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🇺🇸 Re-Thinking The American Dream
Published 10 months ago • 5 min read
Hey Reader,
Welcome back to Living Better—your personal guide to happiness, packed with captivating stories, actionable insights, and evidence-backed wisdom.
When you think of the term “American Dream,” what image comes to mind? For many, it looks a bit like this:
Marriage. Kids. Corporate job. White picket fence. Mortgage. Retirement.
But what happens if one, or all, of these expected milestones don’t align with your inner wants and needs?
Today we’re exploring why forging your own path and re-framing the stereotypical “American Dream” can open the portal to true happiness.
With the current housing crisis, 43 million Americans holding over $1.6 trillion in student loan debt, and roughly 78% of Americans still living paycheck to paycheck, it's no wonder why, for many, the stereotypical American Dream is starting to feel more like a pipe dream.
It's also no wonder why many Americans are beginning to forge their own path outside of society's framework.
Whether living life on the road, quitting corporate jobs for more flexible work environments, practicing minimalism in a consumer-based society, or challenging long-held norms pertaining to marriage, parenthood, and beauty standards to name a few, it's clear a cultural shift has begun to take place among Americans.
So, what could your life look like outside of societal expectations? And what could challenging the status quo do for your happiness? Let's explore.
Quote
"Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and make a trail.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Your Inner Dream Challenge
It can be difficult to figure out what we want in life; the constant barrage of noise from friends, family, and society on what we should be doing rather than what will fuel our souls can make discovering our true calling feel far-fetched.
That's why today we're challenging you to build your own American Dream. Many people go their whole lives without ever truly challenging the status quo. You are not one of those people.
Close your eyes and take a few minutes to ponder the following question:
If all expectations, judgements, and restraints melted away, what would my life look like?
What would true happiness and freedom look like? Would you live where you live now? Would you work the same job? How would you present yourself to the world? What traditions would you uphold? Which would you throw away?
When you open your eyes, hold the answers to the above questions close to your heart throughout every decision, big or small, you make in the coming days, months, years. Our time on Earth is limited; it's time to start working towards your American Dream.
How To Build Your Own American Dream
Throw Away Expectations: Remember your life is your own; stop allowing the expectations of others to dictate your every move.
Contemplate Inner Needs: Just like our Inner Dream Challenge above, take the necessary time to ponder personal dreams and desires.
Embrace Your Calling: Do away with shame and doubt; embrace your calling, no matter how much it does or doesn't fit within the mold.
Prepare To Live Fearlessly: Forging your own path will come with challenges. Be brave and remember it's your happiness that's at stake.
Find Your Community: You are never alone. Seek out companions with similar lifestyles, goals, and dreams to guide you along the way.
Remember The Larger Cause: Never lose sight of the fact that by living your dreams, you are inspiring many others to do the same.
POLL: How close are you to living your authentic dreams?
Dive into heartwarming stories and inspiring journeys from fellow Living Better members!
This week, we're highlighting Joe's encouraging story:
"My name is Joe. I’m 20 years old and live with Cerebral Palsy (CP).
Living with CP has its ups and downs. Sometimes you feel good, and other times it can be difficult.
But pretty much all the time, you feel blessed and grateful to be alive, and you live life to the fullest.
I feel like I was chosen to live with CP because I can be positive and determined at the same time. Every morning I tell myself ‘I can do hard things’ because I want to be a role model for everyone.
I also do a lemonade stand benefitting Gillette Children’s Hospital in Minnesota. In the past 8 years, I’ve raised $55,889.00 for new adaptive bikes, which are bikes specially designed for people with different abilities.
In the summer of 2023, I was named Richfield, MN’s Citizen of the Year!
I want everyone to know that as long as we work with each other and love each other for who we are, we can make the world a better place!"
Designer, bestselling author, and founder of the School of Joy. I help people find more joy in life and work through design. Join more than 45,000 readers who receive our weekly treasure trove of science-backed tips, delightful discoveries, and inspiration for living a better life.
5X Entrepreneur, 6 X Bestselling Author, Top 1% Podcast Host
Ready to reach your full potential in life and leadership? Join 80,000+ subscribers who follow my weekly and monthly newsletters. I am a serial entrepreneur, the #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of six books and host of a top 1% podcast on leadership, and personal growth. My passion is sharing ideas that help people and organizations grow.
Your ultimate guide for captivating personal stories, actionable insights, and evidence-backed advice, propelling you toward a meaningful life. Join our community of 200,000+ readers!
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