For most people, the American Dream represents the idea that it is possible for Americans to have a better material life for themselves through hard work. However, in the words of historian James Truslow Adams, “… it was not just a dream of owning a car and a high salary, but the dream of a social order in which every man and woman could attain the highest level of their ability…” The American dream was more than just a home, two kids, and a car in the garage. It is also an illustration that Americans can pursue a life of proud individualism, respect, and personal freedom.
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Method 1 of 3: Having a Decent Life
Step 1. Work hard
If there's one thing about the American Dream that almost everyone can agree on, it's that achieving it takes hard work. The Public Agenda vote has proven that nearly 90% of the population agrees that a strong work ethic is a “very important” part of The Dream. Whether you are trying to climb from humble beginnings to a comfortable middle class life, move from middle class to upper class, or even climb from the bottom to the highest echelons of society, you will need a personal drive to succeed.
Getting ahead in life means just as it sounds; work so powerfully that you “get ahead” of the rest who put in only the usual effort. First of all. You may want to try to work harder and longer than other people in your workplace. If most employees usually go straight home when the opportunity arises, offer to work overtime. If other people are slacking off during breaks, find additional tasks to do. Working harder than those around you is a great way to get noticed at work and later earn rewards in the form of promotions and raises
Step 2. Work smart
While hard work is a must in achieving the American Dream, working hard without working “effectively” is not going to help you. In America, it's better to be known for being efficient and productive, than always spending a lot of effort on work that could be accomplished more easily by other means. Always strive to improve your personal efficiency, especially at work; Ask yourself, “How can I do my job faster?”. “How can I do it more simply?”, “How can I do it with less effort?”, and so on. Below are some productivity-boosting tips to get you started:
- If you do work on a computer, write “scripts” (or have a more experienced friend do it for you) to complete the most frequent and easiest tasks.
- If you're swamped with work, try to leave some to someone else.
- If you own a business, hire a third-party agency to handle tasks that take too long (like accounting, payroll, etc.).
- Find creative solutions to common problems. For example, if you're a waitress and you find it time consuming to walk back and forth to the ice machine, start carrying a jug of ice with you while serving the table.
- Purchase effective, high-quality equipment.
- Make sure you get plenty of rest so you can devote all your attention to work.
Step 3. Get educated
While America is home to many stories of highly successful people without formal education, generally, getting an education is usually a good boost to your career and personal prospects. Basic education, like the one you get from high school, gives you the basic knowledge you need to be fluent and competitive in the modern world. Higher education, such as university, provides you with specialized knowledge and skills that make you a more attractive candidate and can qualify you for more selective employment, where postgraduate education is more specialized. Generally, it is the desire of every American to get the highest education he can afford.
- In addition, some types of work "require" the right educational background. For example, you can't be a doctor without medical school, you can't be a lawyer without law school, and you can't be an architect without a degree in architecture.
- Getting a higher education can actually increase your earning potential. On average, a person who spends two years at university is estimated to have earned about $250,000 more in his lifetime than a person who does not.
Step 4. Create a business
Inquisitive Americans should always be looking for additional ways to make money, in their primary job as well as outside. There are so many ways to do this; wherever you see a need that you can fill, you have the potential to make money. The opportunity to make money can be very simple; For example, if you're a certified CPA, you might want to sell your services to friends around tax season to make extra money on top of your regular income. However, some of the most profitable businesses offer creative solutions to less obvious problems. A well-known example, American Mark Zuckerberg became the world's youngest billionaire by working with others to create a global social media site, helping people connect with each other in ways previously unimaginable.
- You don't have to create the next Facebook to be successful in America, but you should try to make your business small, but significant. Running your own part-time business at home, for example, is an excellent way to make some extra money with a few extra costs.
- Obviously, no matter which way of earning money you choose, you must make sure you comply with federal, state, and local regulations. For example, operating a “freelance MDMA distribution service” can put you in jail, which will hinder your long-term goals.
Step 5. Save money
Many people spend much of their income buying things they don't need. In order to build a comfortable life for yourself in the long term, it is wise to eliminate these unimportant expenses in the short term. Eliminating luxuries like cable TV packages, expensive restaurants, and unnecessary vacations can leave money for things that give you more lasting benefits, such as debt repayments, cash-generating projects, and retirement investments.
- One great way to control your spending is to create a budget for your household. Summarizing your monthly expenses and comparing your estimates to “actual” expenses can be an enlightening experience that helps you identify areas where you are spending too much money.
- Other great ways to save are finding cheaper places to live, buying household supplies in bulk, taking a car or using public transportation instead of driving your own car, and reducing the costs you spend on heating or air conditioning.
- For more information, see Saving.
Step 6. Dive into your passion
While those who pursue the American Dream are wise in their hard work, no American is happier in focusing his entire life on work. Part of the American Dream is to have the freedom to do things other than work to have a more fulfilled and happier life. Spend time doing what you love; it can mean hobbies, like writing, playing sports, and taking care of your car, but it can also mean simple pleasures like just spending time with your family.
If you really love work, that's great! Being able to make money from a job that matches your personal passion is a convenience that not everyone has. If you "don't" love your job, that's okay. Keep going and work hard, but always leave time for your passions (and look for other opportunities) to keep your morale high
Step 7. Buy the property
While owning a home is not necessary for a fulfilled and happy life in America, most Americans either own their own home or intend to own one. Even in the most recent property crisis, most of the source of wealth for most Americans has remained their homes.
Owning your own home does not only provide material benefits for you. Owning your own home also gives you a sense of freedom to adjust your life situation according to “you” wishes. For example, if your kitchen is too cramped, if you have your own house, you can expand it. If you rent, you usually can't do this. In addition, many Americans feel that owning a home gives them a sense of satisfaction and security
Method 2 of 3: Living As a Free Individual
Step 1. Know your basic constitutional rights
Americans have been granted great personal freedoms by the US Constitution, the nation's definitive legal document. Every American should know most of the basic rights granted him by the Constitution. Taking advantage of this freedom can allow you to create a happy, fulfilled, and successful life for yourself. On the other hand, not understanding this freedom can make it easy for you to miss opportunities or be taken advantage of. Below are some of the most basic rights granted by the Constitution (be aware that these are all taken from the “Bill of Rights”; the original ten amendments to the Constitution):
- Rights to free speech (including a free press, the ability to protest peacefully, and to appeal to government)
- Right to practice religion (or not)
- The right to own a gun (usually refers to owning a gun)
- Protection against unlawful searches and arrests
- Protection against testifying against oneself in legal matters
- General court rights by judges
- Protection against “heinous and unusual punishments”
Step 2. Use your free speech
Perhaps the most frequently used and most frequently mentioned constitutional freedom is freedom of speech. America is a free country; Americans are allowed to say whatever they want and express their opinions in any way as long as they do so in a way that doesn't harm others. This means that the law allows any personal or political beliefs and allows sharing these beliefs with others, “even if your beliefs are against the accepted order”, as long as you obey the law.
- Be aware that certain types of speech intended to cause harm are not always constitutionally protected. One widely known example was given by Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. in 1919 was shouting "fire!" in a bustling theatre; because doing this causes immediate and real harm to others in the theater, you will likely still be arrested if you do this.
- It's also important to understand that freedom of self-expression doesn't always protect you from the “results” of your actions. For example, if a business president makes a published racist comment, the board of directors can still fire him for this. Freedom of speech does not mean that nothing bad will happen to you because of what you say.
Step 3. Use your religious freedom
The Pilgrims who traveled on the Mayflower, some of America's earliest visitors, were people looking for a place where they could practice their religion free from harassment and persecution. Today, America maintains this religious tolerance. Americans are free to practice any religion they want, or, if they do, to practice no religion at all. All forms of faith are allowed in the United States and churches that are legally recognized even get tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service.
Similar to religious freedom, Americans are free to practice the religion of their choice, but not to commit crimes or harm others as part of that religion. For example, if members of a certain religion decide to drive in the wrong direction on a highway as a sign of loyalty, they will still be arrested
Step 4. Choose
All American adults can (and should) participate in government by voting. In most states, residents are allowed to vote at the age of 18, although some states allow 17-year-olds to vote. Voting is one of the most powerful rights Americans have. Voting allows all citizens' voices to be heard in government. All residents have the same voting power; no matter how rich, powerful, or influential a person is, he still gets the same voting opportunity as a low-paid worker.
- Be aware that American men must enroll in Selective Service (“the draft”) to be eligible to vote/
- Be aware that some states prohibit inmates from voting, even after being released from prison.
Step 5. Enjoy your freedom in choosing your way of life
In the United States, residents are free to live as they wish. A person can have any habit, hobby, or interest they want as long as it doesn't violate the law or hurt others. What a person does in his spare time depends on it; bankers can become amateur punk rockers, dishwashers can speculate on the stock market, and electricians can study archeology. Residents are also supported to choose their own way of life; no American should feel like there is one “right” way to live his life. Americans are free to make friends with anyone and pursue almost any opportunity they want.
Be aware that, while Americans are free to live as they please as long as they obey the law, certain types of activity that might be considered “victimless” in other parts of the world are prohibited in the US. For example, many drugs that are not banned in parts of Europe and elsewhere are banned in some or all of the US
Step 6. Challenge the mainstream freely
An important aspect of achieving the American Dream is being willing to stand up for your personal principles. America has a long tradition of celebrating the type of hardened individuals who are willing to "go against the group." Many Americans are famously celebrated for opposing public establishments or social institutions that go against their personal beliefs. For example, famous Americans like Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Cesar Chavez, and even modern idols like Steve Jobs became legendary by changing the world by using their will to go against the mainstream and challenge the way the world works.
Being an individual means buying into your principles and having the courage to stand up to popular establishments, but it doesn't mean “never” accepting help from others. Some tasks are difficult, if not impossible without the help of others; no individual should be so proud that he thinks he can do all things himself. For example, many well-known American companies started with loans from friends and family or small business loans from the government
Step 7. Be innovative
Innovation has been one of America's most cherished national values for more than a century and still is in the modern world. Innovation is often cited (for example, by elected officials) as the key to a country's continued growth and success. Becoming a successful innovator in America is a fast ticket to personal fulfillment, material success, and widespread recognition. For example, some of America's most important innovators, such as Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and others are now recognized as people who changed the world with their innovative work.
