#FOBO – The Struggle is Real

U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” In today’s world, fear shows up in many forms. Early in my sales career, we were taught to leverage the “FUD” factor: Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt. It was a way to motivate clients out of the status quo and into action.

Fast forward to the social media era, and #FOMO—Fear of Missing Out—became the new buzzword. Curated posts fueled a cycle of comparison and self-doubt. But now, something deeper is emerging. #FOBO—Fear of Being Obsolete.

Especially in sales, the shift is undeniable. Studies show that B2B buyers now complete 50% to 70% of their decision-making before speaking with a salesperson. Why? Because access to information has changed the game. Wining and dining is no longer the strategy. Influence, insight, and adaptability are what matter now.

 I recently came across the 2025 ETS Human Progress Report, which dives into this very fear. While 88% of people agree that continuous learning is essential to succeed in today’s society, there’s a clear generational gap. Millennials and Gen Z are leading the way. Three out of four already hold workforce skills credentials. Gen X? Not quite there yet.

 Maybe that’s due to differing timelines to retirement. But here’s the hard truth. Unless you're exiting the workforce soon, you have to evolve. Younger generations already are. They’re hungry, credentialed, and fluent in the new workplace currency: self-awareness, adaptability, and tech-savvy leadership.

This insight was reinforced for me during a sales competition at Bryant University, where Professor Stefanie Boyer, PhD💧 has developed a curriculum focused on sales and leadership. Students were tasked with delivering a one-minute elevator pitch to secure an interview. What struck me most was how these undergrads—sophomores, juniors, and seniors—used the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method and absolutely nailed it!

This experience highlighted a hard truth: younger generations are embracing technology and continuous learning with an eagerness that Gen X and beyond must match—or risk becoming irrelevant in the marketplace.

The prospect of continuous upskilling may seem daunting, but for those who adopt a lifelong learning mindset, the opportunities are boundless.

The bottom line:

#FOBO doesn’t have to define you. But ignoring it could hold you back.

So, ask yourself:

·       Are you actively building the skills you need for tomorrow’s workplace?

·       Are you adapting your approach, or relying on strategies that no longer apply?

·       Are you open to learning in new ways to stay ahead and stay relevant?

What advice would you give and share with others?