Have you ever heard of a disease called “prestige“? This disease often forces many people to push themselves to appear capable in front of others, only to gradually destroy them in the end.
Let’s dive into an inspiring, funny, and engaging story that raises awareness of this destructive trait and encourages readers to avoid and suppress their own sense of “prestige.”
Once upon a time, a young man named Budi lived in a bustling city. Budi was just an ordinary office worker but had a big dream: to be respected and admired by others.
Budi struggles daily to maintain his image by driving a luxurious car, wearing expensive clothes, and attending lavish parties, even though his salary can barely cover these extravagant expenses.
One day, Budi’s best friend, Joko, noticed that Budi was trapped in the clutches of “prestige.” Joko, always the wise one, shared a hilarious metaphor with Budi: “You know, Budi, chasing after prestige is like running on a treadmill—you may look like you’re getting somewhere, but you’re actually not moving at all!”
Joko’s words struck a chord with Budi. He began to realize that his obsession with maintaining a facade of wealth and success was actually causing him more harm than good. His finances were spiralling out of control, his relationships were suffering, and his mental health was deteriorating.
As Budi started to recognize the dangers of “prestige,” he decided to make a change. He traded his luxurious car for a more affordable one, cut back on his lavish spending, and focused on cultivating genuine connections with others. Budi’s life slowly improved, and he found that he was happier without the constant pressure to maintain an image.
Through Budi’s journey, we can see how the disease of “prestige” can slowly destroy a person’s life and also teach us some valuable lessons;
Prioritize inner values over outward appearances.
Instead of seeking approval from others, focus on developing your own personal values and principles. This will lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Practice gratitude and contentment.
Learn to appreciate what you have and avoid comparing yourself to others. This will help you find satisfaction in your own life and reduce the need to chase after prestige.
Cultivate genuine relationships
Invest time and effort in building strong connections with family and friends. True happiness comes from the love and support of those closest to us, not from impressing strangers or acquaintances.
Live within your means.
Avoid spending beyond your budget in an attempt to keep up appearances. Financial stability and freedom are much more valuable than the temporary admiration of others.
Embrace self-improvement and personal growth.
Instead of focusing on external validation, work on becoming the best version of yourself. This will lead to a more profound sense of self-worth and lasting happiness.
Be mindful of social media.
Remember that social media often presents a filtered and curated version of people’s lives. Don’t be swayed by the “highlight reels” of others and fall into the trap of chasing prestige.
Budi’s battle with “prestige” is a cautionary tale for all of us. By recognizing the dangers of this destructive trait and taking steps to overcome it, we can free ourselves from the shackles of societal expectations and lead a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Let’s start today by embracing our true selves and rejecting the disease of “prestige” that threatens to bring us ruin.
Perspexto 
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