Embracing KOMO: Balancing Startup Life and FOMO

This week, I’ve been dealing with KOMO. Haven’t heard of it? Luckily, it’s not a dreaded illness but a cousin of FOMO – Knowledge. Of. Missing. Out.

While I’ve been here grinding away, one daughter was kayaking through the stunning Algarve sea caves with friends – the very tour that got canceled on me due to “extreme oceanic events” and pouring rain. Meanwhile, my other daughter is flooding the family chat with gorgeous photos from Lake Geneva, Annecy, and a double scoop of gelato from one of France’s top-ranked ice cream shops. Honestly, the gelato might be the hardest part to get over.

Of course, I’m thrilled that my daughters are having such wonderful holidays. Their joy and the sunny faces of my friends enjoying Italy, Croatia, and the US South fill my heart. Yet, there’s a part of me that whispers, “It’ll just be for now. Your turn will come.” In a startup, every week counts, especially in the first six months post-investment. But another part of me knows that taking a break can boost productivity. Some of my colleagues from the Zinc Accelerator have come back recharged from their sunny escapes in Southern Europe and beyond.

Social Circles

Reflecting on why I feel KOMO more keenly this year, I realize it’s not just about missing out on vacations. It’s about a shift in my social circles – many friends have retired early (young, in fact), while I’m still in the thick of building my startup. Among my university roommates, I’m the last one working full-time. They’re playing tennis daily, cruising frequently, or enjoying a serene life in artistic New Mexico. And my grad school besties? I’m now the “last woman standing,” watching their adventures unfold on social media.

It makes me ponder: What exactly am I missing out on? Am I simply postponing my chance to travel, volunteer, and finally read the classics I promised myself 30 years ago? Or am I forfeiting these experiences altogether? Lifespan and healthspan are uncertain. I need at least 10 healthy, active years to explore the world. I’ve mentally reserved my last decade for a slower pace, surrounded by family and a loyal lap dog. But what if I miss out on that penultimate decade of travel, culture, and whimsy?

Shouldn’t I start chipping away at seeing the world now? My mother was a pro at that. She didn’t wait for anything. By seventy, she had rafted river rapids on three continents, gone on safari, hang-glided, and more, all while still working. Tragically, she passed away 11 days before her 70th birthday. Her adventurous spirit reminds me that time is precious.

So, what will I regret if my time comes too soon? Not trying my hardest to build something impactful or not exploring the world? I’m not a couch potato; I’m grateful for the parts of the world I’ve seen and for parents who prioritized family travel over material goods.

For now, I’m putting my efforts into building. I’ll quash any memetic desire and enjoy my loved ones’ adventures vicariously whilst doubling down on connecting with fellow founders. My planned trip to visit family in California later this year is my hedge. My chips are on building.

This Week’s Reflections

Lowlight: Our Friday team coaching session turned unexpectedly heavy. Fortunately, our skilled coach helped us navigate the tough conversations founding partners need to have and is aiding in building a more resilient partnership.

Highlight: Realizing Thursday evening that I had accomplished most of what I set out to do for the week. Eight pm snuck up on me, a sign of being in flow.

Ask: I’m focusing on patient learnings. If you or someone you know lives with asthma and doesn’t mind a few 5-minute tasks for social good, please get in touch at [email protected].

Other Founder Insights

You can check out what my ZINC cohort colleagues are up to:

A Founder’s Story – Marjo Palanee is now focusing the spotlight on under-represented founders and their startups

Air Aware Labs - providing personalized health insights from air pollution data

Kuma Health - transforming immune mediated disorders care through personalized medicine

Deep Roots - Securing additional revenue streams for farms and building resilient supply chains through agroforestry

Ultra BiOmics - improving your metabolic health

Smart Shift Energy - empowering consumers to reduce their home energy costs