Is the American Dream Dead?

The following is adapted from The American Dream 2.0: Sewing Together Old School Techniques with New School Technology by Craig Sewing.

This is the question I was asked on 9–11–2018 by a radio host.

My response: “Are you dead?”

I got a blank stare. Maybe you’re not supposed to answer a question, with another question. But the truth is, the moment we stop dreaming is the moment we might as well be.

The media often asks this question about The American Dream. Why? Well, because they don’t have much substance in their content, and just try and spark debate. Negative and nauseating.

But who cares about the media. Journalism is dead, and it lost its way a LONG time ago. I am more concerned about you living out your dreams!

It all starts with mindset, and until you believe in yourself and your own dreams, you can’t expect others to.

With that statement, I’m starting this book with the confident statement, we are living in the greatest era for achievement, ever.

The American dream.

No, it’s not dead.

It’s right there for you if you simply have the ambition to achieve your version of it — whatever that looks like.

Think it, feel it, believe it, and live it like you own it already. Your mindset, and your peace of mind, comes from within, not from anything you ever chase externally. The American dream has a subjective meaning; you get to choose what it looks like for you.

YOU decide!

You’ve already won the lottery of life being born here. This continues to be the greatest land for freedom and opportunity that exists. Now, I don’t mean that in a “hell yeah…’Merica man!!” kinda way. But seriously, there is a reason that people want into this country, not out of it.

No matter how big your aspirations, it’s equally important to make sure you enjoy the journey, because if you have big goals, it won’t be easy. There is no magic pill. You gotta enjoy all the ups and downs. That’s the whole “you only live one life” thing. If you don’t enjoy the process and experience, you’re chasing a pipe dream into an endless tunnel with no real destination.

I truly want you to first start with the state of mind that you aren’t chasing your American dream…You are living it and simply growing its meaning and significance through your positive impact on the world. Your success will be measured by the radius of that impact.

Some might find that whole “we live in the greatest country” comment to be biased or even arrogant.

It’s really not meant to be.

Earlier I suggested that there is a reason people want into this country, not out of it. I should’ve said, MILLIONS of people want into it, not out of it. Some even risk their lives trying, while we have unappreciative people here who binge-watch Netflix complaining how hard it is.

A few other key thoughts:

1. You get paid more on welfare in the United States than doctors in other parts of the world.
2. Whether you’re disabled, retired, a veteran, or even just unemployed, there is financial support for you.
3. As you read this, there is a voluntary military, composed of real people, willing to die to protect your freedom. Think about that for a moment — voluntarily!

There is no time for excuses in a place like this.

You’re already living a dream life that millions upon millions would wish for.

And just being born in itself is a one-in-a-gazillion chance.

So the question is, what do you want to make of it?

At this point in time, any excuse is inexcusable.

And if believing you live in the greatest country on the planet is a biased statement, oh well.

I also believe I have the greatest mom on the planet. There are certain things in life you are allowed to be biased about. I hope you feel the same way.
And the truth is, if you were born in Mexico, Brazil, France, the deserts of the Middle East…it doesn’t matter. The moment you stop dreaming is the
moment you’re dead.

This negative media nonsense suggesting “the American dream is dead” is just a talking head desperate for something to talk about. Most of them can’t even communicate without a teleprompter.

To think dreaming is dead, whether it be as individuals, or collectively as a nation, is the ultimate self-fulfilling prophecy. Have we really become so cynical or obsessed with the negative messaging our media puts out there that we question our ability to dream?

Some of the most life-changing words in our history were “I have a dream,” by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And with all these incredible freedoms, if you still don’t believe this is the greatest nation on earth, you also have the freedom to leave. Simple.

Since we’re just getting to know each other…If you haven’t figured it out already, I tend to get fired up. I am delusionally passionate and known to wear my heart on my sleeve.

Just like you, I am always in pursuit of advancing my American Dream 2.0.
I got nothing but love for you, and I don’t even know you. Time is your most valuable asset, and the fact that you are giving me some of yours is the ultimate compliment. Thank you.

My hope is to find a connection with you, where even if you find yourself in a different space, you can translate the content to make it relatable to your world. When I say entrepreneur, it could easily be translated to anyone chasing their dreams, trailblazing, and making their own rules. When I say media, we should all understand that this is the ultimate media landscape.

Everything is tied to media, whether you consume it or leverage it.

While I might be the creator of a TV show called The American Dream and CEO of a media company, you absolutely must understand the media space, because it’s not just the traditional TV shows. We live in a fascinating world of digital and social media — easily the greatest time in the history of humankind to have the ability to make connections, build relationships, and achieve. And
you…you are the CEO of YOU in this journey.

Because even though we have an amazing future in this opportunistic world of technological advancement for which to accomplish our American dream, there is still something very meaningful about our past.

The things that got us here, that are often ignored.

The new school puts a smartphone in your hand and gives you connectivity to the world, people, and knowledge.

But without old-school heart, hustle, relationships, and love, you’re missing all the key ingredients to thrive in today’s world.

This ain’t your grandparents’ world. In fact, life is moving so fast that it’s not even your parents’ world. Things look dramatically different than they did just a matter of a few years ago.

I call it American Dream 2.0.

Sewing together old-school techniques with new-school technology.

You ready?

Then let’s stop ranting, and get started.

I’m fired up!

Let’s GO!

You can learn more about old-school techniques with new-school technology in The American Dream 2.0: Sewing Together Old School Techniques with New School Technology on Amazon.

CRAIG SEWING was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, with what he calls “Midwest values.” A self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur, Craig worked for MTV before beginning a successful career in real estate and finance. When the financial crisis of 2008 hit, he owned organizations at the epicenter of the recession. Through adversity, he embarked on a mission to combat negative media by growing a national radio network, followed by creating a TV show called The American Dream, and now becoming the CEO of a media empire.