Did you ever wonder why every student has different methods for reaching their goals? This condition has several reasons. The biggest and unchangeable fact is that our brains function differently; everyone has their own way of permanently connecting information. But there’s also a factor that affects us more than we thought, which we should assume more than we do: Environmental factors. These are the ones that shape how we will use our abilities to succeed, how we will use our brains, as I said, the factors that we were born with. Therefore, it is crucial that society benefits us as much as it can, given how much it influences our mindset. But do you think we can benefit? Or are those factors becoming an unhealthy way of pressure for students over time?
To better understand, we need to be aware of the environmental factors that shape society’s ideas of what success is. The first one is family. Since individuals come from different norms, values, and cultures, their children also learn as they grow up, influenced by their surroundings. These norms are usually related to how families define success. Although they do it unintentionally, it might put pressure on us when they try to impose on us the way they see us succeeding. If these patterns aren’t aligned with students’ interests, they’ll feel pressure. As we grow up, the following factor is school. There is a system inserted into us that decides how smart we are. And most of the people see us as having a certain potential. It is highly possible that we are directed by people to show only that potential, which is selfish. Because it prevents students from noticing their own passion and progressing in the way they actually want. While students try to meet these expectations, it can be hard for them not to be seen. Not being assumed by their own wants, just preparing them to “succeed”, which won’t be an actual success since this term is specific for each of us. These environmental pressures will feel like a must for students, leading them to set a lifestyle goal compatible with it, instead of another pathway might have made them way happier. While their surroundings suggest they will get closer to success, their actions put pressure on students that backfires.
It is important for us to be less affected by these environmental factors, since they’re not our actual destinations. This can only happen by gaining confidence, so being able to be ourselves and express our passions without doubting ourselves is the key. And this leads to self-awareness. Students need to know themselves well and show people that they’re the ones who know themselves best.