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.

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.”

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. “Whether it’s picking something from the menu at a restaurant, choosing a vacation spot or, in more serious cases, deciding on a life partner, FOBO thrives on the question: ‘What if there’s something even better out there?’”

This extreme risk aversion leads to overanalysing and procrastinating ― the point of potentially never making an actual decision. Basically, it’s a recipe for indecision and “analysis paralysis” as people draw out the process of making choices and hesitate to commit.

“As a result, you live in a world of maybes, stringing yourself and others along,” McGinnis explained. “Rather than assessing your options, choosing one, and moving on with your day, you delay the inevitable. It’s not unlike hitting the snooze button on your alarm clock only to pull the covers over your head and fall back asleep … over and over and over.”

How does FOBO affect people’s lives and mental health?

“FOBO is a serious problem that can inflict far more damage than FOMO,” McGinnis noted. “Unlike FOMO, which is largely an internal struggle that mostly hurts you, the costs of FOBO aren’t just borne by you, they are also imposed on those around you.”

People with FOBO tend to alienate their........

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