Finding Self-Love in a Challenging World for Gen-Z
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Understanding the Hurdles of Self-Love
In today's digital landscape, many teenagers are openly discussing the self-loathing they grapple with at a young age and the struggle to heal from it. While one might think this self-hatred stems solely from constant comparisons on social media, the reality is more complex.
Through extensive journaling, I've delved into the essence of self-love and the reasons it's so elusive in today's society. To truly comprehend self-love among adolescents, one must first grasp the concept of self. Take Barry, for instance—a typical 15-year-old who spends his time engrossed in video games, exploring adult content, and idolizing toxic male figures who flaunt a lifestyle of excess that Barry can only fantasize about.
While indulging in these activities occasionally isn't inherently harmful, excessive engagement can lead to a decline in overall well-being. Unfortunately, many in Gen-Z have developed a routine that involves these habits daily, resulting in a downward trajectory in their lives.
How can one foster self-love when every reflection on their past self triggers feelings of inadequacy? Barry, along with many in Gen-Z, grapples with self-hatred largely because their earlier years have set them up for disappointment. For the last two decades, we've consumed harmful substances disguised as food, leaving many feeling uncomfortable in their own skin.
In contrast, I've transformed my mindset and now appreciate my body, thanks to the healthy choices I made in my youth. Self-love is fundamentally about making choices that benefit your future self.
Exploring the Challenge of Gen-Z's Digital Dependency
In May 2020, I discovered the concept of dopamine detoxing through various viral videos and decided to undertake a 5-day challenge. My approach included:
- Erasing all social media applications.
- Installing website blockers.
- Immersing myself in complete solitude for five days.
By the third day, the absence of my phone left me feeling physically unwell, leading me to give in. It became clear that simply trying to eliminate an addiction isn't effective; instead, it's essential to replace it.
Recognizing that addictions are part of our current reality is crucial. I began applying the Pareto principle to identify which 20% of my bad habits contributed to 80% of my unhappiness, dedicating 2-3 hours daily to work on them. I then structured my day similarly to a school timetable. It's ironic that we exit the education system without mastering the vital skill of time management.
This structured approach, akin to a roadmap for productivity, transforms your day into manageable tasks. When you prioritize activities that you genuinely enjoy over mindless scrolling, you begin to see progress in your life, ultimately fostering self-love.
The Transformation
Since shifting my focus to prioritize my future self, I've experienced remarkable changes:
- I've maintained a genuine smile for over a year.
- I've enrolled in a gymnastics class and can now perform a handstand.
- I no longer live with a constant fear of racial abuse.
My name is Adrian, and I've been on a journey toward my ideal self for several years now. As I continue this journey, I aspire to share my experiences through a blog on Medium. I'm in a phase of growth and would greatly appreciate any support on this path towards becoming one percent better every day.