Why do we feel the pressure to be exceptional in our 20s? This podcast explores the impact of societal expectations and the obsession with success. It emphasizes the importance of finding fulfillment without external validation and encourages using our 20s for personal growth and exploration rather than just excelling.
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.
The Origins of the Pressure
The podcast explores the origins of the pressure to be exceptional in our 20s. It highlights how social comparison, social media, and successful sibling syndrome contribute to the desire for external validation and accomplishments. The impact of the Forbes 30 under 30 list and the societal admiration of wonder children is discussed. The speaker shares personal experiences and challenges the idea that being exceptional is the only path to happiness and self-worth.
Consequences and Motivators
The episode delves into the consequences of seeking external validation and the pressure to be exceptional. It examines the negative effects on mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. The theory of self-determination is introduced, highlighting the importance of intrinsic motivators for sustained commitment and enjoyment. The speaker emphasizes that pursuing passions and finding joy in everyday life is more fulfilling than the pursuit of external recognition.
Rejecting the Narrative and Finding Contentment
The podcast provides guidance on how to reject the pressure to be exceptional and find contentment in everyday life. It encourages reframing social comparison, questioning societal expectations, and avoiding toxic media and people that promote unrealistic standards. The importance of exploring personal desires and redefining happiness based on internal values is emphasized. The speaker suggests focusing on delight and gratitude in ordinary experiences, while acknowledging that being a work in progress is a natural part of the 20s journey.
Increasingly, those of us in our 20s are facing an exceeding pressure to be exceptional and have a million accomplishments and accolades under our belt. If we are not successful, what are we worth? Examples like the Forbes 30 under 30, the wunderkind phenomena and young success stories all make us feel like we're not achieving enough or are falling behind. Today we're going to break down exactly why we feel this way, using theories around self determination, observational learning and social comparison. We'll also examine how we can break away from our need to be defined by our successes using practices like mindfullness, examining our online persona and capturing delight to use our 20s to explore rather than excel. Listen now!