Hey, Millennials, You’ve Got Weaknesses — Fix ‘Em

Many say we millennials have it “made in the shade.” This is not so — but the millennial generation does find itself at a crossroads. While some young people are perfectly content with the status quo, happy with the idea that someone, whether it’s their parents or the government, will take care of them, others are earnestly trying to compete in a changing world.

The challenges sometimes feel daunting — illegal immigrants taking jobs, the rise in automation, the incessant pull of social media and the internet. A lack of faith in God also greatly affects the millennial generation.

The time is now to quit the constant belittling of others.

Writer Ann Fisher acknowledged the downfall of our generation and its love affair with technology in a Fortune.com article on millennials. Because we’re so consumed with our gadgets, we millennials have lost our drive to enhance our talents and skills.

“Even the best-educated millennials stateside couldn’t compete with their counterparts in Japan, Finland, South Korea, Belgium, Sweden, or elsewhere,” Fisher wrote. We are lacking essential basic knowledge, she noted, yet we do nothing to change it.

There are solutions, though. They are simple, but are often overlooked in the frenzied pace of modern life.

First, we millennials must acknowledge our problems and start working on them on an individual level. If one person or a few people change — more are likely to follow.

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Second, we must bring God back into the picture — center stage. Even those don’t believe in God can agree that the fundamental basics of morality and personal responsibility have plummeted. A simple fix of establishing rules and respect for other people can change attitudes.

I challenge those with the heaviest disbelief to take a moment to think deeply, and then send up an honest prayer. Listen for a response — then act on it. And for those who have deep faith, along with those who are growing daily in theirs (such as myself), the time is now to quit the constant belittling of others when they do not follow our personal beliefs to a “T.”

Instead, we must begin to love all — including the weaknesses within ourselves. Millennials can be very judgmental. Establish inner calmness and patience, and if the correcting of another person is warranted, do it respectfully. Ultimately, if another is unwilling to learn or change in the end, love that person anyway. After all, it was Jesus who said, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone” (John 8:7).

Related: Shocker — A Good and Caring Millennial!

Third, we can overcome fears through true and lasting change. We as a society have to be willing to change. Most of us claim that the time is now to change the world. But if we don’t act on that, it becomes a hollow platitude.

Whether that change is to get healthier, break bad habits, or simply treat one another with decency, look to solutions that are lasting. These will take effort and commitment. Too often we are looking for the change in an upgraded phone, a newly released album, film, or some other sort of gadget. We can’t wait to see what technology will do for us next. But in all honesty, can we say we as individuals are any better for owning and using these things?

Millennials: Invest in yourself and your future by getting more educated. Take courses or seminars in your field of employment — or just read more! So much information is available at our fingertips today. With drive and commitment, you can greatly increase your knowledge for free.

Next, drop what you are doing and look around you. What can you do to brighten someone else’s day? I know it sounds cliché, but it has become such a rarity. Try this for the next week: Examine those in your three circles. Look at your inner circle — those closest to you; your outer circle — extended family, neighbors, and friends; and your outermost circle — complete strangers, or people you walk by daily without a second thought.

Related: If We’re Always ‘Fine,’ That’s Not So Good

Tell those in your inner circle that you truly love them. For your outer circle, go out on a limb and do something you’ve never done for them. For your outermost circle, greet everyone with a positive attitude and respect regardless of their social status or ability to help or enrich you. A simple smile can go a long way.

Finally, put away most of your devices, and make a plan to go somewhere, exercise, or walk outside. Play a game indoors or outdoors. Find the joy and stress relief in physical activity.

This advice is not just for millennials who lean toward a comfortable, easy, “autopilot” way of living. It is also for those at any age who may have become creatures of habit and ease. While we are developing many tools and inventions at a much more rapid speed than our predecessors, we must be careful that our humanity and decency increase, too.

Gregg Keniston, age 22, is a senior at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. He is studying finance and the business of music.