Current society causing individuals to become so dissatisfied with being ordinary.
When people were asked by the question ‘What is the ultimate goal in life?’ ‘How do you see yourself in the next 10 years?’ Or ‘What determines your success in life?’ Some people can respond immediately with a strong, confident voice with sparkling eyes. Meanwhile, questioning like this might freeze some people for a moment to make the answer sound good and overflowing with the emotion the questioners expected. What is the definition of being ordinary actually? People might not want to be special but want to be accepted. However, On the fact that since it is challenging to be accepted in today’s society, people try even harder. Until it is difficult to deny that we are living in a society that drives the word ‘Ordinary’ and that we believe it is enough, but when compared with others, it can be a complete failure.
‘You only live once! Don’t waste your time!’ It is a phrase commonly seen in Advertising taglines or articles about the secret success of executives of various companies. Motivated people to think that each second each day must be used most effectively. Someday it will gradually create expectations set by both ourselves and others. Therefore, If we are unable to achieve those expectations, we will feel this life is being spent in vain and put even more pressure. Society is slowly modifying the definition of Ordinary to be a higher standard which has to put a lot of afford to achieve. It is not because we afraid of being ordinary or want to be special, but because society pressures us to become better. The world is developing, and people are evolving. There was a greater level of competition. We see others grow and compare ourselves to them, and then we put pressure on ourselves again.
It is obvious to see how social media played a significant role in this issue. Thanks to smartphones and websites designed to help people share every element of life with the world, it’s easier than ever to post a photo or a video and highlight whatever people happen to be doing. Everything on social media is filled with beautiful aspects of life, content is all about showing up and showing off. Even we also want to share only good sides into it as well. Then we will take what we see on social media and conclude that everyone’s life is amazing, while only we are ordinary. Pushing people to start doing something to make life more interesting to stand at the same level as those people and be accepted, whether changing the style they dress, music, hobbies, until people who associate. In order to discover the truth being yourself, which everyone considers being normal perhaps the most special.
In conclusion, what is the definition of being Ordinary anyway? Working hard to be the best of me, is that considered as being dissatisfied with being ordinary? Humans have different standards, therefore you shall not judge one’s lifestyle.
J. (n.d.). How to Conquer the Fear of Being Ordinary & Enjoy Your “Average” Life. The Simplicity Habit. https://www.thesimplicityhabit.com/fear-of-being-ordinary-average-life/
Saejia, W. (2021, September 18). When the world makes us afraid of living ordinary lives. The MATTER. https://thematter.co/social/koinophobia-fear-of-being-ordinary/155381?fbclid=IwAR22mNU6yZL639FuQMywVzU9rPpiwNMwP6V8VUIKVJgfMlim9wVWLJzY5lU
Hagy, J. (2016, August 31). How To Fight FOBO: The Fear Of Being Ordinary. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jessicahagy/2016/08/31/how-to-fight-fobo-the-fear-of-being-ordinary/?sh=4d45e7c42a72
