It’s no secret, millennials are a unique generation. With digital advancements and social media presence being larger than ever, we live in a very different time. While these technologies have their advantages(my mother likes to constantly point out that I don’t have to worry about typos on a typewriter or going to the library to write a research paper), it’s not all peaches and roses.

In fact, millennials struggle more with perfectionism, and it is linking to an increase in things like depression and anxiety, read more about that here:
http://www.refinery29.com/2018/01/186631/perfectionism-young-people-mental-health-study

Now, I’ll admit I’m guilty of more than one of these things listed. It can be hard to not measure ourselves in numbers and letters. Whether that be our body measurements, our grades, or the number of followers we have. At the end of the day it’s just a number. The human mind, body, and worth are far too complex to be summed up so easily. We all have our quirks, strengths, and weaknesses that come together to make us unique and priceless. We are way too valuable to be described by a simple number.

The pressure on millennials and the “quarter-life crisis” is real. And many don’t believe it, I had a discussion with my father the other day, because he says that while we have struggles, he did too at our age. It was only after explaining,that we were both able to get new perspectives on the situation.

So yes, there’s a problem, but how can we fix it? Here’s a couple of easy ideas/opinions:

1.Limit your screen time

We’ve all heard this before, and as a digital marketing major, I can attest that this is a hard one for me. But why is it important? The problem with social media is that most people only post their highlights. You see their perfect clean house, their beautiful wedding, their picture perfect vacation, but what you don’t see is all the nights they had to eat Top Ramen to save up for that nice vacation. One of my favorite quotes is “Don’t compare your “Behind-the-Scenes” with everyone else’s “Highlight Reel”“. And that is so true! Remember that someone else’s timeline and someone else’s path, isn’t your timeline or path. Which is good, because we are all unique and learn different lessons in different times and ways. That is how the world progresses. Einstein was great. But the world would do no where, if we all thought and acted like Einstein.

Limiting screen time will help eliminate your chances to compare yourself to others. It will also give you more time to do things that can help you reach your “picture-perfect” goals. My boyfriend and I, have switched out most of our TV and social media time with going to the gym, working on online job certifications, reading informative books, and just spending more one-on-one time together.

2. Follow inspiring pages

This is 2019, and even if you limit screen time, chances are you’ll still get quite a bit of it. So switch out negatives for positives. Follow pages and blogs that inspire you to reach your goals. As someone who loves traveling, digital media, and fashion, I follow a huge variety of pages. Use these as guides to your goals, not absolutes. Plans change, goals change, people change.

My favorite is Refinery29. It’s no secret the Refinery29 is my absolute dream company to work for. Following them helps me to keep my eye on my end goal. They are a digital media company that focuses on empowering women. In fact their Instagram heading is ” Where women feel, see, and claim their power“. Plus there’s some funny bits too.

I love @theblondeabroad, she is a traveler, photographer, fashionista, basically my idol. I love her dreamy pics, because I always imagine myself there with her.

I also love GirlBoss. ” The professional network for ambitious women” Like Refinery29, they empower women and provide some laughs when I need it.

3. Be selfish sometimes

Focus on you. What makes you unique, what you have accomplished, and what makes you happy. Take some time for yourself. If you don’t have the energy to hang with friends today, that’s okay.

Everyday focus on something you accomplished, even if that was just washing your makeup off before bed. Because, let’s admit it, that’s a real struggle some days.

Realize that some days you “giving it your all”, is less than other days. Maybe one day you’re able to write three essays, cook a healthy dinner, and take the dog for a walk, and the next all you can do is order a pizza because you’re tired. That’s okay. Realize that “your all” is more than enough. Life isn’t an “all or nothing” thing.

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I hope you were able to find a couple useful tidbits. Some days, I feel like these posts end up being a rant that goes everywhere and nowhere at the same time. I hope we can all take a few steps to better ourselves in this crazy generation.

Much love and support,
Maria Jo Stephens