Isabella Chase
There’s a big gap between staying updated and obsessively chasing the latest trends.
This difference is all about satisfaction. Chasing trends is a relentless pursuit, always seeking the next big thing without taking the time to truly enjoy what you already have.
Staying updated, on the other hand, allows you to appreciate current trends but also understand that they don’t define your happiness.
Chasing trends can feel like a never-ending cycle. And those who’ve broken free from it know there are several reasons why it doesn’t lead to lasting happiness.
Here are eight reasons why constantly pursuing the latest trends won’t make you happy.
1) It’s a never-ending cycle
The world of trends is a fast-paced one. As soon as you get your hands on the latest gadget, fashion piece, or social media app, there’s another one taking the spotlight.
This endless cycle can be exhausting. You’re always playing catch-up, trying to keep up with the rapid changes. And in this race, you often forget to enjoy and appreciate what you already have.
Think about it. The moment you finally acquire that highly coveted item, it’s no longer the trendiest thing out there. This constant pursuit can leave you feeling unsatisfied and empty.
Chasing trends can turn into an unfulfilling loop, where the end goal is continuously shifting. Instead of bringing joy, it can cause stress and dissatisfaction, making it a significant reason why chasing the latest trends doesn’t necessarily lead to happiness.
2) It’s not always about what you truly want
Let me share a personal story. A couple of years ago, I found myself caught up in the trend of minimalist living. Everywhere I looked, people were raving about the benefits of living with less. It seemed like the key to a happier and stress-free life.
So, I jumped on board. I decluttered my home, donating or throwing away things that didn’t ‘spark joy’. But soon, I felt an emptiness in my living spaces and a strange sense of loss.
That’s when I realized – I wasn’t truly invested in minimalism. I was doing it because it was trendy, not because it resonated with my values or lifestyle preferences.
Chasing trends often means adopting practices or buying things that may not align with your true desires or needs. And this lack of authenticity can rob you of your happiness.
So, reason number two? Pursuing trends can lead you down a path that isn’t genuinely yours, and that’s unlikely to result in lasting satisfaction.
3) It can be financially draining
Here’s something to consider – according to a study conducted by OnePoll, the average American spends over $300 a month on staying on top of trends. That’s a whopping $3600 a year!
This figure includes spending on fashionable clothes, tech gadgets, home decor, beauty products, and more. And let’s not forget the hidden costs of trend-chasing – the storage for all those items, the time spent shopping and researching, and the environmental impact of constant consumption.
Spending money on things you enjoy isn’t inherently bad. But when keeping up with the latest trends becomes a significant drain on your finances, it can lead to stress and unhappiness.
So, another reason why chasing trends won’t make you happy? The potential financial burden it can create.
4) It can distract from personal growth
When you’re caught up in chasing the latest trends, it’s easy to lose sight of your personal growth and development. Instead of focusing on self-improvement, learning new skills, or nurturing relationships, you might find yourself preoccupied with keeping up with the latest fads.
Remember, personal growth often comes from within, not from what’s popular or trendy. By focusing too much on external trends, you may miss out on opportunities to grow as an individual.
In essence, trend-chasing can divert your focus from what truly matters – personal growth and self-improvement. And that’s another reason why it might not lead to genuine happiness.
5) It can lead to comparison and discontent
We’ve all heard the saying, “comparison is the thief of joy.” This rings particularly true when it comes to chasing trends.
In our pursuit of the latest and greatest, we often forget to appreciate what we already have. Instead, we tend to compare ourselves and our possessions with others. We notice what they have, what’s new and trendy in their lives, and we feel a sense of lack in our own.
This comparison can lead to feelings of discontent and unhappiness. Instead of celebrating our uniqueness and the things that make us special, we can easily end up feeling inadequate or left behind.
So, another reason why chasing trends won’t make you happy is because it encourages unhealthy comparison. And remember, true happiness comes from within, not from what you have or what others think of you.
6) It can result in a loss of identity
I remember a time when I was so caught up in following health and fitness trends. From different diets to workout routines, I tried them all. I was so focused on staying up-to-date that I forgot to listen to my own body and its unique needs.
In doing so, I lost a bit of myself. I was no longer making choices based on my personal preferences or what felt right for me. Instead, I was making decisions based on what was popular or recommended by influencers.
Chasing trends can sometimes lead us to lose sight of who we are. We may end up molding ourselves to fit into what’s trendy instead of embracing our unique identities. And this loss of identity can certainly lead to unhappiness.
7) It can create a fear of missing out
Chasing the latest trends often goes hand in hand with the fear of missing out, also known as FOMO. This is the uneasy feeling you get when you think others are having rewarding experiences from which you are absent.
This fear can be both stressful and exhausting. You’re constantly on the lookout for the next big thing, afraid that you’ll miss out if you don’t jump on it immediately.
But in reality, you can’t possibly keep up with every single trend. And trying to do so can leave you feeling anxious and unsatisfied.
So another reason why chasing trends won’t make you happy? It can lead to FOMO, a constant state of stress and dissatisfaction.
8) It doesn’t lead to lasting happiness
At the end of the day, chasing trends is a fleeting pursuit. The happiness derived from acquiring the latest thing or adopting the newest practice is often temporary.
True, lasting happiness comes from within—from living authentically, nurturing meaningful relationships, and pursuing personal growth. It’s about being content with who you are, not what you have or what you do.
Chasing the latest trends might give you a temporary high, but it won’t lead to enduring happiness. And that’s perhaps the most important reason of all.
A final reflection
At its core, the pursuit of happiness often aligns more with authenticity and self-contentment than with chasing the latest trends.
Research from San Francisco State University found that people who spent money on experiences instead of material items were happier and felt the money was better spent. The joy of living in the moment, creating memories, and making genuine connections often outweighs the fleeting thrill of obtaining the newest item on the market.
Chasing trends can feel like running on a treadmill. No matter how fast you run, there’s always another trendy gadget, style, or fad just out of reach. It’s a race with no finish line – a pursuit without end.
So perhaps it’s time to step off that treadmill and look inward. To find happiness in the everyday moments, in personal growth, in connections with others, and in the simple joy of being authentically you.
After all, happiness isn’t about having what’s new or popular. It’s about cherishing what’s genuine and uniquely yours.
