This week I was eating lunch with one of my granddaughters at Taco Bell (yes, it’s easy for vegetarian grandkids). Sitting nearby were two overweight workers, with names and company represented clearly on their shirts. Another guy walked in, recognized them and asked, “Hey, how’s it going?”
To which Lee responded:
“I’m working just enough to look busy and then I go home and knock back a few beers. I’m living the American Dream man!”
The next day I had two young workers here at my office doing some rearranging on our irrigation system. They both complimented me on the beauty of our place and noticed the special touches we’ve done to make it a Sanctuary. Alex from Green Scene asked what kind of work I do. When I told him I help people find or create work they love he said. “I tried working in a factory, lasted two days. I love being outside, working on landscaping and irrigation. And now I’m part owner of the company as well. I love that I can choose the work I love.”
Alex then made some suggestions for how he could make our irrigation system work more efficiently and reach some plants that I’ve always had to hand water. With my approval he dug in immediately to make those changes – obviously increasing his profits.
Two 23 yr-old guys – both able to choose their work. One sliding by doing as little as possible and just hoping to keep the paychecks coming – and one going above and beyond what’s expected, doing work he loves. Where do you think these two guys will be 10 years from now?
How do you define living the American Dream?
These are just a few, but the ones that stand out to me the most: Strong relationship with Jesus, beautiful family and “home”, good health, work I really enjoy, and brilliant blog post written by exceptionally cool out of the box thinking world changers that I can use to encourage and share with others, which I just did! Love your outlook and perception, Dan.
I love to watch Undercover Boss. Recently featured a Jamaican man who did fulfill the American Dream, and now has the Golden Krust chain of stores.
Doing what you love and making an eternal (and physical) impact in other people. I work at a Christian school and absolutely love that I get to invest in students’ lives everyday (just finished my 27th year). I also have a side business of selling/sharing about health and wellness products. I never thought in my entire life that I would do something like this (network marketing), but I absolutely love it. I am helping people get healthy and able to make money while doing it. I have always loved reading and learning about health/wellness and now I get help others. I’m 62 and living the American Dream and it’s only going to get better.
Follow your efforts not your passion… – Mark Cuban Hmm… 😉
The key word is living. Wherever your dream is, if you live it with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, you will have an amazing life! The ROI is out of this world.
Well the 23 yr old just working enough to slide by should be glad he is America. Lol.
Great article !
To me the American Dream should be a life of freedom and service. I haven’t always had both as equal goals, but as I mature the combination of the two seems to be very important. Freedom to choose my path based on the passions, dreams and talents God has gifted to me but using those same passions, dreams and talents to serve others.
Troy,
That combination is a great model. Thanks for carving out time to be here for Innovate!
I think the American dream has moved from the house with the white picket fence, marriage, 2.5 kids, and the family dog to more of an entrepreneurial spirit. To me, it encompasses drive and leadership in addition to contentment.
Amanda – I think you’re right on track here. So many options for defining what that dream means. I trust you’re creating the one you want.
At this point, the dream is to expand on my talents. I have a customer service job for a toy company. The company I work for has contracted the toy company to take consumer service calls. I was greeted one day by a representative of that toy company who told me that they really liked me and don’t want me to go anywhere. I am currently working on other skills and hope to turn them into ongoing income as I enter into my golden years. I enjoy where I am in life and hope I am able to help others well into my seventies. I am currently 60 years old and, thanks of a net loss of 61 pounds in the past two years, I am in about the best physical shape of my adult life. If the dream is a steady job and improving health, I’m living it.
Greetings Dan,
Certainly how we define “The American Dream” depends upon our early years and life experiences. Perhaps it is something that changes over time rather than remaining static. In my view, at present, the American dream is one evolving to meet the challenges of life, during each season, successfully while not losing who we are and what is important to us.
Thanks,
Hi, Dan,
For my wife and me it is being at peace with God, doing fulfilling work that contributes to society and having a quiet, happy home and life together.
Bob – great definition of the American Dream. Thanks for joining us for Innovate!
Thanks for having me, Dan. It was a great time of learning and networking with other students…and it was really wonderful to meet you. A big tip of the hat for you for delivering much more than promised.
I love this, and think so many of our youth today are looking for that positive example of the American Dream. To get there, many want a “guide on the side with an experience” as opposed to “a sage from the stage with a lecture.” Your example of leadership is truly an inspiration, Dan.
Jevonnah – I love how the definition of the American Dream is changing with young people who realize getting a paycheck for 40 years and then sitting in a retirement home is not really a desirable goal.