Stop Following the Crowd - it's Harming Your Well-Being

There are many positives that the digital era has brought; we can gain access to information on almost any topic at the click of a button, and this is helpful in many ways.

For instance, Soul Analyse aims to provide a place of peace where people can take a step back from the running of their busy lives and make sense of the bigger picture. The site wouldn’t be around without technology… But fast information that is fed in real-time also has its downsides. 

We are expected to keep up with the latest trends, latest news and latest developments. And should we fail to do so, we are deemed “out of touch”.

The irony, in my view, is that staying in touch with what society expects, is doing more harm than good. 

Take reality TV – it’s a multi-billion dollar industry that has exploded in the last decade. It seemed to begin with Big Brother – a new concept TV program that had many people at the mercy of the producers’ hands wanting more. 

As a nation we have become obsessed with watching other people’s lives, constantly on the prowl to know what others are up to. This is demonstrated with the popularity of the Kardashian franchise, and also Real Housewives – a TV franchise that has spread throughout seven countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Greece. It is a show that focuses on several groups of ladies and their materialistic lives, whilst always honing in on how they look and how much they own. 

It’s aimed at women, of course, and it doesn’t take a genius to work out why… Women are notorious for comparing themselves to others and as mentioned above, it is an industry – a thriving one at that.

Not only are reality TV bosses cashing in but also clothing, beauty, lifestyle brands, and of course the media and social media. 

It wouldn’t benefit those listed above if everyone had a unique style, unique interests and a unique point-of-view. It pays to have people follow the crowd. But how good is it for our well-being?

Comparison is a losing game – and you can forget it if you think you’ll ever win; the only game you can win is being yourself. When we stop comparing ourselves to others, we start appreciating who we are; we each have unique traits that should be celebrated. 

It is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain one’s identity though – it requires a lot of effort but once you start feeling comfortable in your own skin, without needing to adhere to society’s expectations, you will feel more satisfied. 

Here are a few ideas that will help you to be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to shape who you are:

1. Stop Watching/Reading the News

We’ve become accustomed to believing that keeping abreast of new developments – whether via the news or social media – makes us more knowledgable, more clever even. But how much of what is churned out in the press improves our lives?

Ask yourself whether the constant information being relayed to you, is making you a better person. Or does it incite anger, blame and hatred? You decide!

2. Feel Confident Being Who You Are

We need more people in the world who are comfortable with who they are and aren’t afraid to show it – could it be you? Give something to the world that isn’t already here by being yourself – in this article learn how to look great in your own skin. 

3. Make Up Your Own Mind

Whether it is deciding what to have for tea, what to wear to work tomorrow, what toothpaste to use before bed tonight, or what to write on social media, make up your own mind. You can choose to stop being influenced so much by family, friends, your partner, the media and social media, and you will feel more satisfied making your own decisions!

You might also like to read this post, which contains seven quotes to help you embrace your uniqueness. 

Share your thoughts below!

Soul Analyse