Michelle Obama shares the ultimate secret to happiness, says Gen Z is simply not getting it

In an era where an immense amount of knowledge is being shared online, there is no doubt over the fact that the current generation, especially Gen Z, is struggling to cope with the rising expectations — most reflecting an impossible ask. As expected, the failure to keep up with these expectations makes them struggle to find happiness. On March 26, Michelle Obama shared a secret method that may help Gen Z navigate these challenging times.

In her podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, which had Keke Palmer as their guest, she shared tips about finding peace in mundane things, claiming that life isn't all about excitement. In the podcast, the former First Lady noted that life is full of obstacles and Gen Z isn't the only generation to have faced challenges. She said, "To learn how to be like, 'This is not exciting. I'm not winning. I'm not losing. I'm not achieving. It's not a party. I don't have friends around every day.' It's like most of life is just the nothing in the middle."

Obama stressed that the one advice she often repeated to her daughters, Malia and Sasha, is that the greatest gift one could have is to have the ability to be self-satisfied. Obama said, "Before you understand the 'we', you need to understand the 'me'", noting that the effort one pours into another will not yield fruit if you lack a good understanding of yourself. Obama also revealed that most youngsters are caught up in chasing the recipe to happiness when it only exhausts them as time goes by — especially since the happiness that they are chasing is unrealistic. Michelle outlines that happiness lies in the power of being grounded and present, while viewing service to others as a means to bring happiness into their lives. "When things are just bland. Most of life is just ordinary," Obama said. "You gotta learn how to be happy alone. You gotta be happy, a little bored. You gotta be happy when things are hard," she weighed in. 

A study by Momentum Worldwide in 2024 suggests that digital connection doesn’t always satisfy emotional or relational needs. According to the findings, 55% of Gen Z are excited about what life has to offer. However, Gen Z’s hopes for meaningful and memorable experiences, along with values-aligned relationships, are high-level expectations that get sidelined when faced with money or social constraints. Oftentimes, these expectations clash with what’s possible, what is truly achievable. 

Soon after the clip was shared, many users expressed their admiration for the former First Lady and her wisdom. @SueDalchow wrote, "Although not from the USA, I have always admired you and Barack... so inspirational!!"

@TonieTobias commented, "I love that she has made talking about the things our culture has kept quiet for so long just keep quiet mainstream... even at my age, she drops so many great nuggets of knowledge."

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