The bandwagon effect is a psychological phenomenon in which people do something primarily because others are doing it.
Don’t allow people’s expectations to put pressure on you. We’re all familiar with the saying change is the only constant thing in life.
Change happens for various reasons, for better or for worse. Nothing stays the same forever. Everything grows, it’s destined to change.
When change is not good is when your reason for changing is because of someone else or a group of people. The world right now is filled with so much noise and pressure both conscious and unconscious. Sometimes, we find ourselves in the bandwagon where we don’t even have reasonable explanations as to why we do certain things other than the fact that it’s because others are doing it.
I have become so worried about this because, at the end of the day when we do things for the wrong reasons, regret becomes inevitable.
Trying to become a better version of yourself is great, but ensure that it’s not done because you’re trying to please someone else or trying to fit in.
You were not wired to remain the same. Change when you must. Learn things you find useful to your journey and unlearn things that no longer reflect who you’re becoming. Be sure you’re not being pressured into doing it. Filter and pick what’s necessary.
Before you do things, try to internalize and rationalize it. Ask yourself if it matches your beliefs and values or if it’s just a trend today. Don’t just follow blindly because the people you’re following may not be going anywhere in particular.
In life, everybody is different, and as such we all have different pace and timing. Learn to trust your process and don’t do things because everybody else is doing it.
The truth is that the fact that everybody else is doing it does not make it right or proper. Everybody has an expectation of how you ought to be. What truly matters is that you listen and are in tune with your heart and instincts.
There are times when I do things simply because it’s socially accepted and deep down in your heart there is a nudging simply because what you did does not reflect your core.
I find that when the world becomes too overwhelming for me with so many opinions about how to live my life, what I do then is that I withdraw. Give myself a break from the world just to introspect and listen intently on what’s inside because at the end of the day, being who you’re truly meant to be is all that matters and it comes with so much liberation and inner peace.
Now, you must not be like me and go as far as deleting your socials, but just find what works for you and helps you to detox because toxicity isn’t only found in food. It is also among humans.
It’s never easy to dare to be different as there are people who have made it their life’s goal to judge and criticize. You have to develop a thick skin because people will always talk, regardless of what you do
In other to avoid the bandwagon effect and live your truth, you have to know who you are, be comfortable with who you are, and what you believe in. These will help you in the face of trial. Most importantly, you’ll live the life meant for you free from pretense and lies.