We have all seen modes. The latest modes, electronic devices, toys and regimes are among the trends that come and go. Which is hot and what cannot change practically overnight. The goods that people queue for last year will collect dust on store shelves this year.
Following current fashion means following the behavior of the crowd. In doing so, you bind your desires to the desires of others. While something becomes more popular, more people have attracted it. Anything that attracts all the attention can have wounded in darkness for years. But now, because it is under the spotlight, everyone feels that they need to have it.
Who starts the fashions and how do they start? It doesn’t really matter. Some modes are triggered by celebrities. Others are launched by the media. FADs can even be intentionally started when a manufacturer limits the production of a specific item.
Whatever its origin, when a fashion has won enough traction to be discernible, people follow because of its size and notoriety, not due to an inherent value or importance.
The modes generate a lot of momentum for several reasons. Some feel comforting by accompanying the crowd. Others want to be recognized up to date with the latest trend. There are also those who want to impress others by being among the first to jump on board with the last mode.
Some people structure their lives to follow everyone. They change direction as quickly as each new craze comes and comes. This approach is similar to drifting on the ocean, in the direction that the wind and the currents take you.
A fashion designer at work.
People pursuing the modes constantly adapt to comply with the latest trend. They can even come to the point where they exchanged their own identity for the identity of those they follow.
When you follow the fashions, you get what everyone wants rather than satisfying your own desires. It’s a bit hollow to do something just because that’s what others do. Each of us has our own desires and objectives. We know what we like and love. We have our own opinions. However, so many people are taken in fashions. What satisfaction can you get by following the herd?
Don’t worry about what others do. It doesn’t matter. The important consideration is to understand what you want. If you are not sure, you may not have thought enough. Make sure you take some time to identify your own desires.
If you have children, you will do them a precious service by demonstrating by your actions that it is not necessary to follow the modes. Your children consider you an example of how they should behave. If they see you chasing each new fashion, your children will most likely do the same.
Follow your own path and you will be much more contained. The modes come and go, but your life will be consistent, depending on your own values. When you like something, don’t avoid it if it happens to be a fashion. Modes tend to make things too expensive, difficult to get, or both. All you have to do is wait for fashion to die. Then the price will drop and availability will increase.
As long as you do what you want, because you want to do it, current fashion will have no impact on you. You can look with fun all the other people who find themselves in the frenzy.
Bryan Golden is a management consultant, motivator lecturer, author and auxiliary teacher. Bryan is also the author of “Dare to live without limits“Available in some bookstores or on its website by click here. Send an email to Bryan to Bryan@columnist.com
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