Invisible Pressures

Ever felt guilty despite having done nothing wrong?

Good morning!

Have you ever given in to invisible social pressure?

To help celebrate a close friend’s birthday this weekend, I went to a breakfast restaurant and asked for a table for 10; after they set the table, they asked me to sit down and wait for my group there instead of waiting in the lobby.

As I sat there, I had a clear view of the waiting lobby so I could see everyone that walked in the restaurant, but this had meant that they likely saw me too — sitting at a large table for 10 people, hogging all this space. As I set there, doing my best to distract myself with my Kindle and texting everyone to confirm breakfast plans, I felt this invisible social pressure that I was doing something wrong.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting: I gave the staff a heads-up, I went early to reserve a seat, I wasn’t rudely displacing anyone, and not a single person said anything even remotely negative to me; and yet, sitting there while waiting for the birthday girl and her friends, I couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt as I saw the lobby fill with guests waiting to be seated.

Here’s the gist of what I’m saying: no matter how kind you as you climb your way to success, you will always be susceptible to feeling at least some sort of invisible social pressure, not even from people directly telling you to stop doing what you’re doing, but even negative comments and arguments coming from your own mind. Even your own self will try to stop you from accomplishing your dreams and goals.

This morning, I want to encourage you to hang in there; make sure you’re doing things right, cross-examine your heart to make sure you’re following the rules and playing the game ethically, but don’t be afraid to win, and actively resist the pressure to give in or give up. Your people — for example, the people I waited for at the restaurant — will thank you; remind yourself that you’re doing it for them, and you’ll be good to go.

Hope this encourages you this morning; God bless you, have a great day!

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