Based solely on witnessing, the news stories that go viral, and the stories my younger family members go through while they’re in junior high, high school and college, it is unfortunate to say that the millennial generation lacks a moral code in a few places. While we thrive in pushing past the barriers of tradition, fighting through a corrupted education system, and using our voices to shout out our ideas, we are caught in situations that deface our character. While there is no limit to what we can improve in ourselves, as millennials we should thrive in:
1. Respecting our parents
Since when did throwing fists, talking back and disobedience to those who raised us become a “cool” trend? To have the audacity to put down those who work hard to provide shelter, food and direction in this corrupted world only shows how cold-hearted we can be. We fail to appreciate the ones who love us unconditionally and would rather post a message on Facebook to show people how much we love our parents; however, in reality, no one is seeing how cruel we behave at home. Having high regard for our parents not only is a token of our gratitude for what they do for us but will ultimately give us the appreciation we need for anyone who may come into our lives.
2. Seeing the beauty in everyone
Yes, we can blame the media for the ideal image of assumed beauty. Or we can take matters into our own hands and create our own definition of beauty. Right now, beauty is expanding (congrats to everyone making this happen). We need more millennials to expand their minds and open their eyes to what real beauty is. We must twist the words: fat, skinny, wrinkles and stretch marks, from negative words to positive. Just think about it: Are we really that shallow? To judge our peers on how they look due to the media or due to the fact that our own low self-esteem means we have to compare ourselves to others.
3. Positivity
Let’s face it, negativity is only a setback. Hearing negativity left and right only dismantles our perception of our ultimate goals in life. We need to fill our minds with positive energy to continue to feed our hunger to thrive in this competitive world. Encouraging words to ourselves and those around us creates an enthusiastic energy that is contagious. We need to be the kind of people who can better someone else’s day with our supportive tactics.
4. Finding a solution instead of avoiding conflict
Unfortunately, us millennials, would rather post our problems on social media rather than confront them with the person we are in a conflict with. The easiest and fastest way to solve a problem is communication with those who are bothering us. Spreading our business to busybodies sparks a large fire. We have other things to worry about; let’s learn to communicate, forgive and move on.
5. Improving ourselves rather than settling on comparisons
A lot of us are settlers of the bare minimum. We only do as much as we have to do to achieve a little more than the person we are comparing ourselves to. There is always someone better than ourselves and that is true for those we are comparing ourselves to. We should keep pursuing our goals until we reach them to our fullest potential. Then is the only time we can look back and truly be proud of how far we’ve come.
6. Success through our own actions
Success is not just handed to us; dedication and hard work will do wonders. Complaining gets us nowhere. No one wants to work with a complainer, so you will literally stay where you are without progress toward a prosperous future. If we sit back, we won’t get anywhere. It’s our duty, as millennials, to take the first step, then keep going ‘til we walk into our own success.
