Motivation on the Run

This morning I was thinking about peer pressure and how it effects the actions of people, both young and old. We all are familiar with the peer pressure that is put on the youth of today, but few realize the extent of the same on adults.

Our youth are in the early stages of learning and experimenting with the world of adulthood and it is not uncommon for them to do things because of peer pressure, both good and bad. The unfortunate part is that the bad influence seems to be the most prevalent because of the publicity it receives.

As a young 14 year old, I started smoking. Was it because it was cool or made me feel grownup? No, not at all. Several of my friends smoked and always offered me one, and by wanting to blend in, I accepted and began many years of a bad habit (smoke free for more than a decade now). Peer pressure to fit in with those I ran with was all it took to motivate me to try and then give in to the temptation. Other things teenagers (and some younger) do are a direct result of this. Stealing a package of gum, throwing a rock at a car, acting tougher than they really are, and drinking, are all results of the pressure to fit it.

Adults think they are immune and that peer pressure is a thing of the past, but that is not true. The pressure to dress a certain way, go to a certain club or restaurant, be seen with the right person or group, is not confined to the teenage years. No, adults are as guilty on these counts as their children. The “rat race” is a perfect example of peer pressure to succeed.

We spend our lives chasing the big dream and miss our children in the school play on playing 2nd base. We claim it is for them that we do it, but the truth is, we do it for us. We are driven (motivated) to succeed even in the face of ignoring our responsibilities to family. The pressure comes as a result of our peers who are chasing the same ring. We can’t let them get ahead, that would be unacceptable. We push ahead, striving to gain ground on them and excerpting a little pressure of our own.

Why do we give into the pressure of our peers? It has been studied by some extremely smart people for many years and even they can’t agree on the reasons. Some say it is just the way we are (genetics) and others say it is due to the influences around us growing up (surroundings).

I think the truth lies somewhere in between. Some do seem predisposed to certain traits or actions, and the surroundings do seem to play a role. The problem with the rules are all the exceptions; those from poor, drug infested neighborhoods that overcome and succeed and those that grow up with everything, wanting nothing, and ending up in prison or dead at a very early age.

The good news is … there is a remedy. Peer pressure can motivate us toward the good as well. This positive influence is all around us, but without all the publicity, some don’t realize it. Influences of church, community groups, tutors, mentors, and other positive family members can bring about motivation to improve ourselves. It can help us realize where the really important things are and how to invest in them.

The important part is to become a person of positive influence for those that you come into contact with. Parts of the Boy Scout LAW come to mind, … friendly, courteous, kind … reverent. These traits will inspire and affect with positive peer pressure, with children and adults alike.

Your charge: be an influence for positive peer pressure, to be a good “scout” and motivate people toward the truly important things. In doing this, you will see yourself moving to a better place and bringing those around you, with you.

[tags]motivation, peer pressure, influence[/tags]