You have a will that can be influenced by all with whom you come in contact.
You have a will that can be influenced by all with whom you come in contact
You have a will that can be influenced by all with whom you come in contact. This is the central belief of many psychologists and neuroscientists today, who assert that the most significant factor in determining the course of a person's life is their social network. In other words, the people with whom you surround yourself can have a profound impact on your behavior, your choices, and your ultimate success.
Certainly, the theory that your will can be influenced by those around you is not a new idea. It has been the subject of numerous studies and research papers over the past several decades. Yet despite its widespread acceptance, few individuals are aware of the exact nature of this influence or how they are falling victim to it every day.
One of the main ways your social network can influence your will is through peer pressure. In some cases, this pressure can take the form of overt and deliberate attempts to persuade or intimidate. In other cases, it can be more subtle, with people around you establishing norms and expectations that you feel compelled to meet. These norms can relate to almost any area of life - from what you wear and how you speak to your career choices and your personal beliefs.
Research has shown that the effects of peer pressure can be far more lasting than you might imagine. For example, a study published in the journal Nature in 2015 found that the attitudes and behaviors of your peer group during adolescence can have a direct impact on your behavioral and health outcomes in adulthood. This means that the people you surround yourself with during your formative years can indeed have a long-lasting influence over your life.
However, the influence of others on your will does not stop there. Other research has shown that even the most trivial interactions with others - such as those you have with the barista at your local coffee shop or with your fellow commuters on your way to work - can affect your mood, your stress levels, and your overall sense of well-being. This suggests that you are under a near-constant barrage of influences from those around you - whether you recognize it or not.
Of course, not all influences are equal. Some individuals have a more profound influence on your life than others. Your family and close friends are likely to have the greatest impact, though romantic partners, teachers, and even the internet can all exert significant control over your will as well. The key is to recognize these influences and to understand how they can shape your choices and decisions.
This may sound like a bleak picture, but there is a positive side to the fact that your will can be influenced by others. The same social forces that can manipulate your behavior can also support and uplift you. By surrounding yourself with positive influences and distancing yourself from negative ones, you can take control over your will and shape the course of your life in a way that aligns with your values and aspirations.
Ultimately, the belief in the power of social influence is not an excuse to shirk responsibility or to blame others for your actions. It is simply a reminder that you are a part of a larger social world that influences you in ways both big and small. By understanding and appreciating this reality, you can take greater control over your choices, your actions, and your future.
