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The Freedom of Missing Out: Letting Go of Fear and Saying Yes to Life
2023 Illumination Book Awards Gold Medalist, Catholic
2023 Independent Press Awards Distinguished Favorite, Religion Nonfiction
EXPERIENCE MORE BY DOING LESS
IF YOU LIVE A LIFE OF CONSTANT JOY, BALANCE, AND EASY MODERATION, THEN THIS BOOK ISN’T FOR YOU. But if you are like the rest of us, every day presents a blinding rush of options and opportunities, risks and benefits. And no matter what, you are going to miss out on something that might be better than what you choose. Mix this anxiety with an unhealthy dose of fear in all its various forms, and you have a recipe for a confused, neurotic, and unhappy life.
But there is hope for this present-day malady.
Shattering the popular conception that we should say yes to everything lest we miss out on something better, Michael Rossmann outlines a practical plan for developing emotional courage, increasing focus, and learning to say no to what depletes us. In turn, we end up with the space and ability to say yes to what energizes us and gives our lives more meaning, vitality, and purpose.
Blending personal stories, wisdom, and humor with cutting-edge research, Rossmann’s counterintuitive approach to the challenges of daily living provides readers with a roadmap to experience the freedom that comes from learning to discern what’s best for you, setting boundaries, and making a commitment to what matters most in your life.
2023 Independent Press Awards Distinguished Favorite, Religion Nonfiction
EXPERIENCE MORE BY DOING LESS
IF YOU LIVE A LIFE OF CONSTANT JOY, BALANCE, AND EASY MODERATION, THEN THIS BOOK ISN’T FOR YOU. But if you are like the rest of us, every day presents a blinding rush of options and opportunities, risks and benefits. And no matter what, you are going to miss out on something that might be better than what you choose. Mix this anxiety with an unhealthy dose of fear in all its various forms, and you have a recipe for a confused, neurotic, and unhappy life.
But there is hope for this present-day malady.
Shattering the popular conception that we should say yes to everything lest we miss out on something better, Michael Rossmann outlines a practical plan for developing emotional courage, increasing focus, and learning to say no to what depletes us. In turn, we end up with the space and ability to say yes to what energizes us and gives our lives more meaning, vitality, and purpose.
Blending personal stories, wisdom, and humor with cutting-edge research, Rossmann’s counterintuitive approach to the challenges of daily living provides readers with a roadmap to experience the freedom that comes from learning to discern what’s best for you, setting boundaries, and making a commitment to what matters most in your life.
180 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2022
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48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 11, 2022
Using your freedom to make a commitment makes for a happier life than not acting because of a fear of missing out on something else. Putting off life decisions and waiting for something better to come along is no way to engage with others—or to achieve life’s satisfaction.
Just decide!
Just decide!
July 25, 2022
The Freedom of Missing Out is a terrific self help book, written by a Jesuit priest. I appreciated that the author kept religious language to a minimum and made the book accessible to everyone. While based on classic Christian principles, the author uses practical wisdom to encourage readers to work within constraints to find a new kind of freedom. The most compelling example was an anecdote in which Warren Buffett asked someone to make a list of their goals. After doing so, the person is told to mark out all but the top three goals and avoid the others like the plague.
Readers, in this book, are encouraged to go deep and work on quality endeavors, rather than trying to spread themselves too thinly. While this book was not exactly your typical self help book or your typical book of spiritual guidance, it did quite a nice job of serving out sound, practical advice in an engaging voice.
Readers, in this book, are encouraged to go deep and work on quality endeavors, rather than trying to spread themselves too thinly. While this book was not exactly your typical self help book or your typical book of spiritual guidance, it did quite a nice job of serving out sound, practical advice in an engaging voice.
July 14, 2022
Do you suffer from #FOMO or the Fear of Missing Out? I know I have.
Readers will learn how saying no can lead to growth and wisdom, while keeping your options open for too long can stunt our personal and spiritual growth.
The author uses entertaining and interesting stories to illustrate his points, and as a gardener at heart, the gardening references hit home with me.
A great book for recent #graduates and anyone searching for direction.
