I was watching 60 Minutes yesterday. They had a story about why Denmark is the happiest place on Earth. Researchers studied why the people of Denmark were so happy. The conclusion? They don’t concern themselves with having high goals. Basically, they don’t care as much when they are disappointed because they don’t hold themselves to a high standard. They instead focus on connections such as friends and family more than trying to get that promotion and make more money.

Here in the states where we rank 23rd on the world happiness scale, we always want more. We tend to value our success in how much wealth we accumulate. Nobody here can be happy working as a janitor or a waitress even if it might be what they love to do. Jobs like this are often ridiculed by people and in TV shows and the movies we watch.

I believe this is precisely why American’s, rich or poor are so stressed out in their lives. They have been brought up to believe that the pursuit of the American Dream means everything in their lives. Our parents and friends usually set these values in our minds. I know my parents wouldn’t brag about me if I worked in a retail store. Instead they get to tell people I work with computers. They are proud of that and they believe that I am smart because of it. What if I wanted to work at a retail store though? What if I wanted to be a construction worker? I don’t know of many parents that would support those types of jobs very well.

When asked for advice on how American’s can be happier, one of the Danes interviewed said to forget the American Dream. I tend to agree. I mean it’s great to have the opportunity and freedom to peruse the American Dream. It just shouldn’t mean everything in our lives.