Awareness: Why Do We Blindly Follow Societal Norms That Aren’t Meant For Everyone?

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself why we follow societal norms — why we obey rules, traditions, or paths without questioning them?

Most of the time, we don’t question anything because we are not taught to question. And even when we do question, it’s often ignored or answered on a surface level- something that doesn’t satisfy our curiosity. Every child is born with a natural sense of wonder and a strong questioning ability. But slowly, parents, teachers, and the larger society throw us into a pre-planned, comfortable system.

How Societal Norms Suppress Curiosity in Young Minds:

In our society, questioning is rarely appreciated. Children slowly begin to feel that no one listens, no one appreciated their curiosity – and that finding real answers involves too much of struggle. So, they give up. They stop asking. They adjust. And instead of creating their own unique path, they begin to walk the one made by others.

But I don’t blame anyone. Because even so-called parents, teachers, relatives – they were given the same draft we were. So it’s obvious they’ll pass it down to us.

A Life Already Written by Societal Norms:

This generalized life draft – study, get a job, get married, have kids, check their education, marry them off, play with grandchildren, and die – may seem like the easy path. But in reality, it kills creativity and innovation. Not just for the individual, but for the whole nation.

I often ask myself – what’s the point of living the same life as everyone else? And when I compare it to animals, I don’t see much difference. Sure, we study, we do jobs – but isn’t it still all about survival?

If we are gifted with higher intelligence, then surely we weren’t meant to live like this – just surviving. Imagine being a superhero with special powers and still living the same powerless life as everyone else. Sounds foolish, right? That’s exactly what we’re doing.

Now pause and think – what were you good at as a child?

I remember myself years ago – I was so creative. My art, my craft – I can’t explain how deeply connected I was to my creativity. But by the time I reached 9th and 10th grade, all of that began to fade. It didn’t vanish completely, but it got hidden… unused. I got so caught up in studies that the essence of my soul – my natural gift – began to get lost.

How Societal Norms lead to regret in Later Life:

I didn’t let it completely fade because I’m still young and I paused and reflected on my path. But there are many people – maybe even you – who are in jobs or retired, still feel a strange emptiness. Like something is missing. Many people have achieved a lot – money, respect, and family – but deep inside, quite feeling remains: Wasn’t there something more I was meant to do? This realization hits people when they get old and they can’t do anything about it.

Many people know deep down about their interest and purpose … but still they get into societal pressure and choose the same path as everyone else. And when they look back during the final moments of their life, regret hits them hard.

Challenging Societal Norms:

Have you ever thought about why we have certain beliefs? or Societal Norms.

Why do we believe in superstitions?

Why do we accept these deeply rooted, unsaid societal ideas like:

• A boy should not cry, and a girl should not be too bold.
• A stable government job is always better than taking a risk with your dream.
• Mental health issues are just over thinking.
• A divorced woman is seen as a failure, but an unhappy married woman is “adjusting”.
• Choosing social service or art as a career is not “practical”.
• A man’s success is measured by his salary and that’s all.
• Respecting elder’s means never questioning them, even when they’re wrong.
• If everyone’s doing it, it must be the right thing to do.

Can’t a man be soft spoken and still strong?

Can’t someone build a beautiful life through a path less taken?

Can’t a women live unmarried and still be complete?

Can’t respect come from heart and not age?

Awareness and Reflection:

Somewhere, even our hearts question these things… but we suppress that inner voice. The need is to be aware, to question, and to find our own path. God didn’t send us here with same journey – we all have different missions. We only grow when we ask the right questions. This awareness is important – not just for us, but for everyone around us.

I want you pause and ask yourself certain questions. And also help others pause in their busy lives – to truly question their own existence.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF:

• Am I really living my life or just the life that was expected from me?
• What did I love doing as a child that I’ve forgotten now?
• Do I agree with the beliefs I follow, or am I just afraid of standing out?
• If money, judgement, and fear didn’t exist – what would I be doing right now?
• When was the last time I made a choice based on inner peace rather than outer pressure?
• What does success mean to me – not to society?

You don’t need to get all the answers at once. You just need to start asking the questions.

That’s where awareness begins

You can also read my second blog, where I reflect on how societal expectations often shape our career choices without us realizing it.👇🏻

https://intentfulink.com/glorified-careers/

“For visual reflections and related quotes, visit my Pinterest page.”