Readers will learn how saying no can lead to growth and wisdom, while keeping your options open for too long can stunt our personal and spiritual growth.
The author uses entertaining and interesting stories to illustrate his points, and as a gardener at heart, the gardening references hit home with me.
A great book for recent #graduates and anyone searching for direction.
April 11, 2023
A great little book for anyone who wants to live a more purposeful life. Accessible, easy to read, funny, practical and spiritual. I love the Chapter 2 image of pruning our lives.
4 stars because his perspective does lack some breadth & nuance - the majority of his numerous references are European (or European-descended) men. Very few women & people of color.
Also, on a personal note, didn't love his page 128 assessment of progressive, U.S., female religious life. I get his point, but I don't think his example helps anybody. In fact, it feels insensitive - and it's not totally accurate. I could go on, but it's not the point of the book.
4 stars because his perspective does lack some breadth & nuance - the majority of his numerous references are European (or European-descended) men. Very few women & people of color.
Also, on a personal note, didn't love his page 128 assessment of progressive, U.S., female religious life. I get his point, but I don't think his example helps anybody. In fact, it feels insensitive - and it's not totally accurate. I could go on, but it's not the point of the book.
December 27, 2025
Very quick read and good for young people! And old people, I presume! Let's also throw in the middle aged. While there is the impactful Christian perspective, especially as it relates to Ignatian spirituality , it is enjoyable and relatable, especially for people at a crossroads in one way or another. And aren't we all!
It's funny because I actually know Father Rossmann and it was an incredibly weird experience to not separate the writer from his work. It both enriched the experience and made me go "yeah this is definitely something he'd say. Oof!"
It's great! read it!
It's funny because I actually know Father Rossmann and it was an incredibly weird experience to not separate the writer from his work. It both enriched the experience and made me go "yeah this is definitely something he'd say. Oof!"
It's great! read it!
December 1, 2024
Picked this book up because I love the Jesuits and I struggle with FOMO. There are some pearls in here- I really liked what he had to say in the beginning about needing to say no to some things in order to give our full focus and attention to "yeses." But, I think the biggest thing I learned from reading this is that I do not enjoy self help-type books. More of a reflection on me than the author.
A good read, but not a necessary read IMO. I still love Fr. Rossmann!
A good read, but not a necessary read IMO. I still love Fr. Rossmann!
October 23, 2022
Great book! It's an easy read! It helped me "visualize" how I want to write my book... The idea is simple and gives you a lot of references and bibliography... Would recommend to anyone who's looking for comfortable book! #NoMoreFOMO
January 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. A fairly easy read but filled with insights and recommendations on how to live a better and more rewarding life by saying no more often to spend our time on the things that matter most to us and thus bringing more joy and happiness to our lives.
August 23, 2023
Rossman discusses the importance of not spreading oneself too thin in activities. He recommends really committing to fewer pursuits, not choosing the easiest ones, and adjusting your attitude to focus on opportunities rather than obligations. Sound advice with many helpful examples provided.
October 17, 2023
Great tool for reflection in the theology classroom; discussion questions provided were a great way to get students thinking about the ways they can slow down and make decisions in line with their vocation. Thank you for this resource.
November 22, 2024
Wonderful book!
This book was a pleasant surprise, as I believe the pearls of wisdom will resonate with different age groups. It's not easy to achieve that. Thank you for writing this book.
This book was a pleasant surprise, as I believe the pearls of wisdom will resonate with different age groups. It's not easy to achieve that. Thank you for writing this book.
June 12, 2023
a great read!
A wonderfully written book for the modern times. Very easy to read and to learn how to apply the Jesuit/Ignatian Spirituality in making commitments in life especially in our world now full of distractions.
A wonderfully written book for the modern times. Very easy to read and to learn how to apply the Jesuit/Ignatian Spirituality in making commitments in life especially in our world now full of distractions.
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January 12, 2024A thoughtful summation of many pop psychology books. There’s a Catholic twist, but it could be a meaningful read for non-religious and religious folks alike.
January 22, 2025
Quick read with lots of great thoughts to ponder.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews