By: M.V.C – January 2025
I hear it all the time – “The American Dream is dead” or “My parents had it better, easier, and faster than I do now”.
These have become popular ill-thought quotes of many millennials and Gen-Zs in the US today.
Now, like everything else, you can choose to believe whatever you want, and typically what you believe is true and you will begin to live your life and make decisions to support your beliefs.
If you think the American dream is dead, you may stop trying to improve your life and your financial and family situation because you believe you have no hope.
That behavior will only prove your beliefs over time as you will actively make decisions toward that belief system.
On the other hand, if you believe that the American dream is attainable, and you can better your financial and socioeconomic standing you will make changes in your life and invest in yourself and your family’s future.
This will typically produce positive outcomes in your work life, maybe a promotion or new career as you prioritize your financial well-being, and your family will begin to believe in the long-term investments as a means to better your life and the future life of your children.
Now, for purpose of this discussion and to avoid a 30-page dissertation, I will give my opinion and perspective along with several steps I would take today to better myself going forward.
So yes, I believe the American dream is alive and well, and also believe it is attainable for anyone willing to work.
If you don’t believe me or have a different assumption, I suggest you follow these four steps to discover a better way forward; because admiring the your current problem isn’t going to get you anywhere.
- Define the Problem – Describe the outcome
Why do you feel the American dream is dead?
That should be the first question everyone ask before they start complaining or making outlandish statements such as “The American dream is dead.”
What exactly is the issue that your dealing with – what is the American Dream to you and what was it for your parents.
Now, step 2 we will talk about defining your desired outcome in the end and working towards that goal.
But for now, focus on what the issue or issues are that makes you believe things are bad or simply not as good as you wish them to be.
- What is the End State? Describe the goal or desired outcome you want?
What is the American dream to you and your family?
This is where I think a lot of people can make the most of this argument and start in the right direction. This step holds true for anything in life. I tell people to always start with the end in mind.
There is a saying that goes “if you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.”
You must have a desired end goal or End State for your military out there if you want to achieve your goals.
So, I ask you, what does the American Dream look like to you? This is and will be different for everyone.
When working through this question, be specific and not vague; but also don’t tie everything to money or wealth.
- List steps – Smaller is Better
“Well begun is half done”
Now that you have your desired goal or outcome in mind, it’s time to list the smaller, more attainable goals that will act as checkpoints along the way to ensure you stay on track.
This is where you can get creative and have fun while reaching your goals.
For example, if your goal is to become a homeowner one day, you could set monthly, quarterly, or yearly savings goals for the down payment. Every $1,000 you save celebrate it! Make a goal book that keeps you motivated and on track.
- Enjoy the ride.
Don’t be in a rush to finish everything.
The last step is to enjoy the ride.” I think this holds true for anything your working towards, regardless if it’s the gym, finances, or life.
Sometimes we forget to enjoy the process and think happiness is only achievable at the end. I strongly disagree, the journey should be where the happiness is found and enjoyed along the way.
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