You don't have to be a modern Edison to stand a chance in the American Dream; even small, everyday innovations can greatly improve your life. For example, finding a new, easier way for your company to do business can win you a promotion and the respect of your coworkers
Method 3 of 3: Making a Name for Yourself
Step 1. Pursue self-improvement
It has been observed at home and abroad that Americans have a penchant for education and self-improvement. No one is born knowing everything he needs to know how to be successful. In order to achieve the strong individualism that is central to the American Dream, it is imperative to be willing to improve yourself wherever and whenever you get the opportunity. Whether it's learning a new skill, practicing a second language, or learning strategies for business success, almost any self-improvement opportunity can help you become a stronger, more versatile, and more productive person. Below are some ideas for self-improvement:
- Maintain physical condition (running, lifting weights, etc.)
- Learn sales techniques
- Studying modern history or recent events
- Studying martial arts
- Mastering a hobby or activity
- Creating art or music
Step 2. Be a leader
Proud and individualistic Americans should not be ashamed to face the world's problems head-on. Doing this often means being a leader, leading others while accepting the responsibilities that come with leadership. Having the courage to volunteer in a task that involves leadership, no matter how big or small, can help you make a difference in the world while gaining recognition for yourself.
- One great way to become a leader is to run for government office. Doing this gives you a platform to introduce your views and, if you win, fight for the changes you want to see. Even if you don't win, if your campaign attracts enough attention, it could reshape public debate or encourage lawmakers to give you the opportunity to be a leader for others.
- You don't have to be a member of the government to be a leader in your community. Volunteering in some types of social work or even just doing community-oriented work yourself can give you the opportunity to be a leader for others.
Step 3. Have an active civic life
The United States is built on the principles of representative democracy. The more people who participate in the government process by voting, the more representative the government of the country will be because of its population. Because of this, all Americans who get to vote should make sure to do so. However, this is far from the only way to actively participate in civic life. For example, residents may join a political party whose beliefs are close to their own and work or volunteer to spread its message. Or, if they feel very strongly about a particular citizenship issue, they can start their own political association. Below are some other ways you might consider becoming an active participant in American democracy:
- Participate in round tables or political forums
- Join a gang or organize a protest
- Volunteer to get autographs for political candidates or for a favor
- Donate to your favorite political favor
Step 4. Climb the social ladder
There is nothing more American-based than the poor-to-riches story of someone who was able to build a life of influence and interest from his bare hands. It doesn't matter whether you are a poor, unknown immigrant or an established resident, everyone has the opportunity to make a name for himself in America as long as you are willing to work hard, be creative, and have the strength to stick to your personal values. Although, for obvious reasons, it is impossible for “everyone” to become rich and famous, it is “possible” in America to retire at a higher position than your early career position and make a name for yourself as an important member of your local community in the process. the.
As you climb the social ladder, never feel intimidated by the prospect of having to deal with people of a higher social status than you. In America, more often than in any other country, a person's destiny is determined by his determination and ability, not by his outward privilege. Although some people are born into wealth and privileges, if you are able to climb into a certain social class from the lower ones, you have the right to think of yourself as equal to the other members
Step 5. Read America's success stories for inspiration
It is not easy to pursue the American Dream. As explained above, building a good life for yourself while living as a free and independent individual can take a lot of hard work and personal responsibility. If you're having trouble motivating yourself to keep pursuing that dream, consider turning to one of America's many success stories to encourage yourself. Many of these real individuals were able to build important lives out of hand or successfully struggle against the general social coercion of the time to make a better country (or even a better world). Below are some typical American examples:
- Andrew Carnegie: A poor Scottish immigrant, Carnegie began his career as a factory worker and ended up as one of the most powerful and important industrialists.
- Susan B. Anthony: By fighting for the women's suffrage movement with his tireless efforts, which included imprisonment, Anthony helped win the vote for women.
- Jawed Karim: This immigrant, known as the co-founder of YouTube, also helped design the Paypal trading service.
- Jay Z: Born Shawn Carter, this American music idol emerged from a life of crime and poverty and became one of the most wealthy and influential people in the music industry.
Tips
- Don't be overwhelmed by the cost. With two moderately high-income producers, even a multi-million dollar house can be paid for in the course of your working life.
- Don't be afraid to take countless chances. The US has an extensive security network, both public and private.
- Take advantage of the public education system. (see above)
- Live within your means.
- Pursue realistic goals. If you want to be the next Bill Gates, you have to know something about computers. If you want to dig a trench… you've got it.
Warning
- Stress, depression, and other forms of work-related burnout can get in the way of your goal-oriented drive for success and can affect your relationships. Be aware of these symptoms and seek professional help if necessary.
- You have the right to pursue happiness… no guarantees!
- The American Nightmare is very similar to the American Dream. Be careful what advice you follow. Bad advice will lead you down the wrong path. Only take marriage advice from individuals who are happily married. Only take financial advice from people who are successful, responsible, and not in a lot of debt.
