For far too long, I found myself caught in the trap of perfectionism, allowing it to hinder my ability to appreciate the good. This realization has been an evolving journey, marked by a commitment to resisting societal expectations that often prioritize productivity over well-being.

In a world that champions output, choosing to focus on being rather than doing can be a radical act of defiance. This sentiment resonates deeply with those who have faced exploitation firsthand.

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” — Audre Lorde

The phenomenon of “quiet quitting,” which refers to fulfilling job responsibilities without overexerting oneself, became a significant cultural topic in 2022 in the United States. This shift is not coincidental; it reflects the weakening structures of capitalism, laid bare by the global pandemic that revealed deep-rooted issues within our societal framework.

As I delve into the philosophy of doing less in a profit-driven culture, it's vital to recognize the obstacles we face, as understanding these challenges can be liberating.

Labels like “quiet quitting” often serve to shame workers into conforming to outdated labor expectations, perpetuating a cycle of underpayment and overwork, which has exacerbated economic inequality.

The rise of remote work during the pandemic illuminated the outdated nature of traditional office environments and showcased our reliance on essential workers in healthcare and service sectors.

The pandemic exposed both vulnerabilities and strengths within our economy, signaling a potential redefinition of labor amid the rise of artificial intelligence and automation. We find ourselves at the threshold of a technological revolution, unsure of what lies ahead.

Contrary to the viral narrative that “no one wants to work anymore,” the reality is that unemployment rates are at historic lows, with many individuals struggling to find jobs. This discrepancy hints at a significant transformation in the social contract that is unfolding.

Workers are mobilizing at unprecedented rates, and public support for labor unions has surged, reflecting a growing demand for workers' rights. Americans are increasingly unwilling to accept the status quo of labor exploitation.

Simultaneously, a staggering 90% of Americans acknowledge that mental health has reached crisis levels, particularly among young people, whose rates of depression and suicide have significantly increased since 2007. These issues are magnified within marginalized communities.

Connecting these dots reveals a trend toward establishing personal boundaries, a necessary response to capitalism's relentless pressure.

The global pandemic has acted as a catalyst, bringing many societal issues to the forefront. As systems begin to unravel, the flaws of an economy founded on greed rather than compassion become glaringly evident.

“The world’s ten richest men more than doubled their fortunes from $700 billion to $1.5 trillion — at a rate of $15,000 per second or $1.3 billion a day — during the first two years of a pandemic that has seen the incomes of 99 percent of humanity fall and over 160 million more people forced into poverty.”

“If these ten men were to lose 99.999 percent of their wealth tomorrow, they would still be richer than 99 percent of all the people on this planet.” — Oxfam International

It is evident that a greed-driven capitalist model is fundamentally opposed to true well-being.

Recently, I encountered a series of anti-capitalist affirmations that resonate with this truth and I feel compelled to share them. As you read each affirmation, take note of how it impacts you:

• I can create without needing my work to be perfect.
• All work is valid; there is no hierarchy in jobs.
• My worth is inherent and does not depend on accomplishments.
• Taking time for myself nourishes my spirit.
• My identity is not tied to my output.
• My financial earnings do not determine my value.
• My passions do not need to be monetized; enjoying them is enough.
• I define my own success, independent of societal standards.

These affirmations highlight the deep-seated struggles our culture faces, as it often prioritizes monetary gain over fundamental human needs. This has led to a pervasive internalization of unhealthy norms that reduce us to mere economic units, causing significant emotional distress.

Fortunately, alternatives exist. My approach is informed by the teachings of yoga and Buddhism, alongside contemporary examples such as New Zealand’s Well-Being Budget introduced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, which emphasizes key areas like mental health and child welfare.

A compassionate capitalism is achievable, but it necessitates a shift from greed to prioritizing the well-being of individuals. It stands to reason that a healthy society fosters a thriving economy. No one requires billions in daily earnings.

An economy centered on care allows individuals to pursue genuine purpose over mere efficiency, recognizing the vital importance of caregiving roles that support societal health.

While some may view my perspective as overly optimistic, I believe we have the potential to reshape our cultural discourse towards a more comprehensive understanding of national well-being that encompasses access to healthcare, education, and mental health support.

This transformation begins within ourselves. We must dismantle our ingrained wage-slave mentality and alter the narratives that hinder our creativity and healing.

In closing, I circle back to the pivotal insight that can dismantle the constructs holding us back: