Why do people misunderstand scope?

Do you really understand the true meaning of scope?

Many people confuse long term thinking vs short term thinking when they talk about scope. They think scope is just about what’s possible right now, but that’s a narrow view. Scope is actually bigger—it’s about potential over time.

Understanding long term thinking vs short term thinking helps you see whether something is just a passing trend or has lasting value.

According to Oxford dictionary, scope means:  

the opportunity or ability to do or achieve something.

That opportunity becomes much clearer when we think in terms of long term thinking vs short term thinking.

What Is Scope?  

Scope is about things that will stay important and useful for the next 20, 50, or

 even 100 years—things that people will always need, talk about, and rely on.  

For example, think about food:  

As long as humans live, food will always be necessary for survival.

That’s why restaurants, hotels, street food, and cooking will always have scope. Because they meet a basic human need.  

Scope is any field that consistently gives results and remains relevant. 

But many people misunderstand it.  

They think scope is about what’s popular or trending now. 

That’s not scope; that’s a trend and trends don’t last long.  

Scope vs. Trend 

People are oblivious to reality. They only see what they want to see.  Imprisoned by their mind’s restrictions. When all they have to do is shift their perspective to see the full scope of things.

To understand scope, you need to think ahead.

People with vision look at what will matter in the future while impulsive people only follow what’s popular today.  

For example, 

when something becomes trendy, everyone rushes toward it, which often ruins its real scope. 

Imagine if everyone in a country decided to become a doctor:  

• Medical colleges would get  overcrowded  and increase admission requirements.  

• Students with  slightly  lower  grades wouldn’t  get in, leading to frustration and disappointment.  

• There wouldn’t be enough demand for all those doctors.  

• This would also hurt other fields, causing imbalance and problems.  

A  nation  can  only  progress  when all  fields grow  together in balance — not when everyone chases the same career.  

The key difference is:  

Scope is based on genuine needs and long-term value.  

Trends are temporary and often mistaken for importance.  

A trend was a trend only because people thought it so. And in thinking it so, they made it so.

The Danger of Following Trends  

Trends are like wildfire—they grow fast but burn out quickly. When people make decisions based on trends, they often regret it. 

Let me explain with an example:  

Imagine a child goes to an air show. He loves watching the planes flying in the

 sky and becomes so fascinated that he decides he wants to be a pilot.  

A trend works like that child—it rushes to conclusions without thinking deeply. But this can be dangerous.

Trends are only meant for short-term excitement, while scope is for long-term  benefits.  

Think Long-Term

To understand scope, you need to think beyond today.

Developing a long-term mindset is crucial. 

Reading books can help with this because books hold the wisdom of years of experience.

Some books take years to write; others are the reflection of someone’s entire life.

So, read, learn, and listen carefully. 

These habits will help you make better decisions for your future 🙂