What is “Successism?”


Definition: "the societal worship of success in a manner that is damaging to the well-being and dignity of many citizens; most modern elders wake up to the fact that neither consumerism nor successism will buy them happiness and it’s around midlife that they choose to rewrite their 'success script.'"

For those who are so inclined, America offers a toll road to avoid the congested highway of common life. We pay extra to be on this toll road – for our education, the sheer number of hours we work, the stress we experience on the “hedonic treadmill” – that allows us to keep up with the Jones and feel like we’re a “success,” however we define this.

But, then, we notice a gorgeous country road with no toll nor traffic and we wonder what the heck we’re doing on this concrete superhighway. We choose to take the road less traveled and “successism” loosens its grip on us. Based upon this new study, choosing the country road may be part of the explanation for “The Great Resignation” that’s afflicting America’s employers.

Here are a few of my video thoughts of how “successism” has influenced America.

Discover More Wisdom

November 23, 2020

Let me introduce you to someone who doesn’t care about old or young, but ...

Old Enough…Young Enough…Good Enough.

July 2, 2023

A close female friend over 50 recently told me about bumping into a former ...

Heat vs. Warmth.
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