I have talked before about the great things our generation does and how older generations need to cut us some slack. We have faced a lot of the same obstacles they did; they just look a little different. But I also think it is fair to point out some areas where our generation needs to do better for the sake of future generations.

I will start with what led me to this idea.

Lately, I have been going to breakfast early in the mornings during the week with my dad. He has a great group of guys he meets with, and they just sit around and talk about life. It is simple, but it is something I really look forward to.

You know the common theme?

No one from my generation is there.

And it got me thinking. Do we call our friends and make plans like that in the morning?

Usually not.

My guess is that most millennials set their alarms at the last possible minute, wake up, and rush straight into the day.

Next up is communication.

I know people who refuse to answer the phone because they would rather text. Or you will be talking to someone, and while you are talking, they are constantly checking their phone.

I will say this. I admire older generations for this. When they are with you, they are with you. They are present. It is not phone first and people second.

The next one is a big one, and I know I struggle with it. Patience.

We are a very instant-gratification generation. We want things now. But the best things in life take time, patience, and hard work.

Let time do its thing.

Stack good days. Win the day in front of you. Then wake up and do it again.

That is how real progress is made.

The next one is learning from older generations.

For some reason, older generations were always eager to learn from those who came before them. They asked questions, took advice, and valued what was passed down to them.

I think our generation tries to do everything on our own.

And a lot of times, we end up making mistakes that could have been avoided if we just listened.

There is a lot of value in experience. People who have already been through it can save you time, stress, and mistakes if you are willing to hear them out.

If I step back and look at it, there is one common theme.

We struggle with slowing down and being intentional.

We don’t make time in the mornings because we are always rushing.

We text instead of talk because it is quicker.

We lack patience because we want results now.

We do not learn from others because we think we can figure it out faster on our own.

Everything is faster now.

But the best parts of life were never meant to be fast.

So what do we really need to do?

Something we were all taught as kids before we crossed the street.

Stop.

Look.

And listen.

Stop rushing through everything. Stop living on autopilot. Take a second and be where your feet are. Not everything needs to be immediate.

Look around at what really matters. Your family, your friends, the people right in front of you. Look and learn from those who came before you. There is a lot you can learn just by paying attention.

Listen when people talk. Not just to respond, but to understand.

Put the phone down. Have real conversations.

And listen to people who have experience. It can save you time, stress, and mistakes.

It’s simple. But if we actually lived this way, it would change a lot.

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” – Proverbs 19:20