Counsel #1 — Escaping The Pressure Cooker

Picture: Counsel #1 — Escaping The Pressure CookerCMH 35.1

Let's talk about the insane pressure to succeed that many people feel crushing them. Between side hustles, parental expectations, perfect Instagram or TikTok lives, and that nagging voice whispering "not enough," it's easy to feel like we're drowning in a sea of societal requirements. But hold up, before you spiral into a productivity coma, let's take a deeper look at success.CMH 35.2

The first step is to not let fear of failure or pressure dictate your choices. Pursue God’s plan for your life and take courageous steps toward your calling in Him.^{[32]https://www.adventisteducators.org/2020/02/right-career-part-1/} Pray and ask God to help you find His inner peace and rest — even if everything else in your world is going crazy He is more than able to give it to you!CMH 35.3

“Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” Luke 12:15 NKJVCMH 35.4

“God’s career choice for us is determined by our capabilities. Not everyone has the same ability. Regardless of your academic potential, each of you should aim just as high as uniting yourself with divine power allows you to reach.” Ellen White in A Call to Stand Apart, p.100^{[33]Adapted from Education, p.267}CMH 35.5

Reflect: Which societal expectations or external pressures weigh heaviest on you? How do these pressures conflict with your understanding of God's calling for your life?CMH 35.6