Millenial Uprising

Ten minutes spent with members of generation Z or the so-called ‘millennials’ will have you reeling in frustration if you’re anything like me. By ‘like me’ I mean you have spent several years crawling your way up the proverbial career ladder for peanuts and gradually and strategically positioned yourself to earn more, increase your exposure and generally grow into your shoes. It is increasingly disheartening to hear our millennials talk about the cars they wish to drive and haughty lifestyle they desire to manifest as soon as they swan out of school.

Dear Millennials; you are undoubtedly the most fast-paced generation of human beings in existence, and you effortlessly generate innovative ideas that have the potential to transform life as we know it. You zoom through life with a lofty idealism that will inevitably catapult you to greatness, yet you na?vely lack one key ingredient for success: experience.

You see my dear Millennials, (more than likely) your parents fought tooth & nail to raise you to experience more than they ever did at your age. They provided you with the best education they could afford and will have juggled work/business, family commitments (extended family included) and parenting. Through their daily toil, they learnt how to budget; the importance of setting a positive example and the essential notion of sacrifice.  Your parents/guardians will have had to endure short-term pain that would eventually lead to long-term pleasure.

People caught up within the instant gratification trap often expect to gain something from nothing. Unfortunately, the world doesn’t work that way - you need to give something in order to get something back. Whether that involves your time, energy or money, makes no difference - it’s the act of giving that counts. Often this “giving” might feel uncomfortable and painful. However, the pain you experience during these fleeting moments is what will bring you tremendous pleasure in the future when you finally obtain your desired outcomes.

Getting into the habit of delaying gratification gives you more control over your life, decisions, and actions; while simultaneously helping you value hard work and effort. You will eventually understand that even though things might be difficult in the present moment, that it’s necessary you get through this pain to experience the long-term pleasure you would ultimately like to have in your life.

Invest in the future – Keep your eye on the big picture; and map out a feasible plan to get you from where you are currently to where you’d like to be. Delaying gratification will strengthen your character; sharpen your mind; build willpower; promote higher levels of self-discipline; and teach you the value of patience.

Prepare for short term pain -  Good things come to those who hustle! A shift from instant gratification to delayed gratification will require some grafting, be prepared to put in the work.

Whether you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, or into a family that had to struggle to keep the lights on; you will likely possess the impatient millennial mindset. Ask your parents what they were like at your age, and you may be pleasantly surprised what you can learn from their experience. 

Twitter: @MirandaNaiman

[Published in The Citizen, 5th June 2018]

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