The American Dream of Time
Nita needs time to sleep. Kate wants time to hike and enjoy nature. Beau wants more time with his family. Levi wants time to read his e-mail and “just think.” Time is the dream of most people I spoke with this week. One complete day to spend as they desire would be a luxury.
According to the Take Back Your Time initiative, millions of Americans are overworked, over-scheduled and stressed out. Americans put in longer hours than they did in the 1950s and mandatory overtime is at record levels. The average vacation time is a little over two weeks per year. I get tired just thinking about this!
Nita is principal of a 700 student junior high school. Her elderly parents moved in with her last year and her 24 year old daughter is planning a wedding. Nita spends 12-14 hours a day at work. “I would love one week to myself,” she said. Nita doesn’t see that happening any time soon.
Kate works 40 hours a week as a technology integrationist. She spends each day with computers, DVDs, e-mails and software. Many nights work follows her home. “Sunday afternoon I just threw up my hands and went for a hike. That was the most relaxing day I’ve had in months.”
Beau and his wife have a two year old son. Both parents work full time and their son attends daycare each week. Time away from work is a luxury for them. Levi is a full-time college student with a job that takes 20 hours of his time each week. He has a hard time imagining what two full week-end days away would be like.
How did Americans arrive here? Why are they spending more time at work and less time enjoying life? Financial coach Barbara Stanny believes that Americans grew up thinking they needed to have more than their parents did. This was their definition of success. To achieve these things they needed more money. To earn more money they needed to work more hours. The cycle kept repeating and created a worn out generation.
Bosses, employees and even students can realize this dream of time. It may mean a change of habit, but it is attainable. Ms. Stanny tells us, “Success is having more time. More time for hobbies, for travel, for kids. It’s not about how much money you have, it’s about living your life on your terms.”
I urge you to consider all this as you “fall back” with the change from daylight savings time. Take back some time and smell the roses.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Winning
“Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.”
-‘Red’ Sanders -UCLA Bruins Coach
Americans want to win. We are a competitive bunch. From beating the work traffic each morning to winning the lottery, so much in our lives revolves around winning.
Competition is everywhere. The sports arena is built around winning and losing. As Vince Lombardi said, “If it doesn’t matter who wins or loses, then why do they keep score?” Athletes certainly don’t train and practice to lose. The World Series was played this week. Rain delays threatened to change the format of the games. Many fans were angry and crying “no fair.” They wanted a true winner and loser. Brett tells me that knowing his team can be the winner "..keeps me coming back week after week to the football field. Why would I keep returning if I knew I was going to lose?"
Lotteries are found in 41 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Many people dream of winning the lottery to realize all their other dreams. These people measure success by the numbers that appear on their ‘scratch and win’ cards or by the numbers chosen in the drawing.
The secret to winning and being successful is a favorite topic of many authors. Books abound with titles like The Success Formula, The Secrets of Success, Dress for Success, Step up to Success in Business and in Life –and the list goes on. My friend Sean reads success and motivational books. “I always find something helpful,” he says. Sean’s dream of winning means climbing the ladder at his job. He feels that he can prosper by researching someone else’s success story.
Tuesday, November 4th is the ultimate example of winning in America. Our presidential elections will be held. Every four years Americans are given the opportunity to have a hand in choosing the winner. Only one person can come out on top. We have two men who have worked hard just for the chance to be in the running. They have dreamed of this for years. Their American dream is to be successful and win the race. When all the votes are counted we will call one winner and one loser.
When asked about success and winning John Madden said, “The only yardstick for success our society has is being a champion. No one remembers anything else.” Maybe it is time we re-evaluate how we view our own American dream.
-‘Red’ Sanders -UCLA Bruins Coach
Americans want to win. We are a competitive bunch. From beating the work traffic each morning to winning the lottery, so much in our lives revolves around winning.
Competition is everywhere. The sports arena is built around winning and losing. As Vince Lombardi said, “If it doesn’t matter who wins or loses, then why do they keep score?” Athletes certainly don’t train and practice to lose. The World Series was played this week. Rain delays threatened to change the format of the games. Many fans were angry and crying “no fair.” They wanted a true winner and loser. Brett tells me that knowing his team can be the winner "..keeps me coming back week after week to the football field. Why would I keep returning if I knew I was going to lose?"
