Unlike other generations, the so-called millennials are more likely to suffer from perfectionism, according to a recent study.
The irrational desire to do everything flawlessly is usually accompanied by a rigorous self-criticism avalanche and together with it – the need to correct your flaws. Therefore, it is not surprising that members of this generation lose their heads in trying to learn everything.
It seems like it’s no big deal – it is great to be interested in many different areas. Especially, if you are working as an assistant in a communication agency, where you often have to start your day with an article on a fintech start-up and end it by coordinating the communication of influencers on social networks. However, the distraction, juggling with numerous tasks and jumping from one thing to another often leads the millennials, who wish to be perfect at everything, to end up wasting time and not learning anything.
Yet, it is possible to find balance between being an ultimate master of everything and the specialist of nothingness – it only requires some will and effort, listing your priorities and getting the job done!
From 20 choose 3. It may well be that you like to do everything. However, if you really want to do something well, sooner or later you will have to narrow your specialization to a few areas that will require a set of specific skills.
Think of the tasks that bring you most joy – what would you like to do after a year, or five and in what areas you would like to improve. If it is difficult at first, give it a week or a month for various (or even all possible) tasks. At the end of this period, make a list of all the tasks you have completed and rate the most liked ones.
What skills did these tasks require? Exclude three key skills you lack, to be able to do the tasks in the areas you are interested in, better – and here, you have listed your priorities to work on.
Make learning a project. By naming three projects you wish to learn, make each of them a project. For example, if you wish to improve your writing skills, create a blog. To help you keep track of your progress, set such tasks that you could measure and that would be quantifiable challenges: to write a specific number of posts per week or to attract a specific type of audience.
Sometimes after setting enormous goals we tend to abandon them even before starting, so it is important not to rush and start with small steps. When starting to write a blog, one post per month can become a challenge, however, after improved – do not forget to challenge yourself with more complex tasks – increase the number of texts, start writing on more complex topics, or even get your text published by the news portal.
Learn to stay “no”. Whenever you decide to learn something new, think of what you will have to say “no” to. We often forget, that there are limited hours and energy in a day, so learning everything is simply impossible. If you wish to develop a new skill, you will have to decide, what you will need to refuse. Maybe you will wake up earlier? Or maybe you will spend less time with your loved ones? Are you sure you are willing to give it up?
Don’t forget to reward yourself. Finally, after completing the week’s goals, don’t forget to rest and spend some time on your favourite activities: spend the evening with your friends, go on a hike or read a book. Regular awards help to motivate yourself and look at your achievements in a more positive way – yet every new thing you learn will help you to get closer to that ideal you want to become.
After all, even the most talented professionals, Nobel laureates, inventors and businessmen are talented in their own field and in other can be complete simpletons. Thomas Edison, one of the most famous inventors and businessmen in the United States has always had problems with numbers – he was completely incapable of understanding the advanced mathematics. However, during his career, Edison has said several times that it does not interfere with his work, because he could hire a mathematician at any time, who would be the best specialist in his field.
It just proves once again that it is not worth learning everything. Learn with passion but in moderation! Then you can become the best in your field (the last word was written in singular not without a reason).
