The younger generation of today is fiercely independent and often, more mature than we give them credit for. Gen Z, along with some Millennials, have achieved much, but that doesn’t mean they don’t face problems. Many of them feel unprepared for the world and wonder if they have what it takes to survive.
We’re less than a couple of weeks away from 2026, and it looks like the start of another increasingly competitive year. Even outside a career setting, young people need guidance, and not the same, generic motivation they hear all the time. Why? Because they see that “hard work” and other platitudes don’t always create the good life it promises.
Thus, in this article, we’ll focus on three simple bits of advice that every young person can take to heart. No false promises or lies, just advice you wish your dad or mentor had given you sooner.
#1. Success Isn’t Always Found in Conventional Approaches
Too many people today are still afraid of risk. Despite the world being flooded with incredible stories where even small risks pay off, people are still scared. Starting a business sounds nice, “but what if it fails and you go bankrupt?” While it has a degree of truth, it’s also a question that has stopped numerous people from finding success.
Thankfully, the younger generation is willing to push the boundaries a little more than their parents were. One good example of this is making the risky decision of not paying for an expensive college education.
According to one survey by Deloitte, 31% of Gen Z and 32% of Millennials say they decided not to pursue higher education. Likewise, 25% of Gen Z and 22% of Millennials were seriously looking at apprenticeships and trades. When asked why, they felt concerned that higher education offered limited practical experience.
This seems to be a risk that the youth are willing to take. They effectively prevent themselves from falling into the college-loan debt cycle with the hope that the trades will pay well enough. The good news is that, yes, millions of young Americans who go this route enjoy the freedom from not being in crippling debt.
#2. Personal Branding Is a Must-Learn, Master Skill
In almost every field and industry, being able to create a personal brand is an invaluable skill. It opens up a great path to entrepreneurship and makes acquiring clients and customers far simpler. On a technical level, it doesn’t even take too much. All you need to start with is a professional website, which you can make pretty easily today.
As Hocoos notes, there are AI website builders that can get you an up-and-running website in minutes. All you need to do is answer a few questions on what you’re looking for, and the AI-builder does the rest. After that, throw in some professional portraits, a portfolio with testimonials, and easy contact options, and you’re set.
It’s surprising, even today, how few young people take the effort to set up a brand for themselves. People are also a little reserved when creating a personal brand, but this isn’t ideal.
As Quynh Mai, founder of a digital-creative agency, explains, you really want to talk about the ups and downs in your journey. She notes that it’s important to show that you’re speaking through knowledge and truth. Similarly, Anouck Gotlib, founder of a baked-goods brand, shares aspects of her life she believes will bring attention to what she values.
The best part about having a personal brand is that you can let it be in the background. You’ll find that when you least expect it, it comes in clutch and secures an opportunity for you.
#3. Start Taking Care of Your Body Today
Normally, it’s the older generation that needs reminders to exercise and take care of their bodies. However, the changing times are revealing that younger people are increasingly at risk of countless health issues from poor activity levels.
One report from the World Health Organization in 2024 showed that 31% of adults failed to meet recommended activity levels. Likewise, the CDC found that when compared to 2013, high school students today were less healthy. Only 25% of them were physically active for more than 60 minutes a day. The percentage of boys who met this quota was 5% higher in 2013 and 1% higher for girls.
Moreover, some sayings like “time flies” only get more striking the older you get, which is why young people should pay attention today. In some situations, the effects of bad health choices cannot be overridden easily with more exercise later on. Once you develop chronic problems from failing to take care of your body, it’s not easy to go back to good health.
All things considered, it’s a shame that there aren’t that many great sources of inspiration for the younger generation. In fact, Gen Z is even characterized by its apathy and hopelessness when it comes to life. As such, it’s the responsibility of society to ensure that younger people understand the cost of apathy and invest more in their lives.