Trend, fad or real change: telling them apart

A fad shines bright then vanishes in a blink. A deep, lasting trend, on the other hand, transforms habits for good. Telling them apart keeps you from pouring too much energy in the wrong place.

The test of time

Ask yourself if it'll still be here in a long time. A fad answers a moment; a deep trend answers a real need. The need lasts, the moment passes.

Neither good nor bad

A fad isn't a trap: it's meant to be fleeting and that's fine. The only issue is mistaking it for something lasting and putting all your eggs in it.

Enjoy fads for what they are: instant fun. And spot the deep trends to understand where your era is really heading.