February 18, 2016

My Advice for Millennials

What is a millennial? Most sources agree that a millennial is someone who is born between the early 1980’s and the early 2000’s. Which means that Chris and I are parents to two of those types. So that makes me an expert, right?

It makes me laugh when I see people purport that that are experts on certain things when “I” believe that they aren’t. But today I am claiming that I am an expert on giving advice to this age group because I have successfully raised two millennials of my own. So there. I claim it and since both of my millennials are successful and amazing young men I am taking some cues from them on what a successful millennial looks like.
Relationships don’t always come easy and it is important to work on the relationships that matter, It may be a personal relationship or it may be a career and work related relationship but it is important to work on making those relationships solid. It takes time and work and a bit of personal investment but it is worth it.
Life happens. It is always good to have a little money set aside for those unexpected expenses that come up as well as for doing something spontaneously. A little nest egg set aside can certainly ease some stress. Save a little from every pay check and make it a habit from the very beginning. What you don’t have you don’t miss.

This is one that is often overlooked by younger folks but it is vital to being an adult in my humble opinion. Find something you are passionate about and volunteer doing it. It could be walking dogs at the local humane society or using your musical abilities to share with nursing home residents. Whatever you do it often ends up being the thing that makes a big difference in the lives of those you are helping as well as your own.

Open a door for someone. Pick up a package that someone dropped. Simply smile at people. It makes an amazing difference in how others view you and in how you feel about yourself. Kindness is important. Even when you don’t feel like being kind–just do it. It will come back a hundred fold to you.

Often I have seen folks have a sense of entitlement. No. You are not owed anything. To get anywhere in this world you must work for it and the quicker that is the mind set the better it is. Hard work leads to success and there is a sense of pride that comes from knowing you worked for something. Being handed things on a silver platter does not create motivated and productive behavior. Working hard for things that are worthwhile is definitely the path that is best.
Sometimes your parents really do know what they are talking about. I have found that some of the greatest wisdom that has been shared with me has come from those much older than me. Do not discount life experiences as they often are great examples of how to live a full life.Friendships are often a lot of work to maintain but true friendships are the ones that will hold you up in the hard times. give you the comfort that you need when you need it the most and provide that support during the trials and storms of life. Because they will come. No one is exempt. Make the effort. Make the call. Make the coffee date. Spend time with those who love you. It will make all the difference.Don’t allow bad feelings and misunderstandings the chance to enter into work relationships or friendships. Always leave a place of employment on a positive note if possible and keep those contacts with co- workers maintained. You never know when that person will be able to do you a favor down the road and vice versa. Today is your only chance to live today. Live in the moment. Make the most of every single day and while having goals and dreams and aspirations is essential to living life don’t get so wrapped up in the “someday” that you forget about today. Every day is truly a gift. It sounds like one of those cliches but it is so true. Don’t wait until you are 50 years old to realize that there are no guarantees in life. Today is all we are promised. Live it fully.