Resist the Pressure to Conform

We are living in wild times, and not only because the world is currently dealing with a global pandemic. What I want to talk about today is the pressure to conform, to not make waves or be seen as “other.” While there are movements celebrating individualism, to be sure, that are gaining steam and support, it is still clear that our world is suffering from a social epidemic of sorts as well.

Under Pressure

Maybe it is because we’ve spent more time online due to the remote nature everything has shifted to, but it seems so much more prevalent these days on social media to see the pressure to be a “certain way.” So. Much. Pressure.

Pressure to conform to an ideal causes us to miss opportunities. It’s an honorable trait when people don’t need everyone around them to be just like them.

There is an ease and steady confidence in these people. These people are magnetic because they can stand on their own and don’t need to be followed around by “yes men/women” to feel secure and okay about themselves.

So what is it that allows these strong individuals to be this way? I think it comes down to self-esteem and self-love. On a basic level, they are simply how much you like, respect, and value yourself: the real version of you, not the modified one that looks like everyone else.

And let’s face it. It is nearly impossible to truly love yourself and have healthy self-esteem if you follow others and contort yourself to be more like them. Or perhaps worse—you are only surrounding yourself with those who have twisted themselves to become like you—nodding and smiling and agreeing with your every word.

That being said, is just blending in and surrounding yourself with those who are like you easier? Yes, absolutely. But in the long run, just as with so many other things in life, the “easy way” or what we often call the “path of least resistance” is not always the road that leads to true fulfillment, emotional health, happiness, or even success.

Authenticity Is Key

At the core of the issue is this: It is tough to be happy when you have no originality and do not express yourself. It’s like you are hiding the best of yourself: what makes you uniquely you. Not only will this lead to your feeling stifled and trapped, but it will even dampen your career in many areas. This is because self-confidence and self-esteem are crucial factors to achieving success and reaching your goals (YOUR goals, and no one else’s).

On the way up the proverbial ladder, you aren’t always going to have room on each rung for your “yes posse.” There will be many days when only you climb each one, relying on your own strength and wits to make any progress. You want to be able to be your own cheerleader in those moments. Unfortunately, you won’t have the luxury of your gaggle of clones there to cheer you on. These are the moments you dig deep and will have to rely on the hard work you have (hopefully) put in to be prepared.

At AMPlify, we would like to help you meet your goals and are ready with the resources and support to aid you in achieving your aims. So contact us today to get started on your journey.