In "Pushing the Limits" by Katie McGarry, the protagonist grapples with societal expectations that dictate how she should behave to be seen as successful. The pressure to conform to norms such as being a "good girl," achieving high grades, and gaining popularity weighs heavily on her, but ultimately, these demands fail to capture her true identity. She feels misunderstood, as her experiences and challenges are overlooked by those who impose these standards. Her journey reflects a struggle to break free from these constraints and to find her own path, emphasizing the importance of authenticity over conformity.

In "Pushing the Limits," the central character faces the pressure to live up to societal expectations such as being a "good girl," excelling academically, and being well-liked. These external demands often obscure her true self and personal struggles.

This sense of being misunderstood and mischaracterized drives her journey toward self-discovery, highlighting the need to prioritize one's own identity and experiences over conforming to others' standards.