Have you ever felt ready to make a change but found yourself hesitating, unable to take the leap? Even when we know what needs to be done, invisible barriers often hold us back. Let’s delve into two subtle yet powerful forces that can keep us stuck: social pressure and emotions.
1. The Weight of Social Pressure
“Log kya kahenge?” (What will people say?)
This question echoes in our minds more often than we’d like to admit. Whether it’s family expectations, peer influence, or even the opinions of strangers online, the fear of judgment can form an invisible barrier that’s hard to overcome.
A Story of Passion Versus Expectation
Take the example of a young woman I know. She comes from a wealthy family and works as a support engineer at Google—a job many aspire to. Yet, her real passion lies in art. Every time she picks up a paintbrush, she feels alive in a way her corporate role could never match.
But she hasn’t pursued her dream of becoming a full-time artist. Why? Because of the fear of judgment. She worries about what others might say:
- “Are you crazy?”
- “How can you give up such an opportunity?”
Social pressure can make us question our worth and trap us in a cycle of living up to others’ expectations instead of our own.
2. The Role of Emotions in Action
Now consider another story: In 2019, I met a corporate professional with a brilliant business idea focused on improving mental health for professionals. He had spent two years developing the plan and was eager to start.
When I asked him when he’d launch, his answer was, “In another two years.” His reasons seemed logical—he wanted to save more money, refine the plan, and improve his marketing skills.
But I told him plainly, “You will never start this business.”
Why? Because his hesitation wasn’t about logistics; it was about fear. Fear of failure, fear of risk, and fear of the unknown held him back. Five years later, the business remains a dream.
The Emotion-Thought Balance
This story reminded me of Lao Tzu’s wisdom:
“Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
But there’s a missing piece: Emotions are equally critical.
Here’s the equation:
T + E = A (Thoughts + Emotions = Action)
- Acting purely on thoughts can lead to calculated but uninspired decisions.
- Acting purely on emotions can lead to impulsive, ungrounded choices.
True action lies in the balance—when your thoughts and emotions align, they create the energy and clarity needed to move forward.
Reflect and Act
What about you? Have you ever felt stuck because of social pressure or emotional hesitation?
- Social Pressure: Are you holding back because you’re worried about what others might say?
- Emotional Blocks: Is fear, doubt, or uncertainty keeping you from acting?
These barriers are real, but they’re not insurmountable. The first step to overcoming them is identifying their presence.
Start Here:
- Reflect on how social pressure influences your decisions.
- Explore the emotions tied to your hesitation—what are you afraid of?
- Take one small, meaningful step toward your goal.
Moving Forward
The journey to becoming your best self is as much about conquering internal resistance as it is about setting goals.
Acknowledge the barriers in your path. Let your thoughts and emotions guide you—together—to take the leap.
Here’s to breaking free from the invisible chains and embracing the changes that truly matter.
Amit Chawla