What would you do if you could not fail?
Hey there,
Welcome to issue twenty-five of The Bright Side, where I walk you through the process of changing your life 3-15 minutes at a time, (a few days late after a sun-kissed weekend with friends and family!)
How are you? I hope enjoying the sweet, sometimes bittersweet, dog days of summer. 🐕🍉
An article in The Economist got me thinking. It's about a new book, "Infantilised," which argues that Western culture is keeping young people in extended adolescence.
But I'm not convinced. You know what's wild? The same young folks I see 'failing' at traditional adulting are often the ones making big moves to change the world.
I thought it would be interesting to look at both sides.
Growing Up in 2024: Challenge or Choice?
The "Infantilised" Argument:
More 18-34 year olds in the U.S. live with parents than partners
Home ownership for adults under 35 fell from 45% to 37% in just two decades
Heavy tech reliance makes it harder for young people to handle real-world problems
The Other Side:
Young people are tackling global issues like climate change and racial injustice
They regularly harness social media as a tool for positive change
And openly addressing mental health, creating a more supportive society
It's a paradox, isn't it?
The traditional markers—leaving home, financial independence, marriage, and kids—are happening later than ever. In the 1960s, the average first-time bride was 21. Today, she's 31.
Yet young people are redefining adulthood: mastering finance apps, building side hustles, prioritizing work-life balance, and creating families through friendships.
So, what does "growing up" really mean in 2024?
Is it about mortgages and marriage or making a difference? Choosing our path or following cultural trends? How do we balance youthful wonder with adult responsibilities?
Maybe true adulthood isn't about the previous generation's milestones but about conscious choices and connections, even if that change might feel uncomfortable.
The Harvard Study of Adult Development suggests that strong relationships, not wealth or status, are crucial to happiness and longevity. (Remember this from last week? I forgot to include the link - you can find it here).
Many young people seem to get this—prioritizing community and open communication.
Whether Hayward is right or wrong, one thing's for sure: how we define and approach adulthood impacts everything from our personal relationships to our career trajectories.
As I read, I found myself questioning my own life choices. Are my Netflix binges, or my son Ty's video game nights, harmless stress relief, or are we avoiding adult responsibilities?
🎯Quick self-check:
1. When was the last time you did something that scared you?
2. Are you taking on new responsibilities, even when it's uncomfortable?
3. How often do you push back against your own opinions?
Being an adult isn't about having it all figured out. It's about the courage to keep trying. In a world filled with challenges, the spirit of resilience and the strength of human connections lead us to a longer and happier life. Right?
Stay curious (the most exciting people always do!),
