The Pressure to “Succeed”

I think one of the prevailing issues in our society today, especially among young people is the pressure to succeed. Perhaps, this is talked about, but not enough I guess. I don't have facts and statistics to back it up, but I'm certain that four in every five young people have this pressure on them. Of course, I'm relating to this matter, and this assertion from the look of things in my country. Globally, it could be a different thing or story. But here, where I see things closely, it's a case of much pressure.

Now, I don't mean to say there are no pressures for the older age group. For a father or mother, struggling to keep up and provide for the family, it's a tale of constant pressure. In their case, it's not usually about some other achievements. It's mostly about providing for the needs of the children and family ultimately. I read a post from one of the bright minds I've seen online. His post highlighted how as a family man (or woman), you don't have the luxury of breaking down or resigning from other things to be with yourself. For the sake of the family, you have to keep moving.

It's the tale of many fathers and mothers in my part of the world. The painful thing is that, it doesn't seem surprising to people. And to the youths out there, there's mostly that pressure to “make it” so that you don't go through the same reality. As a youth, I can't say I've escaped some sort of pressure. Especially looking at how the world is moving and the cost of living escalating here. All of that is enough to draw one into the hole of pressure, drowning in it. Looking at the world and life ultimately, it puts pressure on me; you need to succeed, you can't fail.

Yes, that's the summary of the pressures that come along in life for me. I wish to highlight that my definition of success isn't financial gain and capacity, alone. It's about something more. This success means living up to my full potential, pouring out my gifts and talents, reaching out and helping others who need it, making the world a better place in my little way, not failing my family, and ultimately, the summary of it all, living up to my purpose. It's what drives true joy for me, and yet a pressure.

Listening to great men of wisdom like the late Dr. Myles Munroe left me with the need to be purposeful about life. But that itself leaves a necessary pressure. Not unhealthy though. There are days when the pressure is hard and feels so overwhelming. Not to sound motivational, but I've come to realise that not all pressures are meant to destroy. Some, just like gold passing through the right degree of heat, is what's needed to bring out the gem in a person. Nonetheless, it's hard to deal with this pressure sometimes. But I've learnt to look at the bigger picture and seek the help of God to pull through.

Images are AI generated.

Thank you for reading through!