Success the Swedish Way: Mindful Living, Measured Growth

A trip to Sweden in Scandinavia brought about big unexpected surprises.

I’ve done my fair share of travel, living abroad too.
Sweden was never really a consideration. Too cold, too boring, too ‘not special’.
How wrong I was!
The Swedes, with their famously high standard of living, know how to live.
The beautiful country and its people left an serious impression.

Sweden hits the annual world survey top lists for best countries to live in, year after year.
What are they doing that we need to learn more about?

I found five great ‘Swedish lessons’ that can transform your life, irrespective of where you live in the world.
Once implemented and made to be your own, achieving these goals will bring you closer to experience the life they live and the life that could and would bring more happiness to YOU:

• Nature:
  Swedes look after Mother Nature and are well attuned to the rhythms of nature.
  During the summer half of them hit their family beach cottages scattered over more than 200 000 islands.
  Most of these family heirlooms are remote with no mobile reception and have no electricity or running water.
  A place to be one with nature again.
• Education:
  The government (and society at large) promotes an “individual-thinking” society.
  As young as 7 years, kids are encouraged to run their own teacher-parent meetings, defining their own goals, strategies and resources needed to get there.
  This leads to confident and mature children and eventually adults.
• Minimalism:
  Swedish design is uncluttered.
  IKEA and H&M are iconic global brands that promote affordable, simple lifestyles resulting in uncluttered homes, businesses and lives.
  An Uncluttered mind can focus on and prioritize the real important things.
• Family:
  Sixteen months of paid parental leave is given annually by government, of which 90 days need to be taken by both parents as a minimum.
  Being present is key. Unity brings happiness and contentment.
• Shield-less:
  Swedes are very comfortable in who they are.
  Their nude-sauna tradition for example strips you from everything other than your true self and allows you to be equal to all others.

Go and implement these lessons.
Or if the idea sounded like something you want and need but the detail didn’t, do your own research and find ones that resonate with your unique inner calling.
Work with a coach if needed to get that razor sharp clarity especially if your time is valuable and limited.
Be creative and see if you, your family, and your organization can top some ‘best‘ list this year.

As published in leading business journal ASA (edited).