Lotteries are found in 41 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Many people dream of winning the lottery to realize all their other dreams. These people measure success by the numbers that appear on their ‘scratch and win’ cards or by the numbers chosen in the drawing.
The secret to winning and being successful is a favorite topic of many authors. Books abound with titles like The Success Formula, The Secrets of Success, Dress for Success, Step up to Success in Business and in Life –and the list goes on. My friend Sean reads success and motivational books. “I always find something helpful,” he says. Sean’s dream of winning means climbing the ladder at his job. He feels that he can prosper by researching someone else’s success story.
Tuesday, November 4th is the ultimate example of winning in America. Our presidential elections will be held. Every four years Americans are given the opportunity to have a hand in choosing the winner. Only one person can come out on top. We have two men who have worked hard just for the chance to be in the running. They have dreamed of this for years. Their American dream is to be successful and win the race. When all the votes are counted we will call one winner and one loser.
When asked about success and winning John Madden said, “The only yardstick for success our society has is being a champion. No one remembers anything else.” Maybe it is time we re-evaluate how we view our own American dream.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The American Dream: A Long, Healthy Life
“He who has health has hope. And, he who has hope has everything.”
Arabian Proverb
The hope of many Americans is a long life. Some just want to live longer than their parents did. Others want to live to 100 or older! As I read articles and talk to people about aging, a constant theme emerges. They all want to live a healthy life. “As long as I can be physically and mentally healthy, I want to live to be at least 90,” Marilyn tells me.
Marilyn’s generation (the tail-end of the baby boomers) wants to live long and continue doing activities they have done in their youth. They want to feel young, stay fit and be active. The key word is vital! This generation wants to stay vital financially, spiritually, mentally, and socially. J. Walker Smith and Ann S. Clurman call this generation “youth-obsessed and middle age-less.” In their book, Generation Ageless, Smith and Clurman state, “This dynamic generation is nearing the traditional age of retirement, but is in no mood to slow down.”
Baby boomers: A New Way to Grow Old by Tom Valeo states, “By 2030, when the last of the boomers reach 65, the number of people in this country over 65 will be about 70 million-double what it is today.” For this dream of a long life to occur “boomers” know they must take charge of their health. In American Dream: Live Long and Prosper, I read “Americans think having a positive outlook, exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods and keeping stress to a minimum play an important role in staying healthy as one grows older.” Marilyn walks two miles every day. She follows a strength training program, watches what she eats, and practices a positive attitude.
Marilyn’s hope is to retire in her 50s and devote some of her time to volunteer work. She also wants to travel and collect and sell antiques. Staying healthy should help her reach her goals and fulfill her dream.
“He who has health has hope. And, he who has hope has everything.”
Arabian Proverb
The hope of many Americans is a long life. Some just want to live longer than their parents did. Others want to live to 100 or older! As I read articles and talk to people about aging, a constant theme emerges. They all want to live a healthy life. “As long as I can be physically and mentally healthy, I want to live to be at least 90,” Marilyn tells me.
Marilyn’s generation (the tail-end of the baby boomers) wants to live long and continue doing activities they have done in their youth. They want to feel young, stay fit and be active. The key word is vital! This generation wants to stay vital financially, spiritually, mentally, and socially. J. Walker Smith and Ann S. Clurman call this generation “youth-obsessed and middle age-less.” In their book, Generation Ageless, Smith and Clurman state, “This dynamic generation is nearing the traditional age of retirement, but is in no mood to slow down.”
Baby boomers: A New Way to Grow Old by Tom Valeo states, “By 2030, when the last of the boomers reach 65, the number of people in this country over 65 will be about 70 million-double what it is today.” For this dream of a long life to occur “boomers” know they must take charge of their health. In American Dream: Live Long and Prosper, I read “Americans think having a positive outlook, exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods and keeping stress to a minimum play an important role in staying healthy as one grows older.” Marilyn walks two miles every day. She follows a strength training program, watches what she eats, and practices a positive attitude.
Marilyn’s hope is to retire in her 50s and devote some of her time to volunteer work. She also wants to travel and collect and sell antiques. Staying healthy should help her reach her goals and fulfill her dream.
Friday, October 17, 2008
The American Dream - A College Education
“The future’s so bright I gotta wear shades.” Pat MacDonald penned the words and Jessica has taken them to heart. “I’m excited about the future! My dream is to get a college education and get a good job.”
