You've seen it. It’s unavoidable. You're scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, and suddenly, there’s a video of someone doing something incredibly mundane—maybe they're just sitting in a quiet coffee shop or walking through a park without their headphones—and the caption reads: this is the whole point.
It’s weirdly catchy. It's also a bit of a middle finger to the hustle culture we’ve been drowned in for the last decade. Honestly, the this is the whole point trend isn't just another passing aesthetic like "cottagecore" or "quiet luxury." It’s a shift in how people, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are trying to justify their existence in a world that demands constant productivity.
What "This Is the Whole Point" Actually Means
Think about the last time you went on vacation. Did you spend the whole time worrying about the emails piling up, or were you actually present? The "this is the whole point" trend is about reclaiming those small, "unproductive" moments as the actual goal of life. It’s a subversion. We’ve been told for so long that we work hard so that one day we can relax. This trend argues that the relaxation, the quietness, and the simple joy of a cold glass of water or a sunset isn't the reward for the work—it's the entire reason we exist.
It's about the "micro-wins."
The trend usually features a lo-fi track or a specific ambient soundscape. People use it to highlight "liminal spaces" or moments of deep peace. It’s a reaction against the "main character energy" trend that was all about being the loudest, most successful person in the room. Now, being the person who can sit still is the new flex.
The Origin of the Sentiment
While it’s hard to pin down a single "creator" who started the this is the whole point trend, it grew out of the slow living movement. During the mid-2020s, as the world felt increasingly chaotic, creators began posting snippets of their lives that lacked "action."
There was no "get ready with me" (GRWM), no "day in the life of a CEO," and no "how to make six figures by 22." Instead, there was just a video of rain hitting a window. The text overlay would say, "This is the whole point." It resonated because everyone is tired. Simple as that. We are all exhausted by the performance of living.
Why This Trend is Ranking Everywhere
Algorithmically, this content performs well because it’s "sticky." It has a high re-watch rate. When you see a beautiful, calm video about the this is the whole point trend, you don't just scroll past. You linger. You breathe.
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Google and TikTok's algorithms pick up on that "dwell time." It's irony at its finest: a trend about slowing down is actually a high-velocity engagement engine. But beyond the tech, there's a psychological hook. It taps into "soft life" philosophy—a term popularized by Nigerian influencers that has since been adopted globally to describe a life of ease and intentionality.
People are searching for this because they want permission. They want someone to tell them it's okay to not be "grinding" for twenty-four hours a day.
The Counter-Culture Element
Is it a bit pretentious? Maybe. Some critics argue that the this is the whole point trend is just another way for privileged people to romanticize their lives. It’s easy to say "this is the point" when you’re in a high-end Airbnb in Tuscany. It’s a bit harder when you’re stuck in traffic on the I-95.
However, the most successful versions of this trend are the ones that find the "point" in the ordinary.
- A grandmother’s kitchen table.
- The way light hits a messy bedroom floor.
- Feeding a stray cat.
- The silence after a long shift.
These aren't expensive moments. They are accessible. That’s why the trend has legs. It’s not about having money; it’s about having attention.
How to Lean Into the Trend Without Being Cringe
If you're a creator or just someone who wants to document their life, don't overthink it. That's the first rule. If you try too hard to make a "this is the whole point" video, you've missed the point entirely.
- Stop the Edit: Don't use 50 cuts. Use one long, continuous shot.
- Audio Matters: Use "Original Audio" from a natural environment or a very stripped-back instrumental.
- The Caption is the Key: Keep it short. "This is it." "The whole point." "Why we do it."
You've probably noticed that the most viral clips aren't high-definition. They’re grainy. They feel like a memory. That’s intentional. We’re moving away from the "Instagram-perfect" look into something more tactile and raw.
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The Mental Health Impact of Re-framing Reality
There’s some actual science behind why the this is the whole point trend feels so good. It’s essentially a form of "savoring." Savoring is a psychological process where you consciously attend to the experience of pleasure.
According to researchers like Fred Bryant, savoring can significantly increase happiness and reduce stress. By labeling a moment as "the whole point," you are forcing your brain to exit the "default mode network"—the part of your brain that wanders and worries—and enter a state of mindfulness.
It’s a digital nudge to be present. In a world where our attention is the most valuable commodity, choosing to spend it on a quiet moment is a radical act.
Common Misconceptions
One big mistake people make is thinking this trend is about "quitting." It’s not. It’s not about being lazy or having no ambition. Most of the people participating in the this is the whole point trend are high-achievers who are trying to find a balance.
It’s about "the why."
If you work 60 hours a week, what is it for? Is it for a bigger number in a bank account? Or is it so you can have the Sunday morning where you make pancakes and listen to the radio? The trend argues for the latter. The work is the means; the quiet moment is the end.
Real Examples of the Trend in Action
Look at the way brands are even trying to pivot. You’ll see travel companies moving away from "see 10 cities in 5 days" to "spend a week in one village." Even the fashion industry is leaning into this with "slow fashion" and "wardrobe staples."
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A few months ago, a video went viral of a man in his 80s just sitting on a porch. No music. No dancing. Just him looking at the trees. The comment section was a goldmine of people saying, "He gets it." That video is the peak of the this is the whole point trend. It’s the realization that at the end of the day, all we have is the current moment.
How to Bring This Into Your Daily Life
You don't need a camera to participate. Honestly, it’s better if you don't use one sometimes.
Start by identifying your "whole point" moments. Maybe it’s the first sip of coffee. Maybe it’s the five minutes after you get home from work where you just sit in the car in silence. Recognize these not as "gaps" in your day, but as the destination.
When you stop viewing your life as a series of tasks to be completed, the quality of your time changes. You stop rushing. You stop looking at your watch. You just... are.
Next Steps for Embracing the Shift:
- Audit your "filler" time. Instead of reaching for your phone during a 2-minute wait, just wait. Look around. Notice one thing you haven't seen before.
- Practice "Sensory Grounding." When you find yourself in a peaceful spot, name three things you can hear and two things you can smell. This anchors the "point" in your memory.
- Change your digital diet. Unfollow accounts that make you feel like you aren't doing enough. Follow the ones that celebrate the "this is the whole point" lifestyle.
- Document for yourself. Take a photo of a quiet moment but don't post it. Keep it as a reminder of what you're actually working for.
The this is the whole point trend is a much-needed course correction. It reminds us that life isn't a race to the finish line—it's the scenery along the way. Stop waiting for the weekend, the vacation, or the retirement. The point is happening right now, whether you're paying attention or not.
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