10 Things Americans Are Doing Now To Achieve the American Dream

SAN DIEGO, CA, September 01, 2010 (Press-News.org) For over five years the American Dream Project has been conducting online research with over 25,000 participants asking the provocative question, "What is your Dream Life?" The Dream Life Assessment asks participants to grade themselves on key questions related to their current life. The goal has been to help people identify areas in their life that are holding them back and to offer support and guidance for people to work toward the life they truly desire.

The American Dream Project has had staggering insights with the Dream Life Assessment. For instance when it comes to personal life satisfaction, only 34% single and 30% of married participants regularly invest time and resources to pursue hobbies and interests that are deeply satisfying, enjoyable and engaging. The assessment has also revealed that a whopping 75% of participants feel unsuited for their career and find their work to be void of value, joy, and meaning.

The American Dream Project's survey of social research now points to 10 Things Americans Are Doing Now To Achieve the American Dream (http://www.americandreamproject.org/dream/take-action/10-things-to-achieve-the-american-dream/). The list draws on current research of how Americans are adjusting in today's world on what they are doing to stay afloat and keep their dreams alive. Some of the findings may be long-term trends rather than short-term adjustments.

For instance the research reveals that Americans are choosing to rent instead of buy a home. USA Today (http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2010-08-02-1Ahomeowners02_ST_N.htm) reports that as early as 2010 the homeownership rate will hit 62%, the lowest since 1961. Marre, states, "More Americans are finding that mortgages plus taxes, insurance, upkeep and improvements make buying more expensive than renting, especially with very low appreciation rates." He continues, "We are also discovering that our new economy fraught with job insecurity and shifting opportunities make the flexibility of renting more supportive of real life conditions."

The survey research also reveals that many Americans believe the only way they can get a job is to create their own. USA Today (http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/startup/week1-exploring-small-business-options.htm) reports that nearly one in 10—8.7%-- of new employment in 2009 came from entrepreneurs launching their own business. According to Marre, job insecurity is leading more Americans to take direct control of their financial lives. He states, "Increasingly the only way we can be sure to have a job is to create our own."

For more information and to take the Dream Life Assessment, please visit the American Dream Project's newly redesigned website (http://www.americandreamproject.org) that includes features such as a weekly blog, personal video coaching segments with personal challenges and applications, discussion forms, articles, and surveys and assessments.

About The American Dream Project:

Will Marre, co-founder and former President of the Covey Leadership Center (7 Habits for Highly Effective People), founded the American Dream Project in 2004 as an online community of resources for those striving to live their American Dream. The American Dream Project has led to a multi-award winning PBS show, Reclaiming Your American Dream, and Marre's book, Save the World and Still Be Home For Dinner (Capital Books). For more information please visit http://www.americandreamproject.org.