JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
We've heard about it, experienced it, advised others about it and yet a majority of people continue to struggle with it throughout their careers and lives.
Peer pressure is often viewed in a negative way, but peer pressure can influence individuals' lives in a positive manner.
Peer pressure in any form must be handled with care because it can erode an Airman's individuality and impede personal growth. For supervisors who want to guide their Airmen on how to deal with peer pressure, the answer is simple - lead and motivate.
Peer pressure is inevitable since there will always be Airmen who seem to do all the right things and make it look easy. This is where positive peer pressure kicks in and our individuality takes over. Some might say that only negative peer pressure changes people and does not allow them to be themselves. Some think that peer pressure effects individuality and gives rise to a set of people who are merely clones of each other.
Loss of individuality can be the biggest setback Airmen suffer in their careers. It is vital to realize it is never about fitting into a certain mold. It is about being a part of the team and still retaining individuality, whether it's how you handle your education, career or health.
Observing others can help bring about a positive change in your way of thinking. If you can be observant, peer pressure can positively impact your life.
Think of a sports team. Quality programs seem to generate talent, but what's really happening is that success breeds success. Hard work and self-improvement catches on like the human wave rippling around a packed stadium. The inner-drive to keep up with your teammates improves everyone's play.
Another claim is that peer pressure is common only in students or adolescents, and cannot be cited later in life. To the contrary, peer pressure is experienced by everyone and can be present in all stages of life.
As I get older, I realize my health could be better. I am constantly prodded by friends to eat right and exercise. Peer pressure is a motivator to get into better physical condition. I know my friends probably just want another exercise buddy, but it may also be that they want someone to nudge them.
Some might say that peer pressure is always negative and affects you personally, not professionally. Fifty-one percent of the participants of a survey by Survelum Public Data Bank on peer pressure said that, depending on the situation, peer pressure is good personally and professionally.
Knowing who to listen to and who to avoid can play a major part in choosing negative or positive peer pressure. In creating such high expectations for yourself, you continually grow and your efforts will pay off.
Society has always categorized individuals as either leaders or followers. I would like to believe the same individuals can differentiate between positive or negative peer pressures. So be a leader and do the right thing. Choose positive peer pressure over negative peer pressure.