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Redefining Success: The Younger Generation’s Shift in Values
Recently, a group of American university students visited Energiakademiet, and during our discussions, something really stuck with me. We talked about the balance between living a fulfilling life and taking responsibility for the environment. Their thoughts, their questions, and their reflections got me thinking. It was clear that, like many of us, they were grappling with this idea of what it means to be successful in a world where climate change and sustainability are central issues. That conversation made me want to put down some reflections of my own—about how our generation is redefining success and what that could mean for our future.
The Shift in Success
Many young people today are changing how we define success. Where success used to be measured by wealth and status, more and more of us now see it as living thoughtfully—financially and environmentally—while still pursuing our dreams and goals.
It’s not just about consuming less. It’s about reflecting on how we live and understanding the impact our choices have on the planet. Many of us are starting to buy fewer but better products, and we’re thinking about how to support more sustainable solutions. It’s as if we’re redefining what it means to be successful today—where it’s not just about what we own, but how we live in harmony with nature and the resources available to us.
Personal Reflection: Finding My Own Balance
For me, this balance has become a central part of how I live and work. I’ve found myself questioning what it means to live a fulfilling life in a world where environmental concerns are so pressing. There are times when I’ve been tempted by the idea of success in the traditional sense—pursuing career goals without thinking about the impact on the planet, or wanting to experience everything, like traveling to far-off places. But more and more, I’m realizing that living sustainably doesn’t mean giving up those things; it means being more mindful of how I approach them.
What Defines Value? A Conversation with Amory Lovins
This theme of redefining success also touches on something I recently discussed with Amory Lovins. We had an inspiring conversation about value—how we decide what is valuable to us, and who or what influences that decision. Is it something we determine ourselves, or is it shaped by something greater—society, culture, or even the environment? This question really resonated with me because it’s at the core of this shift in values we’re seeing today.
I strongly believe that, to determine what is truly valuable for ourselves, we need to build strong personal integrity. Without that inner foundation, it’s too easy to let external pressures—like consumerism, societal expectations, or even the fast pace of modern life—dictate what we think is important. Developing this sense of integrity allows us to make decisions based on what genuinely matters to us, not just what we’re told to value.
This idea ties directly into the broader shift among young people today. Many of us are starting to question whether traditional markers of success—money, status, consumption—really align with our values. By cultivating integrity and mindfulness, we’re more equipped to define success on our own terms, focusing on sustainability, well-being, and personal fulfillment.
Redefining Success Collectively
But it’s not only at a personal level where change is happening. More young people are getting involved in broader societal discussions and pushing for larger systemic changes. We’re a generation that is not just making adjustments in our personal lives but also demanding accountability from businesses and calling for policymakers to make sustainability a priority. We are questioning the systems that promote overconsumption and advocating for new ways of living that are in balance with the planet.
This shift is about more than just personal success—it’s about recognizing that true success comes when we contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world. We are redefining what it means to be successful in modern society, where financial gain and personal achievement are not the only measures of fulfillment.
Connection to Emma Holten’s Underskud
This shift in values aligns with many of the ideas Emma Holten explores in her new book Underskud. In the book, she talks about how we undervalue things that can’t be directly measured by economic standards, like care work or sustainable living. Just as we’re now changing our understanding of success, Holten challenges us to rethink what we value as a society. It’s not just about creating a greener future, but about redefining what truly matters in life.
In a way, both Holten and the younger generation are asking the same question: What do we really value? Is it the material wealth we accumulate, or is it the relationships we nurture, the planet we protect, and the fulfillment we find in living thoughtfully and responsibly? By shifting the conversation around success, we’re showing that it’s possible to live a life that is both personally rewarding and environmentally responsible.
World Economic Forum: What Changes Young People Want for the Future: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/08/young-people-millennials-and-generation-z-change-future/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10603-021-09489-x
Underskud, Om værdien af omsorg: Emma Holten