Peer pressure is often viewed as a negative influence, associated with encouraging bad behavior, risk-taking, and conformity. But, can peer pressure also be a positive force in our lives? Can it motivate us to try new things, push beyond our comfort zones, and grow as a person?
Yes, peer pressure is not necessarily about bad influence, It can push people to step out of their comfort zones, adopt healthy habits, or strive for success. It encourages growth and motivates you to put in your best for a better result.
I had some friends in my secondary school days, we were three friends, and two of them were outspoken, always representing the school in debates, sports, and other valuable activities, I was the opposite of these girls, I was a very shy type, love to be in my space and never involve myself in any school activities.
I love what they were doing but I am someone who has a phobia of facing crowds, I can never stand to face a crowd, I always feel fidgeting and stammering if such a thing should happen, seeing my friends doing all these for the school and calling them out on the assembly grounds motivates me, I wish I was one of them anytime they are winning awards.
They tried their best for me because I was not a dull student, just that my calmness overshadowed me and separated me from things I should benefited from, we always read together and we prepared for any debates they were preparing for, I saw myself as part of their success but I wish I can be more than that.
One day, one of them called me after the class activities and said to me that I could do more than them, she knows I am a shy type and not ready to face the crowd, so she decided to be of help by telling one of our teachers who is very strict and have a command habit to please put my name on the lists of people who would coordinate the morning devotion on the assembly ground for the coming week, she came back to me and told me what she discussed with the teacher in other to prepare me ahead of the next week because the roasters is every week.
I shouted at her because how would I coordinate the morning devotion for almost two hundred students for a whole week, the fear of facing them kept running through my head, but thanks to them, we would sit back after class to rehearse for the songs I will sing because we are attending boarding house school, we have lots of time to rehearse.
The week came and they told me I could do it, I climbed onto the stage and when I saw the crowd I began to shake, they shouted my name and said "Go girl, we believe in you" I never know how the courage came and I coordinated the assembly for that week, to some extent I reduced my fear and they pushed me to join the school debate, I believe this part is harder than I could imagine.
With their help, I could manage my fear and stand to address more people, I was voted to be the class representative and this also helped me have more conversations with my teachers than in secondary school, with their help I could say I was pushed to become someone better now, they started the journey by motivating and encouraging me to push more and be a better person.
Peer pressure can be a positive force in our lives when it encourages us to try new things, challenge ourselves, and grow. By surrounding ourselves with supportive and encouraging people, we can feel motivated to push beyond our comfort zones and achieve our goals.
This experience taught me that peer pressure, when positive, can push us beyond our perceived limits. It emphasized the importance of considering other's perspectives and being open to their influence. The support of my friends created a safe environment for me to grow and discover new talents.
This is my response to today's episode of hivelearners community prompt of #hl-w153e3 which the topic is tagged THE GOOD PRESSURE