Jessica was one of several students who assured me that a college education is the ultimate American teen dream. There were almost as many reasons to earn a degree as there were students. Kaitlyn thinks that an education grants you the freedom to do what you want without hurting others. Colton gave me his formula, “education = success = money = happiness.” Dalton said that knowledge is power. The more money you have, the more power you have. He believes this includes the power to vote wisely and to enjoy all the freedoms that come with living in the United States.
The students agreed that this dream would cost a lot of money. Many of them have college funds that were started when they were born. Several noted that finding a job to help pay the costs would be a necessity. All of them are eager to see this dream come true.
The Value of a College Education, an article from Money magazine in January 2008, stressed the importance of a college education. Several benefits listed were:
*Longer life-spans
*Greater economic stability and security
*More prestigious employment and greater job satisfaction
*Less dependency on government assistance
*Greater participation in leisure and artistic activities
*Greater community service and leadership
*More self-confidence
The article pointed out that not all education comes from the classrooms on the college campus. “...participating in clubs and other campus organizations. Many degree programs allow students to “test-drive” careers through internships and practicums.”
Organizations and clubs sound like fun to Jessica. An internship with the chance to travel “would be cool.” Jessica is more interested in something else. She believes that a college education means a chance to “see different sides of personalities and understand people better.” Jessica feels that college will help her “learn better communication skills which lead to a happier, more literate world.” Jessica hasn’t figured out what her field of study will be. She just knows she wants the opportunity to find one. I believe that Jessica will attain her American dream.
Jessica was one of several students who assured me that a college education is the ultimate American teen dream. There were almost as many reasons to earn a degree as there were students. Kaitlyn thinks that an education grants you the freedom to do what you want without hurting others. Colton gave me his formula, “education = success = money = happiness.” Dalton said that knowledge is power. The more money you have, the more power you have. He believes this includes the power to vote wisely and to enjoy all the freedoms that come with living in the United States.
The students agreed that this dream would cost a lot of money. Many of them have college funds that were started when they were born. Several noted that finding a job to help pay the costs would be a necessity. All of them are eager to see this dream come true.
The Value of a College Education, an article from Money magazine in January 2008, stressed the importance of a college education. Several benefits listed were:
*Longer life-spans
*Greater economic stability and security
*More prestigious employment and greater job satisfaction
*Less dependency on government assistance
*Greater participation in leisure and artistic activities
*Greater community service and leadership
*More self-confidence
The article pointed out that not all education comes from the classrooms on the college campus. “...participating in clubs and other campus organizations. Many degree programs allow students to “test-drive” careers through internships and practicums.”
Organizations and clubs sound like fun to Jessica. An internship with the chance to travel “would be cool.” Jessica is more interested in something else. She believes that a college education means a chance to “see different sides of personalities and understand people better.” Jessica feels that college will help her “learn better communication skills which lead to a happier, more literate world.” Jessica hasn’t figured out what her field of study will be. She just knows she wants the opportunity to find one. I believe that Jessica will attain her American dream.
Friday, October 10, 2008
The American Dream Job
“A great family, lifelong friends, and the perfect job,” Bill replied when asked how he perceived the American dream. “I do believe that it all begins with feeling good about yourself and enjoying what you do every day. For me, that begins with my job.”
Bill is a member of the Professional Golfer’s Association and a country club teaching professional. At age 54 Bill sees his dream differently than he did 30 years ago. “When I was 24 I just wanted a job, any job. I had a new wife and wanted to start a family. Money was my priority.” Today Bill will tell you his priorities and ideas have changed. Money is no longer number one, job satisfaction is. “I still earn a paycheck, but I am happier and healthier doing something I have a passion for.” Bill seems to be following right in step with Richard Florida’s article The New American Dream in which he states “The old American Dream was a job with which to feed your family. The new Dream is a job you love, with which to feed your family.”
Reality check! Can the average citizen attain a dream job or is it something only a privileged few can have? Yes! I believe that hard work and determination are driving forces behind making dreams come true. Janet Robinson, one of Forbes Magazine’s most powerful women in media, began work as a school teacher. Alton Brown of the Food Network was a video director before he created his alternative to boring cooking shows, Good Eats. Bill’s dream took 30 years to come to fruition. He started in an apprenticeship and worked his way through several business schools and golf course positions. All these took time, hard work, determination and patience.
