Lagom

Lagom is a quintessential Swedish concept. There is no one word for it in English (or most other languages for that matter). It’s pronounced LAW-gom and means ‘just the right amount’ or ‘not too much or too little’. Other varieties of the translation give us ‘in moderation’, ‘in balance’, ‘just enough’, ‘ideal’. As opposed to words like ‘sufficial’ and ‘average’, which suggests a degree of lacking, ‘lagom’ is more about appropriateness, but not necessarily perfection.

The Swedish saying ”lagom är bäst”, literally ‘the right amount is best’ is something I grew up with.

I want that for you. I want ‘just enough’ for you in all aspects of your life. We need just the right amount of most things in life. No need for excess, it doesn’t make you any happier. There is enough for all of us, if we take and use what we need, no more, no less.

This longing for balance is seemingly a worldwide longing. And luckily for you, you don’t have to be Swedish to live your life lagom : ) It’s a mindset you can adopt. You can practice lagom by looking for balance in your own life. The balance between being indoors and outdoors, spending time alone and with others, the balance in listening and talking, the balance in exercise and rest, the balance in giving and receiving, working and rejuvenating,

Lagom means sustainable. Sustainable for Mother Earth, and sustainable for you.

Where does the expression stem from? The Vikings.

The story goes that back in the day there was one chalice that was shared by all around the table ‘the lag’ or the team. Everyone took a sip and passed it around, ensuring everyone got some, the chalice was passed ‘laget om’ or around the team, leaving us with ‘lagom’: take what you need and there’s enough for everyone.

Well, that’s actually a myth, but makes it easy to remember and understand the concept : )

This mentality shows up everywhere in Swedish culture, which is a more collectivist culture than the American. A way of being where we look out for out next/team/fellow humans/Mother Earth. It’s not about amassing as much as possible for yourself at the cost of others.

The way of thinking also reflects a way of being and living. Expecting to have our needs met in all aspects of life. Together with equality and consensus, ‘lagom’ is a part of the Swedish national psyche.

How is it working out for Swedes? Sweden is ranked 7th happiest country to live in the World Happiness Report.