"PRESSURE TO BE PERFECT"

WHAT DOES “PERFECT” LOOK LIKE FOR A 20-YEAR-OLD TODAY? If I were asked to define what a ‘perfect’ life looks like when I was 20, I would say having a rich boyfriend, an expensive phone, and a fine body. I mean, that sounds perfect, doesn’t it? In today’s world, a perfect life is not what it was envisioned to be in the past. Rather, it has changed from personal growth and finding purpose in life to an obsession of who has the latest phone, who parties the most, who wears the best wigs in town, and who’s boyfriend drives the best car in the market. It has become all about appearance. But honestly, what has this obsession done to us, the youth?

Is the perfection that the modern society promotes perfect? At this time and age, a lot of youths have fallen victim to comparison and pressure, which has led to an increase in mental health struggles, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and in the worst case scenario, suicide.

Research shows one of the biggest culprits is Social media. Instagram and TikTok are no longer social platforms. They have become a place where most people only post what they want us to see. And I mean perfect bodies, dinner at expensive restaurants, designer gifts, and weekly lavish vacations. But there are things we don't see on these highlight reels: financial struggles, insecurities, and the loneliness behind the screens. Might it be all an illusion?

Comparison, competition, and pressure are what are created from what we see online. That’s the dark side of ‘Perfection.’ No one is perfect. Social media isn’t reality. You can spend all day doom-scrolling and admiring people’s lives, but you will never be them. Instead of losing the control you have by getting lost in what others are doing, purpose to focus on yourself, your growth, and your timing.

Mel Robbins, a speaker and famous author, says: “The pressure from social media, friends and even family creates fear, self doubt and lack of self trust”

The truth is real ‘perfect’ success takes time. And being in your twenties means you have the time. Every individual is on their own timeline, so no rush. Start with where your feet are and not where others seem to be. Slow down and trust your timing. Don't let social media make you feel behind. You will figure it all out. You don't have to be in competition with others; the only one you should compete with is yourself. Instead of comparing yourself to strangers online, take your time and discover who you really are. Build a loving relationship with yourself, and you will learn that true perfectionism is not what the society has painted it to be, but rather it is what you have successfully created for yourself.

YOU HAVE THE POWER WITHIN YOU . At the end of the day, only you have the power to create the life you want. Success and perfectionism are personal journeys and not a social media trend that you have to run around trying to chase and keep up with others. Learn to embrace your path, and you will achieve what you want in your own way. And one day, you will look back and feel proud of what you have created for yourself.

In short I would say, a quote that worked for me and I know it would work out for you to is “ Just let go of everything pulling you behind and trust that everything you desire will find its way to you” YOUR DESIRE IS ALREADY THERE, WAITING FOR YOU, so slow down and trust yourself.

Love and light

Sandra