Proving One's Self

Why do young people feel, at one time or another, the need to prove their strength, endurance, or maturity? Have you ever felt this way? If so, describe the situation. What were you trying to prove? To whom? Have you witnessed this happen with someone else, either in real life or in a fictional account? Describe the situation and try to determine the young person’s motivation.

• Young people feel, at one time or another, the need to prove their strength, endurance, or maturity because of several reasons. For example, maybe there had been an event that shows them their own weaknesses, and that they are not strong or mature enough. Another reason may be parental pressure. To keep up with their parent's expectations, children and teenagers often push themselves in order to be rewarded. However, parental pressure is also a reason why some young people turn to gangs and ended up walking the path towards evil. The last, and most common example, is peer pressure. Young teenagers can be often seen within a group or a click. When they are together, all of them want to be able to fit into the group and be accepted. So, to be accepted, they push themselves in order to prove to others that they are strong and mature. 
• I had, like all people, felt this way before. However, I do not feel like I have the need to push myself anymore. I am quite content with the way I am now. My motivation for proving myself was peer pressure - wanting to keep up with my classmates - and because I was trying to prove to my parents that I am mature and old enough to do things on my own. Another good example of this idea of proving oneself is my brother. He is trying really hard to keep up and improve his math because he wants more time so he can go out.