As a millennial, I can confirm that life doesn’t come with a manual. We’ve had to learn some pretty harsh lessons the hard way.

It’s a journey, and sometimes it feels like we’re trekking up a mountain without a map, navigating through the thick fog of the unknown.

And let me tell you, these lessons are far from sugar-coated. They’re tough pills to swallow, but they’re slowly shaping us into resilient, capable adults.

In this article, I’m going to share 7 harsh life lessons that we millennials are slowly learning the hard way. You might resonate with some, or perhaps all of them. But hey, isn’t that what life is all about? Learning, growing and becoming better versions of ourselves, one misstep at a time.

So buckle up and let’s dive in together!

1) Success isn’t instant

We live in a world where everything is instant – from our coffee to our internet connection. But success? That’s a different ball game.

Many of us millennials have been raised to believe that we can achieve anything we set our minds to. While that’s not entirely untrue, it’s the timeframe that trips us up.

We expect instant results. We crave instant success. But we’re slowly learning that real success takes time. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

We’re realizing that to truly make a mark, we need to put in the time, effort and yes, face a good share of failures and rejections along the way.

It’s a hard pill to swallow for sure, but it’s an essential reality check. And you know what? That’s okay. Because the journey to success is as valuable as the destination itself.

2) Not everyone will like you

This one was a real eye-opener for me. Growing up, I was a people pleaser. I always strived to be liked by everyone, and it worked…until it didn’t.

In my early twenties, I landed a job at a fast-paced company. It was my dream job and I was thrilled. But soon, I realized that no matter how hard I tried, there were colleagues who just didn’t seem to like me.

I’d put in extra hours, help them with their workload, and even bring them coffee in the morning. But nothing seemed to work. It took me a while to realize that it wasn’t about me or what I was doing wrong.

The truth is, you can’t please everyone. And that’s okay. It’s more important to stay true to who you are and focus on the people who appreciate you for it.

It’s a tough lesson, but it’s helped me become more authentic in my relationships and less dependent on others for validation.

3) Money management is crucial

We millennials are known for our spending habits, especially when it comes to experiences and avocado toast. But as the saying goes, money doesn’t grow on trees.

Here’s something to consider – according to a report by the Business Insider, nearly 70% of all millennials are living paycheck to paycheck.

Oof. That’s a lot of us barely making ends meet, isn’t it?

We’re slowly learning that managing our finances is an essential part of adulting. It’s not just about earning money, but also about budgeting, saving, investing, and planning for the future.

Yes, it can be boring and tedious when you first dive in. But understanding money management can mean the difference between living a life of financial stress or financial freedom.

4) Failure is part of the process

Failure is often seen as something to be avoided at all costs. We’re taught that failure equals defeat. But here’s the thing – that couldn’t be further from the truth.

We millennials are slowly realizing that failure isn’t the end, it’s just a stepping stone. It’s a part of the journey towards success.

Failing at something doesn’t mean we’re losers or incapable. It simply means we tried something, it didn’t work out, and now we have an opportunity to learn and grow from it.

So instead of fearing failure, we’re learning to embrace it, to see it as a teacher rather than a final verdict. This shift in mindset doesn’t make the fall less painful, but it certainly makes getting back up more meaningful.

5) You can’t control everything

I’ve always been a bit of a control freak. I like having a plan for everything and knowing exactly what’s going to happen next. It gives me a sense of security and peace.

But life, as I’ve learned, doesn’t always stick to the script.

There was a time when I lost a job I loved due to company-wide layoffs. It was sudden and unexpected. I had no back-up plan and felt like my world was falling apart.

But you know what? It taught me an invaluable lesson – we can’t control everything in life. Changes, setbacks, and surprises are part of the package.

And while we can’t control what happens to us, we can control how we react to it. We can choose to panic and fall apart, or we can choose to adapt, learn and grow from the experience.

It’s not an easy lesson to learn, but it’s one that has made me stronger and more resilient.

6) It’s okay to say no

We live in a world where we’re often encouraged to seize every opportunity that comes our way. The fear of missing out (FOMO) is real, my friends!

But we’re slowly learning that it’s okay to say no. In fact, it’s not just okay, it’s necessary.

Saying yes to everything can lead to burnout and stress. It can leave us feeling overwhelmed and spread too thin.

So we’re realizing that it’s important to set boundaries and prioritize our time and energy. It doesn’t mean we’re lazy or unambitious. It simply means we understand the value of our time and mental health.

It’s a tough lesson to learn, especially in a world that often equates busyness with importance. But it’s a lesson that’s making us happier, healthier and more balanced in the long run.

7) Self-care is not selfish

In our quest to succeed and make a mark, we often forget to take care of the most important person – ourselves.

We push ourselves to the limit, neglecting our health and well-being in the process. But we’re slowly learning that self-care is not just a trendy buzzword, it’s a necessity.

Taking care of our physical, mental, and emotional health isn’t selfish. It’s crucial for our overall well-being and productivity.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. So take time for yourself. Rest, replenish, and rejuvenate. Because you matter, and taking care of yourself is the first step towards success.

Final thoughts: The journey continues

Life is a constant learning process. It’s a blend of joyful discoveries, hard-earned lessons, and moments of introspection.

These 7 harsh life lessons that we millennials are slowly learning the hard way might seem tough, but they’re shaping us into resilient, adaptable individuals.

Every failure is a stepping stone. Every setback, an opportunity for growth. Every ‘no’ is a step towards self-preservation. And every moment spent on self-care is an investment in our well-being.

As we navigate through life’s complexities, these lessons serve as reminders to stay authentic, to value our time and energy, and to embrace the journey with all its ups and downs.

Here’s to learning, growing, and becoming the best version of ourselves – one lesson at a time.