Recently, I came across the term FOPO while listening to LinkedIn expert Selma Kuyas speak at a conference. The term intrigued me.
FOPO, or Fear Of Public Opinion, is a powerful force that lives in the shadows of many thought leaders’ minds—even those who have been sharing their insights for years.
The better-known FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out, urges action, while FOPO inhibits it. And FOPO over the long-term can cause full-on paralysis about publishing your ideas.
The more I think about it, the more I realize FOPO is one of the biggest reasons we see so many applicants for the limited spaces in the Thought Leadership Writing Incubator we run for Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs.
Writing doesn’t have to be a solo sport
Aspiring writers and emerging thought leaders are increasingly hesitant to go it alone. They want a safe space to test their ideas first before broadcasting. They want a place where they know they’ll have the support and encouragement of peers who face similar struggles.
Why is this the case now more than ever?
FOPO has intensified with the rise of social media trolls.
A toxic public dialogue means people are finding themselves attacked not just for their ideas but also on a deeply personal level. Recently, an expert in SEO and digital had to deal with insults about his sexuality and hairstyle after posting on his topic. Unfortunately, this is still relatively tame.
Now, the risk of random criticism feels like an occupational hazard for anyone who dares to put their ideas out in the world.
All those untested ideas – The cost and risks of FOPO
FOPO stops people from acting out of fear that they will lose standing in the eyes of others. It can make a new writer hesitate, rethink, and eventually withdraw, leaving potentially groundbreaking ideas in the drafts folder.
This is a universal struggle, but for those newer to thought leadership, the stakes feel especially high.
Emerging thought leaders often find themselves in unfamiliar territory, feeling like imposters in a world of experts. FOPO sneaks up on them as they weigh every word, wondering, “Will my peers respect me? Will readers mock me? Will I come across as a fraud?” It’s a double-edged sword, because you feel you’re risking your reputation along with your comfort zone.
The experienced suffer FOPO, too
FOPO isn’t limited to those at the beginning of their journey. Even established thought leaders find themselves in its grip. The more visibility and credibility they have, the higher the expectations, and the harder it can be to open up and take risks.
In a way, the stakes only get higher. The fear operates differently for experienced writers—they know they’ve handled tough feedback before, but FOPO can still make them second-guess themselves and become cautious about losing the reputation they’ve worked so hard to build.
Here’s the thing: FOPO isn’t gone just because you’ve conquered it once.
It’s a constant companion on the journey to becoming a trusted voice. As Steven Pressfield writes in The War of Art, resistance, in all its forms, is often a sign that we’re heading in the right direction. Resistance, he notes, will tell you anything to keep you from doing your work.
FOPO is resistance in one of its most insidious forms, particularly when your work and ideas matter so much to you.
Reframing FOPO – What difference could your thinking make?
FOPO can also be seen as a “compass.” Rather than a deterrent, let it signal that you’re exploring ideas that are meaningful and relevant – ideas that have the potential to move others.
Instead of asking, “What will people think?” try reframing the question as, “What difference could this make?” This shift can help transform the fear from something that holds us back into a subtle guide, urging us to write what’s both valuable and true.
If you’re one of the many who feel FOPO in the pit of your stomach before hitting “publish,” know that you’re not alone.
Thought leadership requires not only expertise but courage—a willingness to face criticism, engage with new perspectives, and be vulnerable enough to let your voice be heard.
FOPO will always be there, but perhaps that’s a sign we’re on the right path, moving forward despite the fear.
Remember it’s called Thought Leadership, not Thought Followership.