Adult Peer Pressure is Destroying You...

Everyone’s made poor financial choices that other people have influenced.

But, why do we do it?

And how can we prevent it?

Peer pressure is a powerful force.

It’s a horrible thing, but in a way, it’s inevitable.

Especially amongst the younger generations, it can influence many aspects of our lives…

Including our finances.

The pressure to keep up with spending habits and lifestyles can be overwhelming.

Peer pressure comes from others pressuring you into doing things that damage your health:

• Substance abuse — physical health.

• Wasting money — financial health.

• Breaking the law — …legal health? Either way, it’s not good.

Let’s discuss how peer pressure can play a part in you falling short of your goals.

Also, why it’s important to do everything you can to prevent it.

Why Peer Pressure Exists

Peer pressure is the social influence exerted to conform to:

• Attitudes

• Behaviours

• Values

• Actions

It can manifest in various forms, including

• Direct requests

• Persuasion

• Criticism

• Exclusion

Psychologists have recognised peer pressure to shape actions and beliefs, especially during adolescence.

But, peer pressure isn’t limited to teenagers, despite being an immature trait.

Adults are also susceptible, especially in areas such as:

• Consumer behaviour

• Lifestyle choices

• Financial decisions

The pressure to “keep up with the Joneses” can be more intense in adulthood. We try to establish our place in society.

As children, we’re all seen as equal.

But, when it comes to being an adult, a lot can change in a small period of time, which could leave people vulnerable.

The Impact of Peer Pressure

The pressure to keep up with your peers can have a big impact on your financial goals.

If your friends are…

• Buying designer clothes

• Financing premium cars

…you may feel compelled to do the same.

It’s a tough situation to be in, as these are cases of passive peer pressure, where you’re not being forced to do anything.

You feel as though certain things are necessary so you’re not left out.

You could fall victim to a vicious cycle of financial trouble:

• Credit card debt.

• Lack of disposable income.

• Stress.

• Lifestyle inflation.

If your social circle focuses on luxuries, you’re going to feel obliged to join in, even if it strains your budget.

This can lead to FOMO, where you feel compelled to spend money to avoid feeling left out.

It’s a never ending cycle for some people, and it’s never a good place to be.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not blaming the victim.

I’ve been there.

• Designer clothes.

• Financed cars.

• Going out every weekend.

• Video games (I’ve wasted so much money on Fifa it makes me sick)

I didn’t care for any of it, but I didn’t want to be left out.

Eventually, I got sick of it, and gave myself no option but to begin putting myself first.

How To Avoid Peer Pressure

There are several practices that you can use to reduce the effect, or avoid it altogether…

Know Your Values and Priorities

Spend time alone to find out who you are, and what you want from life.

Chances are, if you want to make a change, you already know that this is an issue.

Change your mindset so you prioritise what you want, rather than seeking validation.

Find comfort in pursuing legitimate goals rather than trying to fit in.

Put Yourself on a Pedestal

To avoid peer pressure, I saw myself as being above those trying to persuade me to do (or not do) something.

Peer pressure follows a level of social hierarchy. Those higher up are trying to influence those lower than them.

What did I do?

I put myself at the top of the order.

I saw myself as superior not to everyone, but to those trying to influence me.

That was hard to write, but it’s true.

You need to put yourself first, and this was the most effective way of doing it for me.

If someone’s trying to get you to smoke (but you don’t want to) the best thing to do is to look down on them for doing so.

Sounds harsh, but it works.

Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

One way of removing peer pressure would be to remove bad people altogether.

If your friends are pressuring you into doing something they know that you don’t want to do…

Are they really your friends?

Especially as an adult, when your responsibilities are only going to increase. Having bad influences around you isn’t a good option.

It’s a tough decision, but don’t write this off.

Focus on Experiences

Switch your priorities to what matters: how you feel.

What makes you happy?

Make a list of 5 things that make you happy, and 5 things that you’re spending time doing that don’t make you happy.

Spend more of your time on the first 5, whilst spending less of your time on the second 5.

Be Confident in Yourself

Confidence is the key to it all.

The truth is, how other people see you isn’t important.

The only thing that matters is how you see yourself.

You’ll be more respected and more valued if you don’t succumb to people’s demands.

Refusing to conform comes down to having enough respect for yourself to stay true to your goals.

From personal experience, the key to avoiding peer pressure is how you see yourself.

Self confidence, and having comfort in pursuing the things that you want, will be powerful in saying no when you need to say no, and saying yes when you need to say yes.

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