The Psychology of your 20s cover image

The Psychology of your 20s

122. The pressure to be exceptional in our 20s

Sep 1, 2023
Young adults grapple with overwhelming pressure to achieve exceptional success, often fueled by social media and accolades like Forbes' 30 Under 30. The conversation delves into the emotional toll of these societal expectations, highlighting the importance of personal fulfillment over external validation. Through theories of self-determination and social comparison, they encourage listeners to redefine success and embrace mindfulness. Ultimately, the aim is to cultivate joy in exploration rather than being defined solely by achievements.
36:01

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Quick takeaways

  • The pressure to be exceptional in our 20s stems from societal obsessions with achievements and success stories, leading to self-doubt and dissatisfaction with life.
  • Rejecting the narrative of needing external validation and accomplishments allows young adults to find fulfillment in everyday experiences and pursue intrinsic motivations.

Deep dives

The Pressure to Be Exceptional in Our 20s

This podcast episode explores the increasing pressure on young adults in their 20s to be exceptional and highly successful. The speaker discusses how societal obsessions with achievements, success stories, and external validation contribute to this pressure. The Forbes 30 under 30 list and social media are mentioned as sources of comparison and self-doubt. The negative consequences of this pressure are highlighted, including self-criticism, burnout, and dissatisfaction with life. The speaker emphasizes the importance of rejecting this narrative and finding joy in ordinary experiences, while pursuing intrinsic motivations and defining personal fulfillment.

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