Peer Pressure As A Positive?

I think peer pressure gets a bad rap. On television, it’s all about teenage cliques and risky behavior, but that is just one half of the equation.

Peer pressure can also be about positive change and personal growth. It can be about emulating those you admire.

“Peer pressure refers to the influence exerted by a peer group in encouraging a person to change his or her attitudes, values, or behavior in order to conform to group norms.” Wikipedia

Take a look at this exchange:

@ carlyrachael @ MilePosts Me too! Every marathon tweetfest inches me closer to running one! November 5, 2011 7:20 pm via Reply Retweet Favorite

@LiveHuzzah Brigid

Is this peer pressure? Sure.

Am I concerned? Heck no!

This “peer pressure” is what I love about the running community! We all love running and want to share our passion with others. We recognize that anyone can be a runner. Running is not about speed. It’s about putting one foot in front of the other, breathing in fresh air, and getting those endorphins going.

What better group norms to emulate than those of the running community? Forget fast food and video games, let’s try more fruits, veggies, and exercise! Bring on the “you can do it!” cheerleaders and the kindly offered pieces of advice. Society could be a whole lot healthier with a little more positive peer pressure.

So go ahead. peer pressure me. My body and mind will thank you.