Once upon a time not too long ago, the virtues of serious study and a diligent work ethic were highly regarded in American society. Somehow, these traditional values veered off the rails when the government began to intervene in academia, businesses, and families.
Government dependency has eroded the foundational concepts of self-governance, initiative, and personal responsibility.
Based on loads of experience in the private and public sectors, I offer some practical advice for the millennials and Gen Zers who seem adrift and are caught between a rock and a hard place. First, the world doesn’t owe us anything. We’re only entitled to our God-given liberty and life, while everything else must be earned through sweat and toil. Instead of always demanding and taking from life, give of your energy and skills toward a larger purpose.
Next, expect the unexpected, and don’t think that you'll always get what you want. If we do the right things and apply a work ethic, we usually get what we deserve or need from day to day. Sometimes, we get what we desire, but don’t expect it all the time. Earning what we need gives us a better perspective, chastens our pride, and teaches us how to be unspoiled.
Third, we aren’t as important as we think we are. Of course, we are all unique in the eyes of our Creator, and we all have different gifts or talents. The Bible teaches us to utilize our talents and not hide them under a bushel basket. However, as we engage in healthy competition and refine our skills, the temptation of narcissism can rear its ugly head at times. Don’t allow vanity to tell you that you should be condescending toward other folks.
Fourth, live a life of purpose. That will help you get up in the morning ready to greet the day. Whether you’re a student or an individual pursuing a profession or trade, do your best every step of the way. That requires discipline, reliability, and personal responsibility. If you have a purpose in life, tangible rewards such as a paycheck or promotions are fine, but the greatest reward is the work itself that contributes useful services to others.
Fifth, drill deeper than the world of appearances or emotions and develop the mental and spiritual facets of your personality. Intellectual and spiritual qualities endure, while fleeting appearances come and go. Read, reflect, and write down the lessons you’re learning via experience, observation, and prayer.
Sixth, make sure you take the time to eat a balanced diet, practice a variety of exercises, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest. You'll feel energetic, and your mind will be clear to tackle any challenge.
Seventh, ease up on the virtual reality of electronic devices and move into the real world of genuine communication. Too many social media platforms are addictive, can cause depression, and aren’t safe due to privacy invasions by malign actors such as the Chinese Communist Party. Choose platforms that are more secure and deliver content that’s educational and uplifting.
Eighth, don’t consider yourself a victim. In a free society, almost no one is a victim unless they decide to be a victim. Of course, one can be a victim of a random accident, crime, or disaster, but in the normal routine of life, we possess the free will to forge our own destinies. Realize that life is unfair to everyone in diverse ways. That’s just the nature of earthly existence where much is out of our control. However, we can make life as fair as possible by practicing positive habits of mind and giving thanks for our blessings.
Ninth, be grateful for what you have instead of worrying about what you lack. Don’t take for granted the freedoms you enjoy, because they must be defended. Immerse yourself in lifelong learning. Success is an ongoing process of trial and error. Instead of waiting for luck to arrive, create your own luck through effort. If you can delay gratification and learn from your mistakes, the sky is the limit.
If you struggle with self-motivation, study as many inspirational and motivational stories as you can get your hands on. Blessings.
