The Illusion of Imitation and Breaking Free from the FOMO Trap

There’s a saying in South India: “Watching the tiger, the fox burned himself to get stripes.”

The fox believed that by resembling the tiger, it could live like one.

We often fall into the same trap. We observe others and think we can replicate their success.

Last year, I spent 60 days in San Francisco and felt that I could achieve more if I stayed there. Upon returning to India, I found myself grumbling about my luck.

Then the funding winter hit, and, I smiled. I hadn’t secured funding, but now, neither had anyone else.

As I posted on LinkedIn, I watched my friends in the U.S. stay busy. The thoughts crept in: “If I were there,” “If a VC backed me—” “If this, if that.”

This is the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) trap, which often stems from self-doubt.

Breaking free from this illusion is the first step toward focusing on what matters.

Rather than trying to imitate others’ successes, it’s essential to recognize your unique path and circumstances.