It's time to take on 2017! 2016 was one whirlwind of a year, but I wouldn't change a thing about it. Now it is time to start a new chapter. As we close one chapter and open another, I can't help but reflect on what I have learned in 2016. There were lots of challenges for all of us. For a lot of us, we have suffered from heartbreaking losses/tragedies. There have been some good times, but a lot of dark times. I hope that 2017 is a year of joy. I choose to make 2017 a year of joy. I want to make a difference in 2017, starting with this article. I have heard a lot of talk about my generation — the Millennials — and it fascinates me. It's amazing to me because our generation is scrutinized tremendously, but there are a lot of us acting as if we are totally unfazed by it. I can't let it go anymore. Here is my open letter to all Millennials based on what I have learned through research, word-of-mouth, and self-reflection.
Dear Millennials,
I pray that 2017 is your year. I pray that you use the research studies and online articles that bash you as motivation to prove them all wrong. I hope that you recognize your faults and overcome them. Recently, I watched an incredible interview with Simon Sinek, in which he talks about Millennials in the workplace. If you haven't seen it, please watch it. I'll post the link at the bottom of the page. Basically, Simon tells us what makes Millennials different from previous generations. We were born into a generation of technology and grew up in a time period where social media became very popular. The problem with social media, text messages, etc., is that when we receive a text, or "like" on Instagram, a chemical, called dopamine, is released in our brains. Dopamine is what makes us feel good, just like alcohol, drugs, sex, and more. The problem with technology is that it's always there. We are addicted. Just like alcohol, there have to be limits. When we constantly give in and become so engulfed in our cell phones, laptops, tablets, and whatever else, we are feeding into that addiction. We have to break this habit. There is a time and place for everything, and eating dinner with your friends is not a time to sit on your phone. (We have all done it before, it's okay.) The first step to fixing a problem is admitting it, though, isn't it?
What we need to focus on, as we move forward, is building strong relationships. You can't have a relationship with your phone. I'm sorry. You can get to know people through social media, but you can't have a sustainable, real relationship without face-to-face interactions. We have got to get better at communicating effectively. The best way to learn how to do that is to get out and start talking to people. Listen. Don't listen just to respond, but really listen to what the other person is saying and try to understand their point of view. Give them a reason to trust you. Be honest. Be kind. And realize that it's not all about you. I read a quote that beautifully stated, "The best way to find ourselves is to lose ourselves in the service of others." Serving others benefits us just as much as it benefits the other person. If you truly want to make a difference in the world, you have to get out and serve. And I think it's a shame not to use your skills where your skills are needed. "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
Get educated! Attack life and attack knowledge. Read something that interests you, whether it's an article, a magazine, a book, dictionary, or whatever. Read to learn. If you don't enjoy reading, use visuals. There are tons of ways to learn, you just have to find out what works best for you. Bill Courtney, a brilliant leader from Memphis, Tennessee, spoke to my leadership class last semester. He told us that he hires people that don't act like society owes them anything. He hires people that don't feel entitled because they have their degree. What he is describing is the negative stigma that surrounds us Millennials because some of us do think that way. Mr. Courtney told us that our degree is an entry ticket, and I couldn't agree more. What you do with your knowledge outside of the classroom is the real determinant on whether or not we will succeed. We must drop all feelings of entitlement and educate ourselves. We need to study what leaders in our community did and what their legacy was, and we need to equip ourselves with the knowledge of what is going on in the world we live in. You can't do the average and expect exceptional results. Life doesn't work that way.
Be yourself. Go all in on the things you are passionate about. Never stop moving forward and challenging yourself.
There are several books, articles, quotes and more that have inspired me in 2016. They have all helped me see the big picture and realize what is most important. Here are just a few of the things I think are worth reading or listening to, if you haven't already:
1. The Bible (I use the New International Version, Student Bible)
2. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
3. Let My People Think by Ravi Zacharias (Podcasts)
4. "Write it on your heart that every is the best day in the year." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
5. "Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle." — Abraham Lincoln
6. Nick Vujicic — Overcoming Hopelessness
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8. William Alan Webb — He writes wonderful books, and he's a very inspiring person!
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And here is the link to my favorite news update site, The Daily Skimm - http://www.theskimm.com/?r=afde10e5
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