Why Chasing Trends Wastes Years Without Us Realising It

Every generation has its set of trends, from fashion to lifestyle to social media challenges. At first, they look exciting, giving people a sense of belonging and instant recognition. But many realise years later that blindly following trends did not add value to their lives. Instead, it consumed their time, energy, and focus that could have been used for building lasting skills or meaningful experiences.

Trends thrive on temporary appeal. Whether it is buying the latest gadget, copying viral fashion, or spending hours creating short videos, the thrill is short-lived. For young people in Tier-2 cities, where resources are limited, this constant chase often leads to financial strain and missed opportunities to invest in long-term goals like education or career growth.

The bigger issue is how trends create pressure. When everyone around is doing something new, those who stay out often feel left behind. This fear of missing out pushes many to spend on things they do not need or adopt lifestyles that do not align with their reality. In the process, years pass while chasing validation instead of building stability.

On the other hand, focusing on timeless skills, meaningful relationships, and personal growth creates value that lasts. Fashion changes, viral content fades, but knowledge, health, and purposeful work remain. A student who spends hours learning instead of endlessly scrolling will see results years later, while those stuck in trends often look back with regret.

The truth is, trends are not harmful in themselves—they bring fun and freshness. But making them the centre of life can waste years without notice. The wiser choice is to enjoy them in small doses while keeping eyes fixed on long-term priorities. That way, life is not just trendy for a moment but fulfilling for a lifetime.