FMGE aspirants perceive that they are missing out on some fundamentally important resources needed to crack the exams compared to others (only in the academic context).
The term “Fear of missing out syndrome” was coined by Dr. Dan Herman, a marketing strategist in 1996,
This is quite an opposite condition to “Illusion of competency” & can negatively affect your self-esteem.
Vicious cycle: beware that the “fear of missing out syndrome” will trap you to use multiple & unfamiliar materials to prepare that can increase confusion & delay in preparation eventually leading to anxiety & loss of confidence that all turn in to a vicious cycle.
Complications:
Decrease your confidence in FMGE.
Decrease your self-esteem.
Increase your anxiety in FMGE.
Increase your procrastination during FMGE preparation.
How to overcome the FOMO syndrome FMGE preparation?
Change your mindset & focus: The foremost thing that you have to do is change your mindset to be optimistic to focus on what you have than what you lack for the FMGE preparation.
Strategize a complete study plan: You should always remember “Goal without a plan is a dream”, many students have many ideas of study plans but they are either unachievable or unrealistic therefore you need to strategize a complete plan with the following:
Choice of a question bank for the FMGE preparation: MCQs books or webs or apps with the question bank.
Plan to be implemented: Specific tasks/goals with priorities, deadlines & time management for reading, test practice & revisions per
Seek out for the genuine expert opinions: You might be in a dilemma after viewing the number of classes. books, apps & webs that bombard the market with the information, therefore, you will have to reach out for some genuine expert opinions without bias. Beware of coaching centers, agents & student ambassadors who can allure & tricks you to buy their sources, therefore, go for the genuine expert opinions.
Source of the study aids & question bank of the FMGE: all the materials available won’t fit your learning styles thus do not follow all the suggestions of others about the “Best materials”, therefore, be a good listener, analyze & choose by yourself.
Pareto’s paradox of 80/20: Make sure you are working on the right 20% of materials which is the key to success than wasting on the low yield 80%.
Reconsider your strategy & sources:
Practice exam scores are > 50%: then follow your plan & work on your materials more attentively to score a minimum of 75% in the tests.
Practice exam scores are < 50%: then you need to consider to adjust your strategy or change your source of reading/question bank.
Progress monitor in the FMGE preparation:
Keep a journal to track down your progress & analyze your level of competency.
The best way to diagnose your competency (strengths and weaknesses) is by taking practice exams (topic/Chapter/subject wise tests) after an initial reading & revision of a subject within 2 weeks’ time.
Keep tracking your progress & analyzing your level of competency to keep your scores above 75% until you complete the FMGE.
Also Watch:
FOMO – the fear of missing out: Bobby Mook at TEDxUNC:
