Everyone knows about the fear of missing out (FOMO) when it comes to passing on engaging in an activity, usually from having to skip going out with friends. The thing is, what people should really be afraid of is the fear of intentionally not engaging or participating in activities that have been proven to be good for you, like sports.

After all, deliberately not taking up the chance to do something quite literally lives up to the words “you won’t know if you don’t try”.

For instance, while combat sports does look scary from the outside – in taekwondo, you have to get out on a court and fight a person you may not have even heard of before in kyorugi (sparring). The sheer number of external factors, ranging from falling to getting your head kicked and perhaps a KO, means that the risk involved is pretty sizable.

Even if you decide to go the “safe route” and pursue competitive poomsae (pattern), you would still have to get in front of a crowd of spectators and perform an assigned pattern to the best of your ability. The possibility of stage fright is real.

But what if, instead of choosing on pass on the opportunity, you take the chance and try combat sports out? Other than finding out that you may like it due to the adrenaline rush – and perhaps use it as springboard to lead a healthier lifestyle – you’ll also have the chance to learn something new that may benefit you later, such as discipline, perseverance and empathy.

So, perhaps, it’s the voluntary choice to lose out on these benefits that makes the fear of intentionally not doing anything scarier than FOMO.

Victoire Morier