You've Heard Of FOMO, But What Is 'FOBO'? Here's How To Spot This Damaging Issue.

Westend61 via Getty Images The "affliction of abundance" can cause big problems.

The concept of FOMO is widely known these days. This term for “the fear of missing out” even made it into dictionaries starting in 2013.

But fewer people are familiar with a related and similarly potent force: FOBO.

If you’re someone who agonizes over every big and small decision (even after the choice has been made), then you’re probably well acquainted with the experience of FOBO. That doesn’t mean it’s a good thing, however.

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Below, experts break down the definition and mental health implications of FOBO ― and share their advice for keeping it at bay.

What is FOBO?

“FOBO, or fear of a better option, is the anxiety that something better will come along, which makes it undesirable to commit to existing choices when making a decision,” author and venture capitalist Patrick McGinnis told HuffPost. “This specifically refers to decisions where there are perfectly acceptable options in front of us, yet we struggle to choose just one.”

McGinnis coined the term FOBO, as well as FOMO, back in 2004 when he was a student at Harvard Business School and wrote an article titled “Social Theory at HBS: McGinnis’ Two FOs.”

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He believes that FOBO is “an affliction of abundance.” Our on-demand world overwhelms us with seemingly endless choices, thus compelling us to keep all our options open and hedge our bets.

“It’s that nagging feeling that makes you hesitate or downright freeze up when faced with a decision, especially if there are several options available, worried that a better ― or even perfect ― choice might be out there and come along at any second,” said life coach and entrepreneur Tomas Svitorka.