We’re struggling and it’s wearing on us.

A look at the monthly bills for a typical American tells the story. Assuming our habits are largely unchanged, most—if not all—of us have seen the cost of everyday living increase to amounts that no longer fit within a sustainable strategy for long-term viability and happiness. The new normal is not dual-income, but multi-income. With an unreliable job market, fracturing communities, the decline and distrust of institutions, and increasing prices for essential needs and services, the pressure on economic stability and achievement is mounting.

Success is arbitrary. It’s measured by subjective standards placed on ourselves informed by society and our cultural background. Our measurements of success are often unreliable goalposts in the quest for happiness and satisfaction when compared to others. What brings contentment and success to one person may not be shared by another. However one defines it for themselves, success is nonetheless contextual. 

As interconnected beings in a dynamic and evolving world, we adapt to and rely on change to discover new opportunities and fulfill our dreams. For example, the ability to connect with nearly any person at any moment and place on the planet was not achievable a little more than a decade ago. Today, global communication is practically limitless, bringing new possibilities to information sharing, business deals, travel, living, and social change. Just as air travel opened up new markets of opportunity and dreams to be fulfilled, so are interconnected communication networks and technology.

The modern-day struggle to achieve our defined measures of success doesn’t need a guilt-driven reality check or lecture from elders or the personalities selling financial success. It requires a humble assessment of our current social landscape along with some self-awareness. 

A more holistic view of the world recognizes that every person belongs and uniquely contributes to their families, community, and the world. It’s the belief that everyone has intrinsic value and the capacity to bring more value to others through their vocation or talent—which is more than a job. For example, there is no reason why an artist should starve just as much as we wouldn’t accept a child, healthcare worker, laborer, teacher, military veteran, or the incarcerated to starve. The economic systems have rewarded output over input, but that doesn’t mean it’s the rightful standard for valuing what it means to flourish as a human. 

The struggles we experience are the result of tension created by resistance to change. That change requires a hopeful vision of what is possible unrestrained by the standards and systems of the past. The pressure to perform and achieve based on a bygone reality plagues us and holds us back. Those at the top who “played the game” or “earned their dues” continue to uphold an unjust system because they stand to benefit the most, adding mounting pressure and pain on the rest. According to some, the measures of success are self-made. But when a typical family can no longer afford a house, car, mobile phone, groceries, pay their water and heating bills, or take a vacation, happiness and success are no longer arbitrary. 

For society to thrive, we need a new vision and commitment to the sustainability and flourishing of humanity. In a more hopeful and equitable world, everyone assumes the responsibility of making space and advocating for other’s pursuits, passions, dreams, and happiness. The prerequisite requires learning to trust and believe in people, their belonging, goodness, and contribution to each other and our communities. Valuing custodians, caregivers, teachers, writers, artists, single parents, retirees, and the disabled the same as physicians, bankers, and professional sports players is the beginning of imagining a better tomorrow.

The struggle is imposed, but the ability to create change is not out of our grasp. Resistance to change will only deepen discontentment, hardship, and despair. Embracing change at a pace the system can handle inspires hope and innovative outcomes. Once we gain traction, a better tomorrow is within sight.

Thank you for reading!

What you’re reading is my calling—my gift and contribution to you and others. It’s a message of hope and change for our time that I intend to continue writing about and speaking on. I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve launched a support page this week, where you can learn how to become a supporter of my work. As promised, subscribing to my daily newsletter is free. But now, you can also help ensure its accessibility and sustain this work. Learn how.

Gratefully,
Matt