Before you absorb yourself in self-pity and unworthiness to be among prominent people of ethics, standards, and values, have you asked yourself if you have mastered the act of self-control? You are only enslaved by societal pressures when you can't control your mind!
One thing that I have always regarded in high esteem is growth! It's constant and changing! I'm so thankful for that! We outgrow things we thought we couldn't outgrow or even do without and that particular dilemma kept us in a stagnant cycle.
Societal pressure refers to the strong influence put forth by a body of persons on individuals to blend with its trends, norms, values, and expectations. This is why when I walk past an elder and not greet him/her I feel like I committed an offence because it has become a part of me.
This societal pressure can come from our closest family members including extended ones, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. It can also be in various aspects like cultural standards, social norms, or economic expectations, coercing a change in an individual's behavior pattern, beliefs, and choices.
In society, it has been a thing that has been lingering for ages but in modern times there have been little adjustments coming in gradually and washing away the mentality that is stuck with old age. This is why I say that I am indeed grateful for growth, it's the game changer!
To be honest with myself right now, I do not have any societal pressure aside from finance because it's the order of the day. Now and then, the economy is getting worse, the inflation in exporting and importing is so overwhelming, and the cost of living is escalating, show me who's living rent-free and I will tell you that such a person doesn't know he is opportune.
Some may think that I am comparing my financial status to some perceived societal norms, hell no! I do not do comparisons of any kind. I am so not in competition with anyone whatsoever, I compete with myself and anything else that concerns me. Yes, I am selfish if that's what you would call it!
I always thought that the pursuit of a particular thing (finance) or material success may overshadow my fulfillment, and trap me in a cycle of constantly trying to meet further expectations.
Truth be told, the pursuit of money can make one forget to improve themselves in other areas of their life. I'm very much aware that I need to balance my life and its expectations, money is nothing but just an essential tool to help an individual solve problems but why has it become the order of the day...?
E reach to ask oh!?!
On a very good day, I opened my WhatsApp application to respond to messages only to find out that an extended family 'An Aunt' messaged me and asked about my welfare. It's been ages since I knew her from my mom's elder sister. I wasn't quite familiar with her but I know her at least to an extent.
She initiated the chat just to ask me when I am getting married and I was like "Where did this question come from? ". Just a few lines of chat that didn't have meanings and boom!..." when are you getting married?".
That's freaking annoying but I played cool and responded to her "Give me husband oh" and she started laughing. In my mind, my mom hasn't bothered me; she's always praying for me and your extended family asking me such delicate questions.
The next day, she dropped a chat 'nne kedu' which means 'how are you' and I replied positively, and from the next question I could perceive that same question cooking. So I asked her for financial assistance, and she took a while before answering negatively.
Ever since my impromptu question about financial assistance she did not chat again till the following day. I still asked her for it the next day and she did not reply to my messages to date.
I was like cool! Nice strategy!
I was sure that if she asked me again in the future, the same question would follow up as a reply.
I needed financial assistance then and what one would ask me is such a delicate question, of course my love life is beautiful but should I begin divulging that?...absolutely no!
Why not be of help to my career and see if I won't listen to you?
I'm not making the mistake of getting married to the wrong partner because I wouldn't want a situation whereby I would get a divorce all signed up. So help me God!
HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO COMBAT SUCH PRESSURES?
To combat societal pressure one has to be willing to adapt to changes in behavior patterns;
One have to be strong-willed.
One have to be content, mastering the act of contention will limit unnecessary desires and pressure.
Your level of influence absorbent should be high, it's like instead of them influencing you the reverse is the case.
One have to know what's right and what's wrong and when to apply wisdom.
You also need to have a level of discerning to be able to know if to initiate an action or not.
Most importantly, stay determined and focused on your goals no matter what transpires.
Lastly, one have to be yourself! Imitating a celebrity lifestyle won't help you, you will be coerced to meet up demands!
This is a response to the #hivelearners word of the week episode two - #hl-exclusive & #hl-w98e2.
ALL IMAGES ARE EDITED WITH CANVA
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