Thread by @cleanwithmike

The Amish are some of the happiest and healthiest people on the planet.

After doing some digging...

I think I figured out why.

Here's what I found:

1. They prioritize community over competition.

While the rest of us hustle to outdo our neighbors…

The Amish focus on helping each other build barns, harvest crops, and solve problems together.

No social media comparisons…
No keeping up with the Joneses…

Just genuine connection.

2. They work with their hands.

Studies show that physical labor releases endorphins and creates a sense of accomplishment.

Every day…

They see tangible results from their efforts.

Meanwhile, most modern workers struggle to explain what they actually "did" at work.

3. They live simply.

❌ No mortgage payments on a house they can't afford.
❌ No credit card debt from stuff they don't need.
❌ No anxiety about the latest iPhone release.

When your needs are met and your wants are few, stress disappears.

4. They have a clear purpose.

Every action serves their family, community, or faith.

There's no existential crisis about "finding your passion" when you're focused on serving something bigger than yourself.

Purpose breeds contentment.

5. They embrace slow living.

• No rushing between meetings
• No notifications every 30 seconds
• No stress to "optimize" every moment

They move at the pace of the seasons…

Not the stock market.

Now, I'm not saying we should all become Amish.

But there's wisdom in their approach that applies to business too.

I've built my cleaning company around these same principles.

3 examples:

1. I prioritize relationships with my cleaners and clients over just making money.

2. I focus on a simple, proven business model rather than chasing every shiny opportunity.

3. I work to provide for my family and support my community, not just accumulate wealth.

Most importantly?

I've structured my business so I can live slowly.

No 60-hour work weeks.
No constant stress about scaling.
No sacrificing my golf games for profit.

I work ~5 hours per week because I chose lifestyle over status.

The Amish figured out something most entrepreneurs miss:

True success isn't about having more.

It's about needing less while serving others well.

I believe that’s the core foundation of both happiness and sustainable wealth.

If you want to learn how to build a business that prioritizes lifestyle design and freedom over endless hustle...

Follow me @‌cleanwithmike.