America is finished. America is toast. America is … just getting going?

America is in decline. America is mediocre. America has seen its best days. The drumbeat sounding the end of the Grand Experiment is loud and steady today. Recently, Mark Steyn added his latest entry on America's alleged stroll into obscurity, set against the backdrop of President Obama’s speech in Cairo:

There's better phrase-making in the current issue of Foreign Affairs, in a coinage of Leslie Gelb, president emeritus of the Committee on Foreign Relations. The president emeritus is a sober, judicious paragon of torpidly conventional wisdom. Nevertheless, musing on American decline, he writes, "The country's economy, infrastructure, public schools and political system have been allowed to deteriorate. The result has been diminished economic strength, a less-vital democracy, and a mediocrity of spirit." That last is the one to watch: A great power can survive a lot of things, but not "a mediocrity of spirit." A wealthy nation living on the accumulated cultural capital of a glorious past can dodge its rendezvous with fate, but only for a while. That sound you heard in Cairo is the tingy ping of a hollow superpower.

Yes, the economy is lousy. Our government is committing acts of insanity with our tax dollars and our currency. But these are far from permanent conditions. At some point, our economy will emerge and grow again. The business landscape may look a lot different. Frankly, we should hope it does. But there will be growth again.

Fortunately, not everyone buys that America is in permanent decline. George Friedman writes for Stratfor.com, a popular blog focused on global business, security and political affairs. His most recent book, “The Next 100 Years,” takes on the minor task of predicting the global events of the 21st century. It’s a great read with unique views on how technology will mix with old rivalries and population challenges to shape the future of conflict.

Friedman maintains that this new century will be the real American century. He argues that in its current state, America is much like a teenager, full of angst, emotion and self-doubt, but will readily mature and dominate the globe without peer for the next 100 years.

How often have you heard a view like that recently?

We all need to understand our personal worldview and act accordingly. Is America finished? Should you run to a government job or something else “safe,” content to wind down The End of Prosperity by hanging on to what you can from our past glory?

Or should you choose to believe that America’s best days lie ahead. That a country with immense advantages is not simply going to crumble in short order. That the current malaise will lift, that we are undergoing fundamental changes that will open new and unforeseen opportunities to those who are paying attention?

I know what I believe. How you feel about the future of this country affects your ability to see new opportunities. A country in decline simply can't offer you much, can it? But that same country, which is in a tough spot currently but positioning itself to emerge strong once again? That country affords new opportunity.

We all have the same choice to make about our worldview. And what you believe affects your ability to grow, to improve yourself and your life. Pick carefully.