The Tyranny of the “Amazing”: Why We Need to Reclaim Our Own Experiences

We’re constantly bombarded with messages telling us what we *should* find amazing. From the seemingly endless stream of social media influencers showcasing their idyllic lives to the well-meaning (but often misguided) advice from friends and family, we’re drowning in a sea of prescribed “must-have” experiences. But what happens when the things lauded as incredible leave us utterly cold? When the pressure to conform to a particular definition of amazing leaves us feeling resentful and disconnected?

The truth is, many of the things touted as life-changing or transformative simply aren’t for everyone. Take, for example, the pressure surrounding weddings. The expectation to have a lavish, expensive affair, complete with hundreds of guests and a meticulously planned itinerary, hangs heavy over many couples. But for some, the thought of such a spectacle is overwhelming, even terrifying. The emphasis on a grand celebration often overshadows the actual significance of the commitment, leading to stress and anxiety rather than joy. The judgment and unsolicited opinions on wedding choices are equally burdensome; the implication that anything less than a “big” wedding is a regrettable mistake is incredibly disheartening for those who envision something more intimate and meaningful.

This pressure isn’t limited to weddings. The tech world is particularly guilty of this phenomenon. The current hype surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a perfect case in point. While AI holds immense potential, the reality is often far less impressive than the marketing campaigns would suggest. Many “AI-powered” features are superficial add-ons, providing minimal functional improvement while generating a sense of technological superiority. The relentless push of these often underwhelming features feels less like genuine innovation and more like a desperate grab for market share, leaving users frustrated and disillusioned. It’s a form of technological “greenwashing,” where the true value is vastly overshadowed by the flashy marketing.

This pervasive pressure to conform to a specific definition of amazing extends to almost every aspect of our lives. Travel destinations, career paths, parenting styles – all are subject to the same relentless barrage of prescribed “amazingness.” We are encouraged to chase experiences and lifestyles that may not align with our personal values or preferences, leading to a constant sense of inadequacy and dissatisfaction.

The problem isn’t necessarily the experiences themselves; it’s the underlying message that dictates our feelings about them. When we’re constantly told what we *should* find amazing, we lose the ability to assess things honestly and authentically based on our own individual experiences and preferences. We lose our right to say, “Actually, I don’t find this amazing at all.” We need to reclaim the right to define what truly resonates with us, regardless of societal expectations or marketing campaigns.

It’s time to challenge the tyranny of the “amazing.” It’s time to embrace our own unique perspectives and to value authenticity over manufactured excitement. It’s time to acknowledge that what is truly amazing varies from person to person, and that’s perfectly okay. Let’s stop chasing the pre-defined “amazing” and start cultivating our own personal definitions of joy, fulfillment, and genuine connection. Only then can we truly appreciate the things that matter most to us, without the pressure to conform to someone else’s version of amazing.