Redefining Success in America

There is a radical transformation taking place in the U.S. as people from all walks of life are crumbling from stress, fatigue and burnout. Why? They trade time for money and never have enough money, so they attempt to trade more time for more money and so the cycle goes. "More for less" seems to be the corporate cry issued from a conference call somewhere in a high-rise by a prematurely balding executive in a black, rolling chair. He symbolizes success of a waning generation, while his once faithful and hopeful protégés are increasingly reluctant to climb the ladder, choosing to keep their families instead of their "office with a view". Yes, the monetary rewards are still there waiting for the exchange, time for money, but other commodities are ever diminishing - happiness, purpose and satisfaction. Laborers and middle management - even executives - are asking the question: "How can I be happy and satisfied?"

We've proved as a society over and over again that money alone is not the answer. Look at Hollywood, Nashville, and New York. Noted celebrities are repeatedly headlined for their miserable behavior. Lack of money is not their problem. Screaming fans elevate them to God-like status convincing them of their invincibility. Lack of fame is not their problem. As they sit in a hotel room all alone in Somewhere, America, they ask themselves a question: "How can I be happy and satisfied?"

A growing population of people are answering that question in simple form: "I will be happy with what I have!" What a concept! The Andy Griffith Show comes to mind. With a sense of community, a guitar and a fishing pole, this little unconventional family coursed through life with gratitude, intention and purpose. Their meals were taken together and together they partook of life-happy and satisfied.

Can life really be that way? Voluntarily simplifying your life is not a "Pollyanna" concept limited to the charmed life of television characters, nor is it a glamorized form of "doing without". It is a way of life that points to having only what you need and being happy with those things. It also emphasizes taking the time to take care of what you have. It is about saving and re-using. It is a long overdue step away from consumerism.

A general positive attitude and a sense of community and connection lead to happiness as well as fulfilling other basic human needs. Without connectivity, life takes on a meaningless quality and becomes a hopeless endeavor.

Other people and our relationships to them ARE the measure of success. We will undoubtedly refer back to how well we fostered our relationship with our spouses, children and others in our neighborhoods and communities at the end of our lives when the inventory is taken. What can we do now? Work less. Be happy with what we have. Laugh, love and be extraordinarily conscious of the blessings we already possess, not of real estate titles and deeds, but in human commodities: son, daughter, friend.