Innovators Overcome Peer Pressure

Copyright 2011

Healthy relationships can become dysfunctional if they prohibit one from "marching to the beat of a different drum," the one uniquely designed for only one set of ears. Peer pressure is an intangible force leading to either positive or negative outcomes, depending on how it is used. Cory Doctorow notes, "the accolades of your peers is very exciting always." However excessive attention to the opinion of others can inhibit a person from risk-taking that could lead to unexplored adventures.

Comedian Steven Wright quips, "hermits have no peer pressure." Creative people confident in the contribution they have to make are not isolationists who are totally withdrawn from social interaction. They simply balance input from other people with what they know in their heart is the right thing to do in achieving the results they desire to see happen.

Willie Stargell was aware of the danger of putting too much validity in the opinions of others. He said, "unfortunately, inner feelings and potential are often stunted by our parents, relatives or peers." Popular culture feeds off peer pressure. Adolescents who are insecure in themselves try to dress, act, and make purchases based on what people in their social group do. This is no more than relinquishing control to other people. What a sad way to live, allowing other people to make life decisions instead of yourself. As people mature, they gradually grow out of this mindset. However peer pressure is so powerful an influence, it tends to continue to manifest itself in subtle ways if not managed.

Every innovative contributor in every field of endeavor has thought differently from the peers of the era. IBM president Thomas Watson (1874-1956) gives a snapshot of what peers of his generation thought of computer use. He wrote, "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers." We laugh at that now, but if everyone had had the same peer mindset we would not have computers so widely accessible today.

Dr. Jonas Salk didn't think like his peers when he developed a vaccine for polio. Frank Lloyd Wright wasn't copying the work of other architects when he came up with the world-famous designs that made him legendary in his field.

An excessive fixation on the opinions of other people will box one in and hamper creative expression. Thank God for free thought and the uniqueness He's planted in each individual. Charlotte Bronte wrote, "I am no bird; and no net ensares me. I am a free human being with an independent will."