What is the American Dream?
Whether you grew up in the United States or you’ve only lived here for a few years, you’ve probably heard of the American Dream. But what is the American Dream, exactly?
What is the American Dream?
More than simply getting rich, the American Dream is the belief that every American should be able to achieve their version of success, regardless of race, religion, or socioeconomic status.
While author James Truslow Adams was the first to use the term “American Dream” in 1931, the concept dates back to the Declaration of Independence, which states that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Unlike other countries throughout history, America has no formal caste system preventing its members from achieving at the highlight levels. Systematic injustice may run rampant, making upward mobility unfairly challenging for many, but success is never impossible.
With the American Dream, nearly anyone can achieve almost anything. All it takes is skill, hard work, a little luck, and a plan.
Creating Your American Dream
America is called a “melting pot” due to its incredible racial, cultural, and religious diversity. It should come as no surprise that each resident’s version of the American Dream can vary just as widely.
For many, the American Dream involves home ownership. For others, it consists of the ability to pursue higher education. Still, others dream of amassing as much wealth as possible before retiring early to travel the globe.
Whether you’ve already achieved a great deal of career success and are looking for more, or you’re tired of wondering why God isn’t answering your prayers for your basic needs, you can choose and pursue your version of the American Dream.
Pitfalls of the American Dream
While the notion of the American Dream is typically optimistic and idealistic, it isn’t without its flaws.
The American Dream can lead to rampant consumerism, materialism, and greed when left unchecked. It can lead toward increased systemic inequality as some seek to improve their upward mobility without concern for how their action (or inaction) affects others.
Throughout history, people have used philosophies such as the American Dream and Manifest Destiny, the belief that American people should and would inevitably expand their domain over the entire North American continent, to excuse their cruel treatment of others.
Everyone wants to create a good life for themselves. Not everyone considers the effect their actions will have on those around them.
Furthermore, simply professing a philosophy doesn’t bring it into existence. While the American Dream sounds excellent in theory, it hasn’t been the reality for many who call America home.
Is It Wrong to Pursue the American Dream?
For these reasons and others, some well-meaning Americans question if it’s appropriate to pursue extravagant wealth, abundant material goods, or a life free from the time and financial constraints that plague many.
After all, the Bible does warn us that the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10) and that it’s “easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24).
While many Americans unabashedly chase the American Dream for themselves and their families, others intentionally shy away from any discussion of wealth, prosperity, or abundance, fearing that increasing their income could negatively impact their faith, their livelihood, or the lives of those around them.
Yet, pursuing the American Dream does not have to equal amassing abundant wealth or pursuing upward social mobility (although it can). It means having the ability to follow the life you want to lead.
Your American Dream may be to give generously to charities in need, to start a business that helps people in your community, or to provide for your family. You may want to quit your job, spend more time with your loved ones, or move to a remote cabin in the wilderness.
The specific dream you pursue, the way you pursue it, and the reason why you pursue it are all up to you, but working hard to pursue the American Dream is not inherently wrong.
How to Pursue the American Dream
Ready to start pursuing the American Dream for yourself? Here’s how to get started.
1. Decide What the “American Dream” Means to You
First, you must answer the question, “What is the American Dream?” for yourself. What goal are you hoping to achieve in pursuing a good life? What would you like your ideal life to look like?
Do you want to own a home, get a good education, move to New York, take a summer vacation, or travel the world? Do you want to quit your 9-to-5 job, write a book, start a non-profit, run for political office, invent the latest tech gadget, or have more free time for your friends, family, and hobbies?
If you’re unsure, imagine it’s ten years in the future, and you’ve finally accomplished everything you’ve ever wanted. What would your life look like? How would you spend your days? What would you do or not do?
Give yourself permission to dream big!
2. Create a Plan
Once you’ve figured out what the American Dream is for you, your next step is to figure out how you’ll get there. Create a list of steps you’ll need to take to realize your goal.
Will you need to apply to college, for a new job, or for a home loan? If so, are there other steps you need to take first? For example, do you need to ask someone to write a letter of recommendation, improve your marketable skills, or increase your credit score?
What obstacles might you encounter along the way? How will you overcome them?
It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but you don’t have to let fear or doubt win. Simply go step-by-step through your plan and reassess as needed.
3. Spend Less
If you’re like most people, creating your American Dream will require spending money you probably don’t have.
This is why most people don’t pursue the American Dream. They don’t think they can afford it. Yet, if you want something badly enough, you can usually find a way to make it happen.
Look over your credit card, debit card, or bank account statements for the last few months. Are there any recurring expenses you can cut back on?
For example, can you cancel any streaming services, gym memberships, or other subscriptions you have? Can you stop spending money on eating out, shopping, or online gaming? Can you renegotiate your monthly debt payments?
Can you refinance your car loan, home loan, or student loan? Alternatively, could you sell your home or car and purchase a cheaper option?
No, these options aren’t fun, easy, or convenient, but they are options. A little sacrifice now could make a huge difference later.
4. Earn More
While reducing your spending can help bring you closer to your American Dream, it may not be enough. After all, there’s a limit to how much you can save.
That’s why the next step in pursuing your American Dream might be for you to find a way to bring in additional income. Thankfully, earning extra income has never been easier.
You might ask for a raise, get a new job, or start a side hustle. You could start a Christian blog, take surveys, sell baby clothes your kids have grown out of, or sign up for a meal delivery service.
You could provide after-school tutoring to elementary school children or graphic design services to online business owners. You can do odd jobs in your local neighborhood or sign up for a part-time job across town. You could donate plasma, teach a class online, or even create a fundraiser if your dream is to help people other than just yourself.
Whether you simply need a little extra income or your dream life requires thousands, the options are endless. You just have to get creative, work hard, and not give up.
5. Live Your American Dream
Yes, plenty of factors make pursuing the American Dream more difficult for some people than most.
Unfortunately, inequality is still rampant in our country (as it has been throughout American history), making pursuing wealth more challenging for immigrants, people of color, and those currently living in low-income households or dangerous neighborhoods.
Yet, challenging is not the same as impossible.
The United States is still the land of opportunity for many, and living the American Dream is still possible for anyone willing to work hard and make sacrifices until they achieve their goals.
This is true no matter who is in office (Democrat or Republican). It’s true when our nation is in prosperity and when we’re in a recession.
If you can dream it, you can do it. Why not start today?
Your American Dream is waiting for you to show up, do the work, overcome the obstacles, and live the fulfilling life you’ve always imagined.
