As I look back to my childhood up until now, I could say that I have fallen under the evil spell of peer pressure and conformity. Although you may reject the idea that you too have done things because people push you to, or have altered things to be like everyone around you, some time in your life you have to accept that you have fallen under the spell, too—in order to move on.
As I look back to my childhood up until now, I could say that I have fallen under the evil spell of peer pressure and conformity. Although you may reject the idea that you too have done things because people push you to, or have altered things to be like everyone around you, some time in your life you have to accept that you have fallen under the spell, too—in order to move on.
Everyday we are all in a massive battle between what we want to do, what we think we should do and what we are told to do. This issue is worse than it actually seems. Peer pressure and conformity play a major role in our emotional and social development. We have created this mindset that being like everyone else and following the crowd is the norm, especially teens and young adults as they begin high school and college. They are surrounded by the thought of the need to fit in and be like everyone else, so peer pressure and conformity come hand-in-hand. A common situation is being pressured to consume drugs and alcohol because everyone else is doing it too. This could be happening to someone everyday and we are being oblivious about it because what they are doing seems “normal.”
Peer pressure could also feel closer to home—literally. Parents often pressure their children into doing things they believe is right because they have “been there, done that.” One instance that might seem familiar is a parent’s advice on your future career. They pressure you into becoming something they want you to become, because they believe it is best. Although some situations are done without bad intentions, the idea of pressuring anyone into doing anything is bothersome and wrong.
This is destroying us. We often feel like a disappointment to our parents, to those around us and ourselves because we can never truly fit their standards. Pressure and conformity mask our true selves, how we really think and feel. We want to believe we are happy, but we are not. Having a positive mindset and accepting that you too have fallen under this spell will allow you to make changes.
At the end of the day, it does not matter what your friends are going to think if you want to be sober. It should not matter if your parents want you to become a nurse instead of a chef. Do things for yourself, not for others. Shoot for the stars as long as you are happy, healthy and prospering in all things you want to do.
