As a generation, Millennials are redefining the American Dream through our ingenuity and continuous education of working with less. All generations are struggling with finding the balance between the old and the new way of thought; for the first time five generations are living and working together. The dynamics between those generations couldn’t be more different, but finding the harmony between them will enable us to create a more fulfilling life for all. Embracing a culture of quality over quantity rather than trying to achieve a defunct American Dream will enable us to lead a more fulfilling life.
The generations before us defined what their American Dream was and achieved it. It worked for them, but their dream doesn’t work for the younger generations. For most Millennials, mortgages have been replaced with student loans, we live paycheck to paycheck, we don’t have pensions or benefits, and we are severely underemployed. We simply do not have the financial resources to contend with older generations.
For many of us we find ourselves saving for the next gadget, a new bathing suit, or new shoes to add to our collections. We live in a one-click purchasing world; we are bombarded with tailored ads that magically meet our interests; and we live above grocery stores, luxury shops, and restaurants. We live in a society defined by 24/7 availability. Despite our financial situation, we desire convenience which enables us to irresponsibly fuel the consumerism machine. Instead of asking ourselves “can I afford this” we should be asking ourselves “what purpose will this serve in my life?”
Minimalism at its core, is about improving the quality of life by adding value to it. Mainstream society measures value in quantity, but Minimalism challenges that notion by measuring value in quality. It is a sensible approach to improving the quality of life for yourself and those around you. Living with less empowers you to do the things that you have always dreamt of doing, but may not have had the time or resources to do.
Minimalism is not all about reducing your material possessions or anti-consumerism. Human acquisition goes beyond obtaining the latest and greatest everything. We strive to achieve more power, prestige, or influence all at the expense of time. In our human ignorance, we even attempt to acquire more time. Time is the only resource that can never be replenished. Instead, we should focus on maximizing the time and resources we know we have, to be more impactful.
The temporary happiness we find in things comes at a price well beyond the retail value. We find ourselves in a never-ending cycle of paying down debt just to build it right back up. We battle depression and anxiety over not being able to afford the things that meet the expectations of an unobtainable dream. We stress ourselves out obtaining items to impress others rather than adding value to our own lives. Instead of living to pursue the next big deal, the next sale, the latest technology, fad, or trend you should live to pursue your American Dream – which is whatever you want it to be.
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