When I grew up, #23 was a good thing… in 2024, not so much.

CJ McClanahan

For the first time in recorded history, the United States dropped out of the top 20 happiest countries. 

“The growing unhappiness among young adults reflects in part the pressure to always be happy and being misled by messages on social media that accumulating wealth and material things will make them content.” U.S. No Longer Ranks Among World’s 20 Happiest Countries, WSJ 2024

Come on. Are you really surprised? 

In her book Try Softer, Aundi Kolber, MA, LPC, points out our tendency to white-knuckle our way through life, convinced that if we just push a little more, eventually, we’ll be in control, find peace, and finally achieve the level of success that will make us feel worthy. 

Instead of ‘white-knuckling’ through your day, what would happen if you chose to release your grip on the situation?

—CJ McClanahan

Speaker | Advisor | Recovering Overachiever

CJ McClanahan