I often find myself in the minority when singing the praises of the millennial generation. At a holiday family gathering in December, I mentioned that I’d begun coaching millennials. Our nephew moaned and our niece immediately piped in, On behalf of my generation, I apologize.
No, I said, I love millennials! When they were in high school, I was teaching theater. I found them to be creative, imaginative, hardworking and generous. They had high expectations of themselves and of me, and they wanted to do things their way—a sentiment I can appreciate.
A year ago, an article appeared in BuzzFeed that exposed the struggles of a burnout generation. It prompted a large scale awakening to naming and describing a quality of life issue for millennials. Overwhelm and anxiety from specific-to-millennial causes revealed that, though many felt alone, they were not:
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/annehelenpetersen/millennials-burnout-generation-debt-work
What’s a 20 or 30-something to do? Small changes like getting regular bodywork or exercise, establishing a spiritual routine, or prioritizing tasks helped some. But what about an underlying cause? Change at a foundational level is only possible with clarity.
I began listening to podcast interviews, and inviting millennial co-workers, family and friends to share their stories of exhaustion, overwhelm, anxiety, disillusionment, authenticity or lack thereof. I was looking for a root cause.
I felt compassion for their place in the scheme of history while recognizing how “history doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes” (Mark Twain). Varying states of distress sounded familiar though the particular flavor was new.
Indeed, behind all the stories, I found a recurring truth. Millennials have forgotten how powerful they are, powerful enough to create their world from the inside out.
So, I’m writing to ask, if you know a millennial who is struggling, please consider sharing this page: www.lifeiscoachingyou.com/millennials.
I know their strength, creativity, grit and brilliance, and I can help. Thank you.
Photo by Zachary Nelson on Unsplash
Comments:
I work with Millennial first time homebuyers. It the largest demographic buying homes. I see many Millennials getting caught up in analysis paralysis. My job is to educate about them about the home buying process, and ask them to dig deep within to connect with why they want to buy a home. Trusting our inner guidance in making decisions takes practice and experience. I am so glad you are working with Millennials! They need you Emma!
Thanks, Laura...They need you, too! It's great that you're helping Millennials through the challenging home buying process. I understand Minneapolis is the #1 market for Millennial home buyers. Love how you include the inner side of knowing the intention in buying a home. Makes the choice so much more conscious and, therefore, long lasting.
A belated thank you from 'down under' Emma. For me, perfect divine timing. Great Buzz Feed article too, I needed to read it. The power of words! I am forwarding on to my nephew.
So glad this resonated, Beth! Thank you for forwarding to your nephew. We want to support this generation as much as we can. :-)