Double Edged Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is an interesting thing, in that, it can be used for and accomplish some really valuable things, but also can be a hugely harmful thing. It cuts both ways.
I have typically assigned the peer pressure scenario to young people. And rightfully so, the teen years are generally a period of some intense peer pressure.
From my vantage point there is equal or more peer pressure amongst "older" people though. It is just more subtle, and it's generally the more suppressive type peer pressure, as opposed to a more reckless peer pressure amongst teens. Different manefestations of the same thing.
Peer pressure may be a part of the reason older people get so "set in their ways".
At any one point in life though, we never reach a point of arrival. If you become set in your ways, you have just signalled the beginning of the end.
Pride often holds us back as we get older. Pride and comfort cripple us as we get older and prevent personal growth.
If you're doing something due to peer pressure, I would highly recommend doing a thorough evaluation of the activity and making sure it makes sense for you. Peer pressure forced behaviour rarely is helping you though. It's usually helping someone else accomplish their goals.
The point of this isn't about being selfish either. It's about being the best possible version of yourself. Not some version of a peer pressure group.
I have typically assigned the peer pressure scenario to young people. And rightfully so, the teen years are generally a period of some intense peer pressure.
From my vantage point there is equal or more peer pressure amongst "older" people though. It is just more subtle, and it's generally the more suppressive type peer pressure, as opposed to a more reckless peer pressure amongst teens. Different manefestations of the same thing.
Peer pressure may be a part of the reason older people get so "set in their ways".
At any one point in life though, we never reach a point of arrival. If you become set in your ways, you have just signalled the beginning of the end.
Pride often holds us back as we get older. Pride and comfort cripple us as we get older and prevent personal growth.
If you're doing something due to peer pressure, I would highly recommend doing a thorough evaluation of the activity and making sure it makes sense for you. Peer pressure forced behaviour rarely is helping you though. It's usually helping someone else accomplish their goals.
The point of this isn't about being selfish either. It's about being the best possible version of yourself. Not some version of a peer pressure group.
Sigh...soo very true.
ReplyDeleteI highly dislike peer pressure...
We deal with so much anxiety with peer pressure.... it's like a gas chamber, slowly killing us. Morbid but true.
I agree about peer pressure being the beginning of the end. Unless the pressure is for good! Ive seen people ostracized for not joining the mob mentality. Not joining peer pressure.. I feel we must live so we can lay our head down at night and have peace, that you were the very best version of you that you can be.
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