Contented: A call for grounded living amid societal pressure

Bending to the pressure of societal expectations has become a controversial issue amongst the Namibian youth nowadays, forcing many to keep up with lifestyles that drain them psychologically and result in them living miserable lives.This article explores the internal and external pressures that shape modern perceptions of success, particularly among young adults navigating economic uncertainty. It dissects the influence of societal expectations on mental health and identity while proposing contentedness as a grounded, practical antidote to the relentless pursuit of material validation.Rooted in personal observation and cultural commentary, the essay advocates for mindfulness, self-awareness, and economic realism as tools for resisting performative living and embracing a more intentional and practical lifestyle.Do we want more? Of course we do – everyone does. It's an innate human trait to desire better things and aspire to a softer, more comfortable life. But the real question is: Can we have those things we so desperately crave? Do our current settings and financial circumstances truly allow for such desires to materialise?The role of society in defining successThis phenomenon cannot be explored without addressing the elephant in the room: society – the relentless pressure it places on us to succeed, to acquire, to achieve. Some invisible bar has been set, some divine timeline imposed: to “make it,” to own this by that age, to drive a GTI by a certain income, to wear a Rolex.It is the people around us – our colleagues, family members, and friends – not all bystanders. They are the main stakeholders in this psychological stock market. Their lifestyles and their either direct or indirect comments act as a hammer, driving us, the nail, deeper into the wall of mental instability. And this is done day in and day out in the everyday interactions, when we meet them at malls, casual get-togethers, and family gatherings.Living beyond one’s meansWith the little that one has or earns, many feel forced to milk themselves dry to maintain the illusion of success. Owning the latest iPhone, renting high-end flats, driving luxury cars and facing marriage pressures all contribute to financial and emotional strain. These behaviours often stem not from need or joy, but from social obligation and comparison.The concept of contentednessHere lies the true turning point though: What are we doing with this pressure? Are we drifting with the current, or will we paddle against it? The magic word in this dilemma is: Contented.It refers to taking a deep dive into your own life, carrying out a critical analysis of your status, fully understanding your circumstances, and then making peace with them. It means being comfortable with your income, your job, your possessions at any given time.It involves rejecting comparison and competition and embracing the timeless mantras of “live within your means” and “trust the process.”Practically, contentedness means ending performative spending and reclaiming financial agency. No more buying bottles in clubs to impress, no more car loans that consume half your salary, no more gambling your entire pay cheque at midnight on payday, or running bar tabs weeks before payday. These choices, though normalised, are acts of self-sabotage. To beat the pressure, we must first stop being co-authors of our own misfortunes.It can therefore be said that despite the fact that society does indeed corner us, does indeed push us towards unrealistic ideals and mental distress, the path forward and the onus, however, lie on us; it is in self-awareness, discipline and contentment.Let us stay grounded and take life one sunrise and one sunset at a time. May we not debilitate ourselves by trying to live up to standards we never signed up for. *David Nekongo is a University of Science and Technology student, studying towards his bachelor’s degree in English and Linguistics. The ideas, content and opinion herein are entirely his own and do not reflect those of any entity, institution or agency.

Contented: A call for grounded living amid societal pressure

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-16

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Contented: A call for grounded living amid societal pressure

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-16

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