It’s easy to mistake pressure for motivation. We assume that without external demands pushing us, we’d become complacent. But are we truly driven, or are we just running - constantly trying to keep up, without questioning where we’re going? The fear of falling behind can make us cling to paths that don’t align with us, simply because they seem like the ‘right’ choice.
When we remove pressure from the equation, motivation doesn’t disappear. It transforms. Instead of being fuelled by anxiety or competition, we might find ourselves motivated by genuine interest. Imagine making decisions without fear of judgement or failure. What would you pursue if you weren’t worried about meeting expectations? The answer to that question might reveal more about your true self than any external validation ever could.