03 Sep Let Go & Be Happy: How to Avoid Social Pressure and Embrace Who You Are
Let’s be real: we’ve all experienced that moment where we’re lying in bed contemplating all the embarrassing mistakes we’ve made in life rather than getting some much-needed shut-eye.
Why did I go in for a fist bump when they clearly wanted to shake hands like an adult? Cringe.
The truth is, we place a great deal of pressure on ourselves. We are legit our own worst critics. Despite what you might see on Instagram, no one is perfect. If you wallow in self-pity, you’re just going to spiral down a dark hole and completely destroy all your good vibes.
As Elsa famously said, “Let it gooo.”
Seriously, though. Wouldn’t life be so much easier if you dropped the self-criticism and didn’t let social pressures breathe down your neck like you’re its next meal? There will be many occasions where your goals, decisions, or behaviors will go against societal expectations or cause someone to dish out some hate.
Instead of letting someone exert influence over you – because we know you see right through their passive-aggressive sarcasm – show yourself a little self-love and let their words pass over you like an annoying gust of wind.
I can’t tell you the number of people I’ve seen sacrifice their happiness just because of social pressure. And what are they left with? Regret. Because instead of embracing themselves for who they are and doing what they truly wanted, they let others dictate how they should live.
In an era ruled by social media, the pressure is even more pronounced. People feel obligated to manufacture an entire lifestyle just to adhere to the “standards” of their social feed. When you stop focusing your energy on fabricating who you are and give yourself the freedom to follow your own path, you’ll find genuine happiness.
And with true self-satisfaction and joy, you’ll finally get to live your life, explore your passions, and enjoy your hobbies instead of living behind a lens.
So, stop the shaming and open your mind. Here’s how.
The Majority ≠ The Right Way
Social pressure is powerful. There’s no denying that fact. Especially when several people start expressing their disapproval of what you’re doing. When people gang-up on you, your mind is programmed to think, “Welp, they must be right and I’m clearly in the wrong.” This type of rationalizing has been ingrained into our minds since childhood, with our brains trained on the principle that the majority always wins out.
That’s only in theory, though. In practice, it’s not some concrete truth. I mean, if we’re being honest, most people don’t really know what they’re saying half the time – it’s merely a product of social conditioning. They’ve simply been exposed to various beliefs and behaviors over the years – from parents, peers, books, teachers, media, etc. – that they never bothered to question and therefore accepted as true.
When you look at it from this perspective, doesn’t it seem pretty silly to give an idea authority or let it sway you in a different direction just because a lot of people believe in it? You’re in the driver’s seat. Control your own path.
Don’t Be Overdramatic
Did you hit the bars with friends last weekend and they teased you for not ordering a beer? Or, did you slay a killer streetwear outfit the other day, but it resulted in some odd gawking from a few random onlookers? In your mind, those couple of non-approving onlookers might have felt like a horde of protestors gathered in your honor to rally against your hideous fashion choices.
In reality, however, it’s your fears and anxiety that are exaggerating the situation and blowing what actually happened way out of proportion. It’s easy to fall into a negative mentality, even over minor events. Your brain starts churning out thoughts – “Everyone hates me.” “I screw everything up.” – but it’s simply a matter of shifting your mindset and adopting an attitude rooted in self-confidence and positive vibes. Trust me, it’ll save you a lot of unnecessary stress.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
There’s only one you. And while you may not think it (yet), that’s a beautiful thing. When you compare yourself to others, especially in terms of unrealistic ideals of what beauty or success looks like, it’ll really hurt your psychological health. You’re not inferior because you don’t have six-pack abs and you’re not a failure because you don’t live in some fancy home. If those are the things you focus on, negativity will seep into your life like a parasite, feasting away on all the incredible things that make you unique. Love yourself and remember what makes you great.
Work to Develop a Strong Sense of Self
It’s easy to succumb to social pressure when your feelings of self-worth aren’t great. When you learn to own who you are, it gives you the confidence to define yourself and your happiness, rather than seek approval from others to feel validated or good about yourself. If someone disapproves of a choice you’ve made, so be it. A positive self-imagine means being unapologetically real. Remember, you are your best asset.
Surround Yourself With Good People
Build a circle of friends who are going to accept you for who you are. If you’re surrounded by people who are constantly putting you down or rejecting the things you love, why are they still in your life? Cut them out of the picture. They are nothing but toxic to your health.
Whether you connect with open-minded people who welcome new ideas and diversity or you hang with a group of like-minded individuals who share similar interests and goals, you’ll be in the company of people who show you the value of being true to yourself. It’s immensely freeing to be surrounded by people who support you – these types of friends are priceless.
Farewell, herd-like haters.
The ultimate goal is self-acceptance. Don’t settle for anything less. The only person who should be dictating your life is you.
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