By Septa Perdana, Chief Operational Officer (COO), Occam
We have heard many conversations lately on how millennials face complex challenges to succeed in today’s climate and were promised a future that does not exist. However, this perception is often misguided and based on unfounded stereotypes.
Firstly, it is crucial to recognize that millennials face unique challenges that previous generations did not. The COVID-19 pandemic, uncertain geopolitical conditions, and harsh inflation, to name a few examples, have significantly impacted the economy and job market. However, this does not mean millennials are running out of opportunities to succeed.
A survey by Deloitte last year found that millennials are, in fact, more optimistic about their financial future. In Indonesia alone, 59% of millennials expect to be financially better off than their parents. It is also important to note that success means different things to different people. While some may define success as reaching a certain income level or achieving a high-ranking position in their field, others may prioritize personal fulfillment, positively impacting their community, or simply finding joy and purpose in their lives.
Indeed, millennials currently face multiple unprecedented challenges, and it may seem like the odds are stacked against them. To achieve success, however, one of the most important traits we can develop is resilience.
Resilience can be defined as the ability to bounce back from adversity or setbacks. It is the ability to keep going even when things get tough and to find new ways to approach challenges. Developing resilience is crucial for millennials who wish to succeed, and here’s why:
Resilience helps us adapt to change
In today’s fast-paced world, change is constant. Whether it’s technological changes, the economy, or society, we must adapt quickly to stay relevant and succeed. Resilience helps us to be more flexible and adaptable and to see change as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Resilience helps us handle setbacks
Despite how well we plan, setbacks are a natural part of life. Whether losing a job, facing rejection, or experiencing a personal loss, setbacks can be painful and difficult to handle. Resilience helps us to see setbacks as temporary and to find new ways to approach the situation to move forward.
Resilience helps us stay motivated
Achieving success takes time and effort, and it’s easy to become discouraged along the way. Resilience helps us to stay motivated even when things get tough and to keep pushing toward our goals. By developing resilience, we can maintain a positive attitude and a sense of purpose even in the face of adversity.
Moreover, here are some tips on how we can develop resilience to achieve our pending goals:
Build a robust support system
Having a solid support system is crucial for building resilience. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your goals and will be there when things get tough.
Take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself is also crucial to building resilience. Ensure you get enough rest, eat well, and exercise regularly. Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as reading, listening to music, exercising, or spending time outdoors.
Embrace challenges as opportunities
Rather than seeing challenges as threats, try to view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Approach challenges with a sense of curiosity and a willingness to try new things.
Learn from setbacks
When setbacks occur, take the time to reflect on what went wrong and what you can learn from the experience. Use setbacks as an opportunity to grow and improve rather than allowing them to discourage you.
Calling all millennials out there, “Stay resilient, stay focused, and stay hungry for opportunities!”
