In our daily lives, many of us feel the weight of the need to “do things right.” It’s a silent pressure that comes from societal expectations, leading us to believe that if we don’t meet these standards, we’re somehow lacking value. But does this mindset truly bring us happiness?

From an early age, we’re taught to “do your homework properly” and “greet others politely” as measures of being a “good kid.” While following rules and manners is important, over time, these lessons accumulate, creating the belief that “if I don’t meet expectations, I’m not worthy.” Eventually, this leads us to prioritize how others perceive us over our own true selves.

This conditioning follows us to school, to work, and into adulthood, where we’re expected to become “responsible adults.” In workplaces especially, not only are skills and achievements valued, but so are attitude, etiquette, dress code, and language use. These expectations of “proper conduct” sometimes feel like an obligation to suppress our individuality. With such normalization, many people unknowingly suffer under the weight of “having to be perfect.”

In the age of social media, there’s additional pressure to present a “perfect self.” On these platforms, we often see images of others’ fulfilling work, family, and hobbies, which can make us feel that we, too, need to work harder and present a flawless version of ourselves. Without realizing it, we become ensnared by the idea of “fitting in,” imposed by society, and may find ourselves pushing beyond what feels natural.

But do we really need to cling to this idea of being “perfect”? “A proper life” or “perfect self” may look impressive on the surface, but when we consider what truly brings us happiness and a sense of fulfillment, it’s not always the answer.

When I encountered the concept of “parallel life,” I realized that pursuing perfection wasn’t the only path to a meaningful life. Parallel life allows you to bring multiple aspects of living—work, hobbies, community involvement—together to create a life that prioritizes what matters to you most. By following various pursuits, we can focus less on doing things “right” and more on what makes us genuinely comfortable and fulfilled.

Of course, striving to “do things right” is not inherently wrong. However, it’s essential to choose which standards to follow not just to gain approval but to find what brings you true happiness. Sometimes, the choice to “not be perfect” in the eyes of others is a valuable one for living authentically.

Once we recognize the weight of “doing things right” and free ourselves from that restraint, we can rediscover our true selves. By facing the expectations imposed by society and re-evaluating our own values, I believe we can unlock a lighter, freer path to life.

Let’s not live for others but find a way of life that genuinely brings us joy. This journey to self-discovery and fulfillment is one we can walk together.