Written by: Nicholas Sarysz

In the relentless pursuit of fulfilling societal expectations, one can easily find themselves wandering along an unyielding path paved with predefined notions of success and happiness. But what if we dare to question these dictates? What if we challenge the status quo that confines our dreams to a corporate ladder? Life should be a journey of redefining one’s own measures of fulfillment, seeking solace in the authenticity of one’s soul, which is much easier said than done.

In the ceaseless symphony of societal pressures one experiences when graduating from college, one’s senses are bombarded with benchmarks for success and happiness. We are often told that fulfillment lies in ascending the corporate ladder, where each step comes with a price — our time, our passions and ultimately our very essence. It is within these confines that the definition of success becomes distorted, reduced to mere numbers and status symbols.

Yet, people often fail to recognize the silent toll that conformity takes on one’s well-being. As we march dutifully toward the prescribed ideals, our spirits grow weary, shrouded in a gloomy culture that seeps into the very fabric of our existence. Our mental health falters under the weight of rigid standards. One’s self-worth becomes entangled in the twisted web of comparison and content with worthlessness.

There is no reason one truly needs to conform to the monotonous rhythm of societal expectations. We should have the audacity to question, redefine and reclaim our very essence. It is within the realm of human potential that we could liberate ourselves from the shackles of societal conformity and witness the flight of our individuality, soaring towards a life true to our authentic selves.

The essence of success lies not in the towering heights on a corporate ladder, despite what many are told their entire lives, but rather in the pursuit of personal growth, self-fulfillment and pursuing our deepest passions. Doing so would allow success to become a tapestry woven from the threads of authenticity and self-discovery — a unique reflection of our values, rather than a reflection of societal accolades.

All of this is not to say that one shouldn’t work to earn a living, as being able to function in society is still important for one’s health. One should pursue what makes them truly happy, not what others expect of them.  

Challenge the preconceived notions of success, redefine the contours of happiness and forge a path that reverberates with the song of one’s authentic self.

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu