It Was the Best of Times and the Worst of Times: The Simultaneous Rising and Fall of Standards in America

America is Extremistan. And sadly the world is becoming more like America it seems. Rising inequality where some people have very amazing lives and most people have a pretty crap one. 

We’re seeing the rapid destruction of the middle class in America. Inflation has been ripping through the country over the last 3 years. Food & energy costs are increasing. We’re seeing household credit card debt increase as families are trying to maintain their lifestyles. 

Yet at the same time, it is easier than ever to cross socio-economic groups. Both falling out of one or rising into a new higher class albeit for most people, usually falling out of one. 

However, Crisis and change equal massive opportunities. Especially for those willing to take ownership for their life and do the hard work that it takes. 

There are literally a billion new business opportunities and new markets out there because there are so many problems for smart entrepreneurs to solve. 

We have new distribution tools like the various social media platforms, or cloud services like AWS & MSFT Azure. Add in dozens of low code and no code tools and a growing plethora of AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, Scenario among others, it’s easier and cheaper than ever to build something and get started. 

We are also in a time where there are so many more sources of knowledge and information available than ever before. Things like Youtube, Twitter, excellent online classes like David Perells “Write of Passage” or the multitude of books it’s heaven for self starters and self learners. Additionally there are so many talented people you can model yourself on and learn from. 

The bar is so low to stand out. Have basic people skills (ie. EQ). Do what you say you are going to do. Work out and get fit. Dress well. Read books regularly and enjoy learning. Travel. Have a point of view. Start a business & make money. Treat your work like a craft. Be an optimist. Help others. 

If you do all of this, you will inevitably succeed in life.