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8 Things Millennials Learned About Work Ethic That Gen Z Just Don’t Understand

Pabio December 9, 2024

There are a number of things that Gen Z just don’t seem to understand when it comes to work ethic. As a millennial creator who relies on daily consistency to make a living, I’m always looking for ways to streamline the creative process. Procrastination isn’t always bad, especially if I need to rest.

Sitting idly often generates great ideas for me, but we usually have to get on with it and do things. Some things I’ve found embarrass me, and others help spike my energy and enthusiasm for work – these are work ethic concepts that, as a millennial, have been harder to understand for younger generations.

Here are eight things millennials have learned about work ethic that Gen Z just doesn’t understand:

1. Focus is overrated

stopping trying to focus is something millennials learned about work ethic that gen z doesn't get sparkling | Shutterstock

First, you need to let go of the need to “be more focused.” Forget it. You are not the Dalai Lama.

This only adds pressure and locks you in more. You need to relax. Force us to be more productive makes us less productive. Start from a place where there is no pressure.

Results of a 2022 study indicate that forcing productivity, that is, pushing oneself beyond one’s limits to work constantly, can significantly decrease productivity due to factors such as burnout, reduced concentration, and negative impacts on mental health. This is often called toxic productivity.

2. Let go of the story you tell yourself

letting go of your story is something millennials learned about work ethic that Gen Z doesn't get Okrasuik | Shutterstock

Many of us are trapped in the stories we tell about ourselves without realizing it. We say, “I’m just not a good writer” or “I’ve always been lazy.” Of course you procrastinate if you are continually sabotage yourself with these words.

It would help if you were more inclined to action, regardless of the feelings that arise when you do so. Allow your actions to shape a new identity (an action taker), not your old stories about who you wrongly think you are.

Research published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology on self-sabotage of productivity indicates that individuals often engage in behaviors that undermine their success due to underlying issues such as low self-esteem, fear of failure, perfectionism, or the belief that they don’t deserve to succeed, which leads them to unconsciously sabotage their productivity. through procrastination, distractions or setting unrealistic goals that lead to failure.

This may be rooted in past experiences and learned behaviors, where individuals may have associated success with negative consequences, causing them to avoid it.

3. You need to know why

knowing your why is something millennials learned about work ethic that Gen Z doesn't get sparkling | Shutterstock

No wonder you don’t bother doing things if there’s no apparent reason to do so. That’s how it works. It would help if you had a sufficiently compelling reason to act.

No ray of light will shine and show you this. You create reason. Write the thing down, feel filled with renewed enthusiasm, get up from your recliner and get moving.

4. Quit it with multitasking

one thing at a time is something millennials learned about work ethic that Gen Z doesn't get sparkling | Shutterstock

When we look at our huge to-do lists and feel overwhelmed, many overcompensate by trying to do multiple things simultaneously. Good luck with that, idiot.

You are making things much more difficult. You must become rational now and realize that you can only do one thing, free from distractions in your environment and your mind.

According to a 2000 studyfocusing on one thing at a time, or a single task, is significantly more effective than trying to multitask.

The human brain is not designed to handle multiple complex tasks simultaneously, leading to reduced productivity, increased errors, and impaired cognitive performance when trying to multitask.

5. Know your top two or three priorities

knowing your top priorities is something millennials learned about work ethic that Gen Z doesn't get Kaspars Grinvalds | Shutterstock

We wander aimlessly, mainly for one reason: we don’t know what is worth doing more than others.

Ask yourself: What is the one thing I can do today to make this day worth it?

Now you are using your smart brain. Do you have the ONLY thing? GOOD. Now determine the following two or three most important things.

Note the difference between “urgent” and “important”. This would help us focus on the important things without getting carried away by what seems urgent. Don’t confuse them, otherwise you will become a servant, making someone else happy at your expense in the long run.

6. Break an overwhelming task into small steps

Breaking the task down into small steps is something millennials learned about work ethic that Gen Z doesn't get insta_photos | Shutterstock

Now that you know your top priorities for week and day you can make things easier and more precise. Break the main one down into simple, achievable steps. Now breathe a sigh of relief, dance like you’ve forgotten the year, and punch the sky with your fist.

Research published by Cambridge University Press indicates that breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable subtasks significantly improves motivation, reduces stress, and improves overall productivity.

This approach makes the task less overwhelming, allows for a sense of accomplishment as each minor step is completed, and facilitates better planning and monitoring of progress.

7. Find a way to enjoy what you do

finding a way to have fun is something millennials learned about work ethic that Gen Z doesn't get Wasana Kunpol | Shutterstock

If you forget everything else, know this: we all have within us the power to make everything we do funeven if it’s a little bit. Do the dishes? Make it enjoyable.

Write the next article? Be like Shakespeare and write the first draft with a quill. Stop resisting, relax and get into things, and you’ll never need to procrastinate again.

8. Write down your goals; don’t just talk about them

writing down exciting goals is something millennials learned about work ethic that gen z doesn't get Ground photo | Shutterstock

It’s easy to hear someone talking about write goals but then “forget” to do it. No. Do it now. Write a list of cool things you would like to accomplish in the coming month and year.

Put it on paper and make it happen. Most people write down goals, get excited about them for 2 minutes, and then forget about them. Not you, my brother. You are fighting against this invisible resistance, which keeps the masses in mediocrity.

You rewrite your goals daily so that your vision is continuous and colorful every day. Not only do you have clarity, but it also informs your daily behaviors as a traveling hero. Winners don’t work to achieve their goals; they BECOME the person who achieves them today.

A 2007 study from Dominican University indicates that individuals who write down their goals are much more likely to achieve them. Studies show an approximately 42% higher success rate for those who physically document their goals than for those who don’t; this is attributed to the act of writing, solidifying commitment and activating the brain’s reticular activating system, which helps prioritize information related to these goals.

Alex Mathers is a writer and coach who helps you build a lucrative personal brand through your knowledge and skills while staying mentally resilient.

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8 Things Millennials Learned About Work Ethic That Gen Z Just Don’t Understand