Handling Social Pressure as a Teen Entrepreneur

As a teen entrepreneur, you’re going to feel pressure—whether it’s making decisions for your business, keeping up with school, managing your social life, or dealing with people’s expectations. That feeling like the world is watching and judging? You’re not alone. In fact, 81% of teens in the U.S. say they feel pressure about their future and achievements. This article is here to give you some real tips to deal with that pressure and keep moving forward, no matter what. 

Focus on Self-Improvement 

One of the best ways to deal with pressure from others is to stop looking outward and start looking inward. Prioritizing self-improvement rather than comparing yourself to others can help you feel more confident in your abilities. 

Taking action in your business, attending workshops, and reading about topics like wellness, mindset, and leadership can help you build the following skills not just for business, but for life: 

• Time management: Learn how to plan your days so you’re not constantly overwhelmed. 

• Financial literacy: Gain knowledge on how to manage your money. 

• Resilience: Know how to bounce back when things don’t go as planned. 

• Discipline: Keep showing up even when it’s tough. 

Keep in mind, self-improvement doesn’t stop with business. Formal education, like going to college, can also give you tools to grow.  

Celebrate Small Wins 

Societal pressure can lead to negative thoughts and make you second-guess your accomplishments. One way to fight back is by celebrating your small wins no matter how tiny they may seem. Whether it’s sending your first cold pitch or reaching out to someone on social media about your business, those steps matter. They show progress, and they deserve recognition. 

You don’t need to do anything over the top. Write about how it made you feel in your journal or share it with a mentor. These moments of reflection help you build stronger habits and keep the momentum going as you work toward your bigger goals. 

Learn to Say No 

Protecting your mental health is key, especially when you’re trying to build something at a young age. If you ever come across a person or a post online that makes you feel overwhelmed or not good enough, take a step back and refocus on what actually matters to you long-term. 

That means learning how to set boundaries. Here’s what that could look like: 

• Limiting social media when it starts to feel more discouraging than helpful 

• Avoiding people who don’t align with your personal or business values 

• Not overcommitting to projects just to please others 

• Saying no to extracurriculars or social plans that drain you instead of helping you grow 

When you make choices that respect your time and energy, you’ll feel less affected by outside pressure. 

Set Clear Goals 

To block out the noise of social pressure, it helps to create a set of clear, manageable goals that you can always come back to, especially when things start to feel overwhelming. One way to do this is by using the SMART goal system. That means setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Write them down, either online or on paper, and make sure they’re detailed. 

For example, if your goal is to get a new client for your graphic design business by the end of summer, break that down into steps. You could start by building a portfolio and then make a plan to reach out to 50 potential clients online. Keep your focus on just two or three goals at a time so you don’t get sidetracked. 

Build a Support System 

Turning to family and close friends can give you emotional support, motivation, and even a space to vent when you’re dealing with challenges in your business. Sometimes, just having someone to listen can make you feel better. 

You can also build a support system by: 

• Finding a mentor: This could be a teacher, coach, or any trusted adult who can guide you, encourage you, and help you think through decisions. 

• Joining peer networks: Look for entrepreneurship clubs, extracurricular activities, or even online forums where you can connect with other teens who understand what you’re going through. 

Leaning on people you trust makes it easier to keep going, even when things get tough. 

Stay Focused, Stay You 

Focusing on self-improvement, celebrating small wins, and setting goals are all ways to build resilience and manage the effects of social pressure. If you’re feeling the weight of other people’s expectations, try putting one of the strategies from this article into action. Remember, small steps can lead to big progress. 

Florida teen entrepreneurs, the Kantner Foundation wants to support your next big move with a college scholarship. Applications are open—apply now!