Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, are often described as one of the most adaptive and creative generations.

We are also known for high values, such as meaningful motivation, social responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and well-being.

However, staying motivated as a millennial can be challenging, especially in times of uncertainty, change, and stress.

Presently, millennials may face various obstacles, such as low pay, high debt, limited opportunities, and unrealistic expectation from earlier generations

If you are a millennial and wondering how to overcome these challenges and stay motivated in your personal and professional life, this is the blog post for you.

Keep reading to find 3 ways you can stay motivated

1. Focus on your purpose

Millennials are more likely to look for meaning and impact in their work. We have evolved from working on monotonous, repetitive work. We want careers at organizations that align with our values, give us autonomy and allow us to contribute to making a positive difference in the world.

To stay motivated as a millennial, you need to focus on your purpose. A few questions that might help.

By focusing on your purpose, you can find motivation in the intrinsic rewards of your work, such as satisfaction from know you did what you said you would, fulfilment from knowing in some small or large way, your efforts contributed to making this beautiful world a better place. And finally focusing on your purpose helps you to see growth in your life – like the song ‘I Hope You Dance’ says “Tell me who wants to look back on their life and wonder where the years have gone”,

Finally, focusing on your purpose leads you to connect with others who share your purpose and support each other.

As Steve Jobs said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”

2. Challenge Yourself

Millennials are known for their resolve in sharing their opinions and ideas, as well as challenging their superiors when they feel it is warranted. They are not afraid to question the status quo and seek new ways of doing things².

To stay motivated as a millennial, you need to challenge yourself.

By challenging yourself, you can find motivation in the extrinsic rewards of your work, such as recognition, feedback, and achievement. You can also learn from your failures and mistakes and grow from them.

As Michael Jordan said, “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

3. Balance Yourself

Millennials care about their physical and mental well-being and seek a work-life balance. They appreciate having flexibility and autonomy in how, when, and where they work

To stay motivated as a millennial, you need to balance yourself.

By balancing yourself, you can find motivation in the holistic rewards of your work, such as happiness, peace, and harmony. You can also enjoy other aspects of your life, such as family, friends, hobbies, and interests.

As Oprah Winfrey said, “You can have it all. Just not all at once.”

Conclusion

Staying motivated as a millennial can be hard but not impossible.

By focusing on your purpose, challenging yourself, and balancing yourself, you can stay motivated in your personal and professional lives.

If you want to learn more about how to stay motivated as a millennial and other topics related to this generation, you can listen to the 5 Years to 40 podcast and read the blog. You will find inspiring stories, practical tips, and valuable resources that can help you navigate this exciting and transformative decade of your life.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog and YouTube podcast so you don’t miss any updates.

¹: [Motivating millennials at work | Deloitte Insights](https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/talent/motivating-millennials-at-work.html)

²: [10 Common Characteristics of the Millennial Generation | Indeed.com](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/10-millennial-generation-characteristics)

³: [Steve Jobs’ Stanford Commencement Address](https://news.stanford.edu/2005/06/14/jobs-061505/)

⁴: [Michael Jordan Quotes (Author of Driven from Within)](https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/16823.Michael_Jordan)

: [Oprah Winfrey Quotes (Author of What I Know for Sure)](https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/3514.Oprah_Winfrey)

Source: Conversation with Bing, 6/27/2023

(1) 7 Surprising Ways To Motivate Millennial Workers – Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jennagoudreau/2013/03/07/7-surprising-ways-to-motivate-millennial-workers/.

(2) Motivating millennials at work | Deloitte Insights. https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/talent/motivating-millennials-at-work.html.

(3) 10 Common Characteristics of the Millennial Generation. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/10-millennial-generation-characteristics.

(4) Motivating Millennials (And Everyone Else, For That Matter) – Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2018/03/14/motivating-millennials-and-everyone-else-for-that-matter/.