This is NPR's life kit.

If I called you ordinary, how would that make you feel?

If I told you I had an average day at my ordinary job

and then went home to my ordinary family,

would you think of me as unsatisfied, unambitious,

maybe even unhappy?

I'm Andy Tagle, one of the producers of this show.

And I would like you to know that I am completely ordinary.

From author Rainford's staffer's perspective,

this is a wonderful thing.

The concept of the best life serves as a social script.

Do these things in this order and you'll end up happy

or fulfilled or at the very least,

on par with the same kind of lives your peers are leading.

So often, especially for those in emerging adulthood,

there's pressure on all sides.

TV, film, family, social media, culture,

to chase an extraordinary existence in every aspect of life.

You're told to travel the world and explore

while simultaneously working your way to professional success.

Then move on to the best of best futures.

Marriage with a perfect partner, perfect house,

...