The Rise of Try Hard Culture: Exploring the Psyche Behind the New Era of Hyper-Competitive Millennials
In recent years, a new cultural phenomenon has taken the world by storm – the "Try Hard" culture, where millennials and Gen Z individuals strive to excel in every aspect of their lives, often to an extreme extent. This culture, characterized by relentless competitiveness, perfectionism, and an unrelenting drive for self-improvement, has become a staple of modern social media, with many individuals showcasing their accomplishments and successes as a way to prove their worth. But what lies beneath this surface-level obsession with achievement, and what are the real implications of this movement?
The Try Hard culture is not just a fleeting trend; it's a symptom of a deeper societal shift, driven by factors such as social media pressure, economic uncertainty, and a growing sense of disillusionment with traditional notions of success. As author and activist, Brené Brown, puts it, "We're in a world where people are increasingly feeling a sense of disconnection, isolation, and scarcity. As a result, people are more and more focused on comparing themselves to others, and this has led to a culture of Try Hard." (Brown, 2020)
At its core, the Try Hard culture is built around the idea of constant self-improvement and optimization. Individuals set high standards for themselves, often fueled by social media showcases of others' successes, and then bombard themselves with information on how to achieve these goals. A 2020 survey by Deloitte found that 81% of millennials and Gen Z individuals report feeling pressure to achieve perfection, with many feeling that their self-worth is directly tied to their productivity and accomplishments. As a result, the need to constantly push oneself to new heights has become the norm.
But what are the consequences of this relentless pursuit of perfection? The rewards of trying hard are undeniable – success, recognition, and a sense of self-fulfillment. However, the costs are just as significant. Chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout have become widespread issues among young adults, as the pressure to constantly perform and achieve takes its toll. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that students who identified with the try-hard culture were more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance abuse compared to their peers who did not.
Moreover, the cultural obsession with productivity and achievement can have a negative impact on mental health. A 2019 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 61% of millennials reported feeling overwhelmed and 45% reported feeling stressed, both of which are associated with a host of mental health issues. This is not surprising, given the pressure to constantly present a perfected online persona and fear of not meeting societal expectations. As psychologist and author, Tim Ferriss, notes, "The social media ‘highlight reel’ is a false narrative. It's a curated version of someone's life that's been presented for public consumption. Most people don't actually achieve this level of success, yet they pretend they do. This creates an unrealistic expectation of what success looks like, creating anxiety, and sense of inadequacy" (Ferriss, 2017).
Another significant consequence of the Try Hard culture is the suppression of creativity and genuine self-expression. The relentless pursuit of perfection often stifles individuality, leading to homogenized interests and accomplishments. Individuals may feel pressure to follow a pre-determined path, fitting into the mold of what society expects of them. As entrepreneur and author, Susan McLean, remarks, "The try-hard mentality is stifling innovation and creativity. We're more concerned with what others think of us rather than taking risks and pursuing our passions" (McLean, 2020). This emphasis on conformity can lead to a lack of diversity in thought and idea generation, ultimately hindering our ability to solve complex problems and drive progress.
Finally, the Try Hard culture perpetuates a culture of toxicity and exploitation. The pressure to succeed can lead individuals to prioritize their professional and personal goals above relationships and friendships. A 2019 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 70% of millennials reported feeling left behind or abandoned by friends and family due to their work obligations. This culture of hyper-competitiveness can make it virtually impossible for individuals to prioritize self-care and meaningful connections. As economist and author, Tim Kasser, notes, "This neoclassical theory where the focus is on efficiency and productivity at work and the pursuit of more stuff at home has become destructive" (Kasser, 2016).
Supporting the Try Hard Culture: How Social Media Fosters Perfectionism
Social media has become a major driving force behind the Try Hard culture. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook showcase individuals' accomplishments, providing unrealistic comparisons and fuelling feelings of inadequacy. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that individuals who spent more time on social media were more likely to feel isolated and anxious. This pressure to present a curated persona can lead to social comparison and competition, as individuals constantly strive to outdo one another. As artist and author, Chris Nelson, remarks, "Social media is the ultimate popularity contest. We measure ourselves by how many likes and followers we have. It's dehumanizing, not to mention masquerading as confidence" (Nelson, 2020).
Fortunately, there are signs that the tide is turning against the Try Hard culture. A growing movement towards mental health-focused self-care is encouraging individuals to prioritize well-being and genuine personal growth. As increasingly, individuals recognize the importance of empathy and kindness in personal and professional relationships, the pressure to achieve more and more diminishes. As author and activist, Glenn Harlan Reynolds, notes, "We need to shift our focus from trying to achieve perfection to finding moments of effort and actualization that contribute to our true happiness" (Reynolds, 2020).
Breaking Free from the Try-Hard Cycle: Pathways to Self-Discovery and Individuality
For those eager to break free from the Try Hard cycle, several strategies can help:
• Reframe Self-Worth: Recognize that your self-worth is not tied to your accomplishments and performance. Focus on intrinsic values such as empathy, compassion, and kindness.
• Emphasize Meaning Over Efficiency: Prioritize depth and satisfaction in your personal and professional pursuits, rather than focusing solely on achieving quick results.
• Practice Self-Care: Make time for relaxation, meditation, and exercise, to reduce stress and cultivate well-being.
• Seek Feedback, Not Validation: Focus on learning and growth, rather than relying on external validation.
• Seek Connections Over Competitions: Build genuine relationships with others based on mutual support and respect, rather than fostering competition.
In conclusion, the Try Hard culture is more than just a fleeting fad; it's a critical examination of the underlying motivations and values of a society. Recognizing the significance of the Try Hard culture and the fallacies of its relentless drive for success may be the first step towards challenging and redefining our societal norms.
