To conform takes a lot of energy

1. Conforming to the expectations of society takes a lot of energy. It takes energy over the long term in the form of inner tension. It takes the form of small choices constantly where you conform to this and that — instead of listening to yourself.
2. As an example, say you are confronted with a life choice. Should you
   A) take that job that is accepted by societal norms
   B) something different you really want that is not accepted by societal norms
3. In example A) you will initially not waste much energy since all your peers and society will accept it. However, over the long term, you will probably experience some inner tension because you truly want some other thing. This long-term conforming to society’s expectations will end up draining little of your energy over a long period — resulting in a very straining life and lots of energy drained overall.
4. Example B) will result in lots of tension and energy drained initially. This is because your peers and society will be very critical of what you are doing initially. However, you will be spared any inner tension that might drain your energy over the long term.
5. Example A is easy in the short term but hard in the long term, whereas example B is hard in the short term but good in the long term.
6. So do what you want to do because then you’ll avoid inner tension — and the expectations of your peers and society are vague and not in your control anyway so don’t live your life according to them.

Thanks for reading.