Navigating Young Adulthood: Overcoming Pressures and Finding Your Path
Young adulthood is often romanticized as the best years of our lives; it is supposed to be a time defined by excitement, self-growth, and endless possibilities. While these years can be meaningful, there are also a lot of silent struggles that young adults may face, such as managing societal expectations, dealing with changes in friendships, and building confidence. Here, we bring light to these obstacles and offer ways to approach them.
The pressure to have it all figured out
Being a young adult is hard. You are trying to navigate the professional world, maintain friendships and relationships, and still carve out time to look after yourself. On top of that, there is this unrealistic expectation to understand who you are and know what you want to do with the rest of your life. This pressure is often exacerbated by harmful societal norms that suggest you should be married, own a home, and make a certain amount of money by a specific age. This pressure to have it all figured out as a young adult can feel so overwhelming – because it is simply unrealistic. Here are two ways to manage this pressure:
Reframe the narrative
When your inner critic tells you that you are behind on these made-up timelines, pause and challenge this. You may not be exactly where you wanted to be, but you’re doing the best you can - and that is more than enough.
Uncertainty can feel scary, but there can also be beauty in the unknown. How wonderful is it that your life is completely yours? Nothing is set in stone and you can change your mind and make decisions based on your new experiences. Evolving and growing comes with uncertainty!
Focus on your values
Instead of measuring your worth by external milestones, focus on your values. What do you want this period of your life to represent? It may be spontaneity, discovery, or creating stability. Use your values to create short-term goals that align with who you are and where you want to go.
Being at a different life stage than your friends
One of the most surprising aspects of being a young adult is realizing that you and your friends are on different life paths. Until recently, you may have felt like you were doing the same things – finishing school, navigating jobs, and swiping through dating apps together. But as time passes, you may become more aware of how different your lives are becoming. Some friends may married or are in long-term relationships, while others seem to be hustling and climbing the corporate ladder. Your path may be different, and this shift can cause feelings of disconnection and self-doubt. To navigate the shift:
Avoid the comparison trap
Comparison can be the thief of joy. Remember that while each person’s path will be different, one is not better than the other. If you do find yourself experiencing jealousy, use this emotion as a guide to explore your needs and desires. Is there something you feel like you’re missing out on? Is there anything you can change to feel more content in your day-to-day life?
Stay curious about each other’s lives
For the first time, you and your friends are not doing the same things. This can be exciting. You have so much to share about your own experiences and so much to learn about theirs. Remaining curious about each other’s lives can help strengthen the relationships and reduce feelings of loneliness that may occur as dynamics change.
Build confidence
You may struggle to feel confident in yourself with all the different transitions you are experiencing in young adulthood. Confidence is not something we are born with - it is a skill that develops with practice. To build confidence:
Step outside your comfort zone
Do things that challenge you. Try doing things that are slightly uncomfortable but also meaningful. It could be speaking up more at work, reaching out to a new friend, or trying a new hobby. Doing all these things can help you build trust in yourself and feel more confident in your abilities
Hype yourself up
Showing up for yourself can help build confidence. Every day, try and do something to uplift yourself. This can be as simple as listening to your favorite playlist. Practice positive self-talk and treat yourself with kindness. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small or big you feel they are. Confidence is based on your own beliefs. By giving yourself the credit you deserve, you can feel more empowered and ready to tackle challenges.
There are so many experiences and challenges that are unique to being a young adult. As you navigate this time, remember to be patient with yourself. While societal expectations, changing friendships, and struggles with confidence can feel overwhelming, they also provide the chance to grow, reflect, and discover what truly matters to you. By reframing narratives, focusing on your values, and embracing practices that nurture self-confidence, you can navigate this time with greater ease and clarity.
Ready to prioritize your mental health and well-being? MSC Therapy offers specialized psychotherapy services for young adult women in New York and Florida. Mollie provides compassionate, client-centered, and supportive therapy to help clients navigate anxiety, low self-esteem, disordered eating, body image concerns, OCD, relationship issues, dating, school or career stress, perfectionism, and life transitions. Services are available virtually, allowing for convenient and accessible support. Reach out now to take the first steps toward a more balanced life.