The Era of “Striving Upwards” Has Come to an End

For a long time, modern society has emphasized the importance of “striving upwards”—the pursuit of success, higher status, and a better lifestyle within a competitive framework. However, in the times we live in now, a shift in this mindset is becoming increasingly apparent. It’s no exaggeration to say that the era of being expected to “strive upwards” is coming to an end.

Why Was “Striving Upwards” So Highly Valued?

Post-war Japanese society greatly emphasized the idea that economic growth was the key to a prosperous life. During the period of rapid economic growth and the bubble economy, there was a firm belief that individual success would contribute to the prosperity of society as a whole. As a result, people were encouraged to aim for higher positions and better lives, with the idea that competing and winning in this race was a virtue.

Within the framework of a society that valued educational achievement and lifelong employment, securing high grades, landing a job at a prestigious company, and climbing the corporate ladder were considered the pathways to success. This mindset became deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, passed down from parents to children, and reinforced by societal expectations.

Changing Times and Shifting Values

However, with the advent of the 21st century, globalization, technological advances, and shifts in social structures have caused the meaning of “striving upwards” to waver. Economic growth has slowed, and traditional employment practices like lifetime employment and seniority-based promotions have begun to collapse. As a result, status and income within a company are no longer seen as the sole sources of happiness.

Moreover, the rise of social media has made it easier to observe others’ successes and glamorous lifestyles. This has increased the pressure to “strive upwards,” which in turn has led to a rise in mental health issues as people struggle with burnout, stress, and societal expectations. Issues like overwork, stress, and burnout have become widespread, making it clear that economic success and status do not necessarily equate to mental well-being.

In this changing landscape, a new set of values has begun to emerge, suggesting that striving for “upwards” is not the only meaningful way to live. A growing number of people are starting to prioritize personal happiness and authenticity over conventional measures of success.

A Shift Toward Pursuing Individuality

Today, more people are seeking “a life true to themselves” rather than simply aiming higher. For example, the number of people choosing to work as freelancers has been increasing, reflecting a trend toward valuing work-life balance. Instead of chasing wealth or status, many people now aspire to make a living by doing what they love and what they are good at, putting their mental and emotional well-being first.

Additionally, some are opting for a slower lifestyle, moving away from the competitive urban environment to rural areas, where they can live surrounded by nature. This move represents a shift for those who have grown tired of the rat race in cities, finding peace and contentment by changing their environment.

Concepts like “minimalism” and “decluttering” are also gaining traction. The focus has shifted from material abundance to a simpler, more fulfilling life, breaking free from the traditional mindset of “more is better” and “aiming higher.”

What Does Happiness Mean in the New Era?

The era of striving for the top has ended, and a new era is emerging. In this new age, the key question is what you, as an individual, truly seek and what kind of life you want to live. Finding your own values and version of happiness, without comparing yourself to others, leads to a different kind of richness in life.

What we should now be striving for is not necessarily “upwards” but rather a sense of “being true to oneself” and “comfort.” The time has come when we can live at our own pace, free from the constraints of societal standards and others’ expectations.

In this changing world, it is time to pause and ask ourselves: “What truly matters to me?” Finding the answer to this question is the first step toward achieving happiness in this new era.