In this insightful piece, we explore how unwarranted manifesting can transform your life and help you break free from restrictive societal norms, such as Norway’s Law of Jante. This unspoken social code discourages individual success and ambition, fostering a culture of conformity and mediocrity.
By sharing personal experiences and contrasting societal norms in Norway and the United States, we aim to inspire you to recognize and overcome limiting beliefs, embrace individuality, and strive for a life of abundance and fulfillment.
This post is about how manifesting can change your life.
The Journey of Transformation
Today, let’s discuss how unwarranted manifesting can transform your life. By revisiting life’s documents—photos, old text messages, files, and social media accounts—you can clearly see how you envisioned and manifested the life you have today. Reaching a point of genuine excitement about the future is achievable.
Living an abundant life filled with unexpected events is liberating, especially if you grew up in a society where conformity is the norm. In Norway, society expects individuals to follow a uniform path, rarely encouraging new adventures (aside from the annual trips to the Canary Islands). People live in a metaphorical box, aware of the world’s happenings but often pretending ignorance. This behavior stems from the Law of Jante, or “Janteloven” in Norwegian. The essence of this law is to discourage boasting about individual accomplishments and to avoid jealousy.
The Impact of the Law of Jante
On the surface, the Law of Jante seems commendable, promoting humility and equality. However, in practice, it stifles potential, limits uniqueness, and often leads to underlying depression—especially for those with ambition. If you are career-driven and aiming for the stars, this societal norm can make the journey rough.
Here are the 10 laws of Jante:
- You should not think that you are something.
- You should not think that you are as much as us.
- Don’t think you’re smarter than us.
- You should not imagine that you are better than us.
- Don’t think you know more than us.
- You should not think you are more than us.
- You should not think that you are good for anything.
- You shall not laugh at us.
- Don’t think anyone cares about you.
- Don’t think you can teach us anything.
The Law of Jante was written by Danish-Norwegian author Aksel Sandemose in 1933. Growing up with these laws can be demotivating. While the intention might be to foster humility, it often leads to a societal drain where individual growth is stifled. Unless you are a free-spoken rule-breaker aiming for the stars, you might end up feeling miserable, knowing you have untapped potential.
Contrast with the American Dream
Imagine living in a society that cheers for you throughout your journey. The American Dream represents a set of ideals where freedom includes the opportunity for progress and success, social mobility, and the chance for a better life. Americans live for this dream—liberal, free, and full of possibilities. In contrast to Norway, where societal norms can stifle success, the United States encourages thinking big, dreaming big, and aiming higher.
In the United States, societal norms focus on building individuals, their goals, and their hopes, leading to a healthy set of norms that promote personal growth and community success. This is very healthy in my opinion. Americans genuinely want to see you succeed and flourish into the best version of yourself. While achieving your goals, you also contribute positively to social norms within the state or country.
Personal Transformation
Experiencing life in the United States can change your perspective on how damaging restrictive social norms like the Law of Jante can be. Upon returning to Norway, you might feel out of place, experiencing cultural shock due to the mindset change. The supportive and encouraging environment in the U.S. contrasts sharply with the stifling atmosphere in Norway, leading to a realization of the long-term damage such societal norms can cause.
I want to highlight the long-term issues the Law of Jante causes. The world is evolving; we cannot afford to lose potential to an unspoken social norm that limits self-growth and potentially cause mental illness. While Norwegians uphold this social norm, they can also be surprisingly humble individuals where most are just trying to do their best. Norwegians are not difficult to be around, matter of fact they are the least confrontational beings I have ever been around compared to any other countries in the west.
Norway is a beautiful country with the Aurora lights and stunning landscapes. With a welfare state that assists its citizens where there is a need without great hardship, Norway is not a terrible country to grow up in. However its societal norms and rules can result in danger to the mind, for a lively, creative person; or even the average Joe at times. While Scandinavians adhere to the Law of Jante, leading to potential mental illness, Americans have ideologies that lead to national success.
The Islamic Perspective
In Islam, success is achieved by obeying Allah’s commands, avoiding prohibitions, and actively working on self-improvement. Muslims are taught to strive for excellence in everything they do. Historically, Muslims have made significant advancements in various fields, contributing to global progress. The basic sources of Islamic ideology, the Quran and Hadith, guide Muslims in their journey to success in this life (Dunya) and the afterlife (Akhirah).
Do not invest your hopes in anyone but Allah, & do not fear anyone but the consequence of your sins
Uthman Ibn Affan (RA)
Conclusion
Breaking free from the constraints of limiting societal norms like the Law of Jante can help you embrace your potential and pursue a fulfilling life. By understanding the cultural differences and the impact of societal norms, you can learn to overcome limiting beliefs and strive for a life of abundance and fulfillment. Embrace your individuality, focus on self-improvement, and seek a supportive environment that encourages your growth and success.
Remember that success is not just about personal achievements but also about contributing positively to the community leading by example.
Suggested reading: Is Identity a Choice or a Product of Our Circumstances?
