A Vicious Cycle: The Glorification of Struggle in African Homes

Introduction

One would think that past generations worked tirelessly so the next could suffer less—that their sacrifices would give their children a head start, closer to the finish line. But for many, that’s not the case. To them, struggling is the only way to validate success. The phrase "We struggled so you could succeed" has shifted from a heartfelt sentiment to a mantra, passed down like a pseudo-inheritance from parent to child.

But why has this mindset persisted? And what does it mean for those of us born into a world that offers opportunities beyond endless toil?

Visual representation of how people are forced to go with the cycle

The Roots of the Struggle Mindset

To understand this mentality, we must first look at the world that shaped it. For many African parents, the idea of success was forged in an environment of scarcity, oppression, and survival. Colonialism left nations economically crippled, political instability disrupted daily life, and limited opportunities made education and upward mobility precious but rare.

Take Zimbabwe, for instance, where hyperinflation and land reforms left families clinging to hard work as the only semblance of stability. For the older generation, success wasn’t just hard-earned—it was the result of an unrelenting fight against systems designed to keep them down.

This struggle wasn’t just physical—it was emotional and psychological. Education, often the sole ticket to a better life, required great personal sacrifice. Many worked grueling jobs to pay school fees or support extended families. For them, success without suffering seemed almost impossible to comprehend.

This deeply ingrained belief turned struggle into a virtue—a measure of one’s worth. And so, they pass this perspective down, hoping their children will embody the same grit and perseverance.

The Problem with Glorifying Struggle

While perseverance is undoubtedly valuable, the glorification of struggle comes with its own set of problems.

1. Shaming Ease: Achievements that come without visible hardship are often dismissed. A child who lands a lucrative job through networking or talent might hear comments like, "You’ve had it easy," as if their success is somehow less valid. This mindset diminishes alternative paths to success and ignores the changing dynamics of the modern world, where efficiency, collaboration, and innovation often yield better results than relentless toil.

2. Burnout and Guilt: Younger generations often internalize this obsession with struggle, leading to burnout and guilt. When hard work doesn’t yield immediate results, it’s easy to feel like a failure. Worse, even when success is achieved, there’s often a lingering sense of inadequacy—was it hard enough to count?

   A 2022 study revealed that burnout among young professionals is at an all-time high, with many feeling their efforts are never enough to satisfy familial or societal expectations.

3. Stifling Creativity and Innovation: Focusing solely on traditional, labor-intensive paths to success often stifles creativity and discourages unconventional careers. Artists, entrepreneurs, or tech innovators are often seen as "taking shortcuts" compared to lawyers or engineers who "put in the work." This perspective overlooks the diverse opportunities in today’s world and dismisses careers that prioritize innovation or passion over hardship.

   
   

Breaking the Cycle

If we’re to move forward, we must question the idea that struggle is the only path to success. This doesn’t mean disregarding the sacrifices of past generations—it means honoring them by building on their foundation rather than replicating their hardship.

1. Redefine Success: Success doesn’t have to be synonymous with suffering. It can also mean happiness, balance, and fulfillment. Today’s generation should focus on combining hard work with smart choices, leveraging resources like technology, mentorship, and modern career paths. Success in this age is as much about working strategically as it is about working hard.

2. Value Different Paths: Parents and children alike must respect diverse definitions of success. Whether it’s a creative career, a trade, or a corporate position, all paths should be seen as valid if they lead to personal and professional growth. For example, tech innovators and freelancers are redefining success by breaking barriers in industries previously inaccessible to their parents’ generation.

3. Embrace Collaboration: The modern world thrives on connections and teamwork. Recognizing that success often stems from collective effort—not just solitary struggle—is essential. Collaboration is no less valid than individual hard work; in many cases, it’s far more effective.

   
   

Conclusion

The glorification of struggle is, at its core, a reflection of love and sacrifice. It’s a desire for children to carry the same resilience that helped their parents survive. But as times change, so too must the lessons we carry forward.

The greatest way to honor the struggles of past generations isn’t to repeat them—it’s to transcend them. If the struggles of the past were meant to open doors for us, isn’t it our duty to walk through those doors and explore the opportunities beyond? By embracing new possibilities and redefining success, we can create a legacy not of hardship, but of hope and possibility.