NAVIGATING THE CONSTANT PRESSURE TO ACHIEVE

Are You Really Behind in Life — or Just Pressured?

I once watched a clip of a popular pastor encouraging men to be bold in marriage decisions. He talked about how he didn’t have an air conditioner, fridge, or even a wedding ring until the morning of the wedding. Inspiring? Yes. But in my head, I whispered, “Daddy, with all due respect, no be so e be again.” Life has changed.

You open Instagram, and someone is flashing a new car, house, job title, or their third trip to Santorini this year. Meanwhile, you’re still trying to piece your life’s purpose together and wondering, “Na me dem dey sub like this?” Boom—pressure!

It’s even worse when it’s someone you once beat in class. Back then, they couldn’t even spell “entrepreneur,” now, they own four businesses and just posted, “God did.” And you? You’re trying to convince your girlfriend that you’re still ‘building.’ Pressure!

Or your old classmate who once failed CRS is now leading Bible study with a husband who flies her around the world. And you, the “serious” one, are still “pressing phone and praying.” Pressure!

Then there’s the family pressure: “When will you start making money?” “When will you marry?” “When will you do better?” And all you want to say is, “When will you stop asking me ‘when’?”

And don’t get me started on pressure from inanimate objects. Your phone will be reminding you that it needs a screen replacement, your generator wants a new plug, and your laptop behaves like it needs therapy. Everything around you is just billing you emotionally.

But why is this generation under so much pressure?

1. Because life moved the goalpost.

Our parents graduated and were practically handed jobs (and sometimes houses) with ease. A degree meant something then. Now, even your BSc needs a support system like 3 diplomas, a Master’s, a tech skill, and a LinkedIn premium subscription.

2. Because success now wears makeup.

Everyone is “soft life-ing” on Instagram, even if they’re crying into Indomie off-camera. What was once a private journey is now a public performance, and if you’re not “showing results,” you feel like you’re doing life wrong.

3. Because the pressure is everywhere.

Friends. Family. Phones. Finances. Even church folks sometimes. And all of them seem to be saying the same thing: “You should be doing more. Faster.”

So what’s the way out?

1. Don’t be pressure-able.

Yes, it’s a made-up word, but it works. The moment you realise that timelines are different and comparison is a trap, you become free. They’re flying? Clap for them. Your flight is still taxiing? Relax. God is the pilot.

2. Avoid pressure triggers.

Mute that page. Unfollow that braggy WhatsApp status. Reduce how much “success tales” you consume. Walk away. You need peace more than content.

3. Get God’s vision for your life.

Imagine your dad tells you, “I’ll buy you a Tesla in 2026. Just wait.” You trust him, and you know he has the resources, so even if everyone else is driving, you’re calm. You know yours is coming, and it will be the latest model. That’s what trusting God looks like. Get His promise, then rest.

4. Keep working on yourself.

Waiting for success is not the same as sitting idle. Take steps. Grow skills. Learn. Build. Sometimes the version of you that God’s promise is waiting for has not yet emerged. So grow into it.

5. Give thanks for now.

That shirt you think is overworn? Someone is praying for it. That small job you’re complaining about? Someone just lost theirs. Gratitude won’t solve everything, but it will give you perspective and strength for the journey ahead.

6. Check in with God often.

When your hope starts to fade, go back to Him. Read your old journals. Pray. Cry if you must. Ask Him to remind you why you’re still here. Because He’s still writing your story, and spoiler alert: it ends in glory.

Rest, child of God. Your time is coming. And when it does, it will be worth the wait.