Today, people shape their lives under the influence of societal pressures. Statistics show that most individuals around the world prefer to live according to the expectations of others. According to a study conducted in 2022, 73% of people focus on factors such as salary and prestige when choosing a job, and 64% are influenced by their families’ or society’s views when making career decisions. This indicates that people are not acting according to their own passions and dreams.
Every aspect of our lives carries the marks of societal pressures. The clothes we wear, the schools we attend, even our simplest daily habits are often shaped by the demands of those around us. For example, a fashion study conducted in Turkey reveals that 60% of young people only prefer popular brands, and 72% try to dress in accordance with fashion. Many people have adopted commonly accepted styles instead of their own, in order to gain social acceptance. This leads to the limitation of personal freedoms and the difficulty of finding one’s identity.
A similar picture can be seen in education. In 2021, 68% of university students in Turkey were focused on income-generating fields, while 45% stated that they were forced to study a department they were not interested in. This is a situation that prevents individuals from reaching their potential. Likewise, a similar scenario exists in professional life. According to research, only 15% of workers worldwide are fully satisfied with their jobs, while the majority are unhappy in their careers. So, where does this unhappiness stem from? From adhering to societal impositions and not following personal desires and dreams.
Many people continue their lives thinking about the recognition and rewards society will give them. However, this situation can lead to an inner void in the long run. A 2019 study found that 80% of people were dissatisfied with their lives and did not listen to their inner voices. Those who do not realize their own dreams often lose their inner peace while trying to meet external expectations.
Even more interestingly, many people conform to societal rules to suppress their fears. Fear of failure, fear of exclusion… These fears actually tell us that we should stop before we live life. If we are brave enough to face our fears, we can discover talents we never knew we had. Many successes begin with courage. A 2020 survey found that 85% of successful entrepreneurs achieved success by taking risks and acting courageously despite their fears. However, society often advises us to avoid taking risks.
Living differently, thinking differently, and leading a life outside societal standards can be challenging. However, these differences allow us to find our own path. Consider this: it’s difficult for a successful entrepreneur to always be a person who conforms to society, just as many cultural and individual differences allow people to create their own uniqueness. And when we embrace these differences, we truly live our own lives.
One of the mistakes many people make is to set aside their desires, dreams, and passions in order to conform to societal norms. But what if we talked to ourselves? Then, we would only listen to our own voice and carve our own path. We would live our own life. We would do the work we truly love, wear the clothes we want to wear, and live life the way we want, not as others expect.
Remember, the world offers different opportunities for those who take bold steps. Listen to your inner voice, put aside your fears, and live your life to the fullest. Don’t just let society guide you. If you talk to yourself, you will only live your own life. True success comes not from society’s approval but from finding inner peace.