Have you ever thought you might be similar to people around you and do the usual stuff? The exact question should be, “Are you scared of being normal?” Lately, a term has emerged for these sorts of thoughts and concepts, “Koinophobia“. In the 21st century, with the effect of social media and new social life, people began to live under the expectations of others’ and the real challenge became doing “THE MORE“.
What is Koinophobia?
Koinophobia is the fear of living an “ordinary” life or being seen as “normal.” People with koinophobia often strive for exceptional experiences, hoping to stand out from the crowd and avoid the label of “average.” This can mean aiming for high achievements, unique adventures, or public success.
The Impact of Social Media
Social media makes this fear even stronger by showcasing others’ exciting lives, careers, or travels. It’s easy to compare ourselves to these idealized lives, making us feel like we need to be extraordinary to be happy. According to psychotherapist Rachel Vora, this constant exposure can lead us to feel that our lives are not exciting or good enough.
Why Some People Fear Being Average
At the root of koinophobia is often low self-esteem or the idea that being extraordinary is necessary to be accepted or loved. This feeling can make people push themselves beyond their limits, chasing experiences and achievements without stopping to consider what truly brings them happiness.
How Koinophobia Affects Mental Health
While koinophobia can motivate some people, it also creates high levels of stress. Trying to avoid an “ordinary” life may mean turning down things that could make you genuinely happy, such as a stable career or a peaceful lifestyle. This constant drive for “more” can even lead to burnout—a feeling of exhaustion and being overwhelmed.
Finding Joy in the Ordinary
To live a peaceful life, it’s important to embrace and enjoy everyday moments. Focusing on internal validation, or finding worth in yourself instead of relying on outside opinions, can help. Rachel Vora suggests that we learn to value ourselves for who we are, not just for our achievements.
Setting Meaningful Goals Without Pressure
Living a simpler life doesn’t mean giving up goals. Psychologist Jason O’Callaghan believes that having something to look forward to can give life purpose. This could mean planning small, enjoyable activities, like a Saturday park run, a trip with friends, or appreciating simple joys, like morning coffee or reading a good book.
Conclusion: Finding Balance
Koinophobia makes it easy to overlook the beauty of everyday life. Remember, you don’t need to climb the highest mountain to see the stars—sometimes, the best views come from the most ordinary places.
Thank you for reading!
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