Take a look at your Facebook or Twitter feeds and tell me what you see. If you don’t mention links to popular websites such as “BuzzFeed” or “Elite Daily” with posts about the hundreds of things you should be doing in your teens, twenties, thirties, then I’d call your bluff.
The millennial generation has grown accustomed to mainly consuming media in list form and relying on this practice to spoon-feed the guidelines to life. With that being said, here are 14 things that young adults should stop doing in 2014:
1) Having Regrets:
Have you ever wanted to try something but held back because of uncertainty or fear of what others may think? Newsflash! The best moments of your life typically begin one step outside of your comfort zone.
For example, many students that did not study abroad because of fear or doubt wish they did when they had the chance.
Be sure to take advantage of all the opportunities that are at your disposal while you can and not look back years from now with what-ifs.
2) What Others Think:
If you allow others’ thoughts and comments dictate how you live your life, then you will waste all of your time scrambling to please everyone, which is merely impossible. All of that wasted time could have been spent on engaging in something that you truly enjoy and that makes you happy.
Remember what Dr. Seuss taught us when we were little, “we’re all a little bit weird,” so embrace it and just be yourself.
3) Freaking About Grades:
Doing well in school is certainly important. In all honesty, we all are paying an arm and a leg for an education so we should be working hard and caring about our academic standing. But college should not be all work and no play.
When you’re feeling stressed, go do something like exercising or talking to a friend to relive stress and clear your mind. Go out every once in a while and do not lock yourself in your room with a large amount of work or studying that can wait a day or two.
4) Sweating Small Stuff:
Chances are there is someone out there going through a heck of a lot more than you are and is holding their head high through it all. We all have our moments of success and we all have our moments of failure.
Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, we should take each defeat as a new challenge, a lesson learned and move forward. It is not easy to do, but remember life is short and is not worth stressing over minor things.
5) Wasting Money:
The majority of us are guilty of it-going out to eat almost every meal, drinking heavily at the bar a few nights a week, impulse shopping and the list goes on.
Making a home cooked meal for a week or, god forbid, making coffee at home instead of paying five dollars a cup, could add up to the equivalent of a decent spring break trip or weekend in Atlantic City with your friends.
For some visual motivation, set a jar aside to put loose change in or just a few dollars every so often. You will be suprised how much money you collect after a few months that could be put towards a splurge item or a vacay.
6) Waiting to Get Involved:
“Maybe next semester.” I hate to break it to you but these lovely four-thousand peers that walk the Monmouth campus with you everyday, along with the millions of other college students, are your competition in the real world.
Don’t wait until it is too late. Join a club, get an internship There is no time like the present.
7) Making Excuses:
Lets be real, sometimes assignments just do not get done by deadline. If that happens, be honest and explain the real reason why to your professor. Chances are your professor will be more understanding and respect your honesty over a lame excuse. Just try not to make it a habit or your professors will catch on.
8) Being A Negative Nelly:
A positive attitude can go a long way. It takes much more energy to be angry than to be happy. It is easier said than done but when you are pulling the dramatics and acting like your world is falling apart, remember there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and things do turn around.
9) Comparing Yourself:
Count your blessings and be thankful for what you have. No one can have it all. And for all you know, that person you are comparing yourself to, is envious of something that you have.
Remember everyone has insecurities, issues and concerns about life. Focus on yourself rather than others and everything will fall into place.
10) Judging Others:
With a generation so infatuated with celebrity news and reality television, it is only natural for gossip and drama to be carried over into our personal lives.
The reality of the situation is that you are not in that person’s shoes nor situation and have no right to comment or judge.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but comments made at another person’s expense are not necessary.
11) Talking the Talk:
If you have goals for yourself and aren’t shy to tell people where you think you’ll be in five years, then it is time for a little less talk and a lot more action.
Actions speak louder than words. For those who doubt you, make it your mission to prove them wrong by being successful.
12) Having Extra Baggage:
Life is short. Focus on those who prove to be worth your time and deserve your friendship. Disregard toxic relationships and the people that give you more of a reason to cry than to smile.
13) Cell-Phone Addiction:
This may come as a shock to most, but I promise your cell phone will not self-destruct if you leave it alone for an entire class period.
You may not know this either, but your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram newsfeed is not nearly as valuable as the conversation you’re avoiding. Put down the phone!
14) Loving the Snooze Button:
The opportunity to sleep in is a beautiful thing. However, there is no need to sleep past noon every day of the week; it is such a waste. Wake up, eat some breakfast and make it a productive day. You will definitely surprise yourself and can make your dreams a reality.
It is a new year and if you’re not one for resolutions, take these this list into consideration for what not to do. Be realistic with your goals and keep a positive outlook on the new year.
