The American Dream- Are You Truly Living It?

The phrase, “The American Dream” can mean many things to many people. To many it is the ability to take control of a dream in which life should be better, richer, and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.  You may also think about it as a chance to live better than your parents did.  The potential to become whatever one wishes.  The great thing about this statement is that it can be defined by you in your own way.  The question that I have for you is whether or not you are truly taking advantage of “The American Dream” and all that was sacrificed for you to have the right to dream.

America is the land of opportunity.  The land where anyone can succeed and the “can do” attitude prevails and dreams come true. Everyone knows a rags to riches story whether it is someone in your town that you know personally or a story/movie that you have seen.  I always think of the movie Pursuit of Happyness. Stories like these are pretty amazing.  They touch our hearts and motivate us to venture on an unknown path to achieve our dreams.  Unfortunately this is often short lived because so many people like to think about having the success but crumble when push comes to shove that requires hard work and sacrifice. As a result, most people find themselves in a situation working a 9-5 that pays a small salary, has benefits, 401(k) plan, and if you are really lucky a pension.  This may provide security but is it really satisfying?

Maybe that is all you are looking for and thank goodness this great country will allow you to make the decision to do just that.  This is the route that millions of Americans take and become content with.  Maybe this is because it might be safe or maybe because they don’t have any imagination to make a change for the better.  However, more and more Americans are making the choice to work for themselves and become entrepreneurs.  According to Forbes Magazine, 79 million people in North America plan to start their own business in the next 3-5 years.  The good news is that choice is a beautiful thing. 

You probably know someone who is serving our country, has served in war, and even someone who sacrificed their life for others to have a chance at “The American Dream.” Ask yourself if you are living up to everything they fought for or are fighting for now.  Are you taking advantage of the freedom that others have laid downs theirs lives for?  I hope the answer is yes and you maximize the full potential of living “The American Dream.” However, if you are still one of those individuals clocking in and clocking out, dreading the alarm clock in the morning and don’t feel challenged you are wasting time.  The good news is that it is never too late to make a change for the better. 

The decision to transform “The American Dream” into a reality is up to you.  Choices will have to be made, hard work and determination will be required and the pursuit of happiness will be the reward.  Taking control of your life and allowing yourself to have everything you ever dreamed of is up to you.  Make sure you are taking advantage of everything this country has to offer.