Many individuals aspire to be the best version of themselves; they try so hard to make their life seem as perfect as possible. However, maintaining an impeccable routine is unrealistic and an unhealthy expectation for young adults.
The social media application TikTok may display the wrong impression of how the outside world works. Many influencers post videos revealing how perfect their life is from the moment they wake up to when they fall asleep. This so-called “perfect life” is impractical and should not be viewed as a norm in society.
Social studies teacher Whitney Walsh talks about her everyday schedule, which consists of teaching, coaching, going to the gym from time to time and grading. She values her ability to go to the gym whenever she can.
“The gym is like the big thing that I can give up, but I have so few opportunities to do so that I usually push myself to go,” Walsh said. “If I’m not constantly doing something, I feel unproductive.”
Likewise, AP Psychology and global studies teacher Jaycee Ruley also works out. However, she fits it into her schedule before school, but some days she chooses not to work out and relax her body to not overwork herself, whether mentally or physically.
“At first, it did [feel unproductive], but it’s good for your body to have recovery days, so it’s actually really good for you,” Ruley said. “I feel not necessarily unproductive, but I just know it’s for the best.”
Social studies teacher Jordan Parrott explains that even he struggles with meeting deadlines and procrastinating irregularly. Parrott believes that everyone has something they could work on for themselves, even teachers.
“I am simply just trying to be the best version of myself, but know it’s easier said than done, and it’s very generalized,” Parrott said. “One of the biggest things is improving yourself every day, or at least trying to accomplish that.”
These are real examples of what life out of high school may be like, as the portrayal on social media of perfection does not always hold true. Making up a schedule to follow every day is an excellent habit; however, there will always be days when the plan will not work, and there needs to be a balance. Otherwise, it may be detrimental to oneself.
This perfect image of life shared throughout the internet is only an aesthetic. It does not show how adults really act in the outside world and the possibilities of life after adolescence. Some might wake up at 5 a.m. and go to the gym right away, but they also might stop by Starbucks on the way home and grab a sugary drink. That side of life is left out of photos and videos because it seems to be what people do not want to be seen as, but it is perfectly normal to have that balance after accomplishing something or doing anything in a day-to-day routine.
This trend of perfection promotes the need to have a life together when, in reality, it is not the case. It establishes high standards that sometimes are hard to meet and may lead to an abnormal lifestyle. Wanting to better oneself is one thing, but materializing unrealistic goals is another.
