According to a psychological book I have read, there are at least five basic needs that every human being has. One of these needs is self-actualization. As individuals, we are encouraged to pursue activities we love or strive to prove our capabilities. Each person has their own definition of success, and these definitions can vary greatly from one individual to another. For some, success may mean accumulating wealth at a young age, attaining higher education, starting a business, building a happy family, or even being a successful parent.
Honestly, the pressure from parents regarding success is not a new phenomenon; many of our parents likely experienced similar pressures during their own childhoods. There are numerous reasons that contribute to this pressure. First, our parents may have unresolved ambitions from their past that they project onto their children. These could include dreams they were unable to fulfill, yet they continue to hold onto these aspirations. Another reason is that parents genuinely want us to have the best possible life in the future, which often leads us to feel as though we must fight to meet their expectations. Additionally, some parents may gauge their own success based on their children’s achievements.
I believe that everyone wants to lead a successful life, no matter how they define success. As children, we often feel pressured because our definitions of success may differ from those of our parents. Recognizing that each person has their own milestones and that we cannot evaluate success through a singular lens can have a profound impact on fostering healthy relationships, especially within a nuclear family.