I agree with Thomas Wolfe,”…to every man, regardless of his birth, his shining, golden opportunity…the right to live, to work, to be himself, and to become whatever thing his manhood and his vision can combine to make him.”
Today Bill believes he is living the true American dream. He has a strong marriage, a healthy son, several close friends and the “perfect” job. “How great it is when all three come together.”
Bill is a member of the Professional Golfer’s Association and a country club teaching professional. At age 54 Bill sees his dream differently than he did 30 years ago. “When I was 24 I just wanted a job, any job. I had a new wife and wanted to start a family. Money was my priority.” Today Bill will tell you his priorities and ideas have changed. Money is no longer number one, job satisfaction is. “I still earn a paycheck, but I am happier and healthier doing something I have a passion for.” Bill seems to be following right in step with Richard Florida’s article The New American Dream in which he states “The old American Dream was a job with which to feed your family. The new Dream is a job you love, with which to feed your family.”
Reality check! Can the average citizen attain a dream job or is it something only a privileged few can have? Yes! I believe that hard work and determination are driving forces behind making dreams come true. Janet Robinson, one of Forbes Magazine’s most powerful women in media, began work as a school teacher. Alton Brown of the Food Network was a video director before he created his alternative to boring cooking shows, Good Eats. Bill’s dream took 30 years to come to fruition. He started in an apprenticeship and worked his way through several business schools and golf course positions. All these took time, hard work, determination and patience.
I agree with Thomas Wolfe,”…to every man, regardless of his birth, his shining, golden opportunity…the right to live, to work, to be himself, and to become whatever thing his manhood and his vision can combine to make him.”
Today Bill believes he is living the true American dream. He has a strong marriage, a healthy son, several close friends and the “perfect” job. “How great it is when all three come together.”
Friday, September 26, 2008
Observations on the American Dream
As a child of the middle class with a stay-at-home mother and full-time working father, I always felt I was living the American dream. Our new home with two-car garage and large shaded yard was what everyone dreamed of having. There was a color TV in the family room and a healthy family each night at the dinner table. To me, this was the picture of the American dream in the 1960's.
Today, my students look in disbelief when I tell them how exciting it was to get that first color TV. "How did you survive without a cell-phone and computer?" is what they want to know. Their Amreican dream consists of a hard-ship license at age 14 so they can drive the new Toyota their parents bought just for them. An iPod is a given and their homes have at least two computers and some type of game system.
For many, the American dream is all about money. The dream means more cars, bigger homes, exotic vacations, and lots of "stuff". All this takes larger bank accounts and often more work hours. It is hard for me to believe that a dream would consist of longer hours because that would mean less time to enjoy that dream.
I still feel that I am living the American dream. Maybe I should call it "my" American dream. The dream has shifted as I've grown older, and hopefully wiser. My dream still consists of a place to call my home and a vehicle to take me places. I am sure my dream will always have a material aspect, but there are two things that loom large in the dream today. One is freedom and the other is time. The freedom that comes with living in this country, freedom to express ideas and to live and work as I please. The time to work and play and to enjoy my freedom. For me, in 2008, this describes my American dream.
Today, my students look in disbelief when I tell them how exciting it was to get that first color TV. "How did you survive without a cell-phone and computer?" is what they want to know. Their Amreican dream consists of a hard-ship license at age 14 so they can drive the new Toyota their parents bought just for them. An iPod is a given and their homes have at least two computers and some type of game system.
For many, the American dream is all about money. The dream means more cars, bigger homes, exotic vacations, and lots of "stuff". All this takes larger bank accounts and often more work hours. It is hard for me to believe that a dream would consist of longer hours because that would mean less time to enjoy that dream.
I still feel that I am living the American dream. Maybe I should call it "my" American dream. The dream has shifted as I've grown older, and hopefully wiser. My dream still consists of a place to call my home and a vehicle to take me places. I am sure my dream will always have a material aspect, but there are two things that loom large in the dream today. One is freedom and the other is time. The freedom that comes with living in this country, freedom to express ideas and to live and work as I please. The time to work and play and to enjoy my freedom. For me, in 2008, this describes my American dream.
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