In this weeks, MondayMotivator,
- Embrace positive influences: Say yes to good influences that support your values and uniqueness.
- Stand against negative pressure: Learn to recognise and resist peer pressure that challenges your values and inhibitions.
- Find supportive mates: Surround yourself with friends who back your individuality and have your best interests at heart.
Peer pressure is not new. Every generation has experienced it.
“I have to be part of the crowd,” “I feel pressure at school”, “My friends are all going to that party!” and so on.
In the teenage years, it feels like you’re in the fight of your life. It’s a struggle for independence from parents, authority and a surrender to your peers. It is a difficult time, but you can make it easier by saying yes to positive creative influences.
Peer pressure occurs at many stages of your life, and it comes in many disguises. It always seems your best companion. The one who might appear to make you popular or who opens up new ways to enjoy life more. However, that feeling often doesn’t last long because it has changed your way of life. It has helped you lose your inhibitions and values. And, sooner or later, you will regret ever making its acquaintance.
It would be best to learn to deal with it early because when you want to do something, you know what you should do. Something you know you can achieve. You might need to ignore the peer pressure from your relatives, friends and associates to do what they want or want you to do. Because they think they know what is best.
That peer pressure is the hardest to resist. This time is when you need friends who support you and have your best interests at heart.
So, let others travel in their direction. Support them if you can. You travel yours even if that means swimming against the current of popular thought. You are unique, so search for your special talents and use them to help you through tough times and when you feel alone.
Think to yourself, “I am in control of my life and refuse to surrender to peer pressure. I will develop the courage to fight negative influences. When I experience peer pressure or have problems, I will seek help.”