Millennials have always been described as lazy and self-obsessed, being called the “Me Me Me” generation by Times Magazine. And while there might be some truth to that, these judgments cannot all be valid.

Based on an article published in Forbes magazine, millennials are the most obsessed with self-improvement and might be the least confident in the workplace.

To define this generation properly, the millennials are those who have been born between the early 1980s and early 2000s.

And while they might be taunted previous generations for their narcissism and high sense of ego, the millennials just might be the generation most determined to work on themselves.

This generation is completely overwhelmed with possibilities. With shelter, education and healthcare provided, the millennials have more time to think about in regards to new possibilities and options. They have the opportunity to pursue their purpose in any way possible.

Millennials, for instance, do not want just any job; they want a job that satisfies their passion and not simply their bank account.

Millennials enter the workplace with high expectations of being noticed immediately and climbing up that corporate ladder, but instead they are faced with the harsh reality of what the “real world” is like.

They, in turn, become overly critical and extremely disappointed with themselves. Based on a study conducted by Leadership IQ, and contrary to public opinion, only 28 percent of millennials believe their communication skills are better than their peers in the workplace (compared to 42 percent of 50-year-olds who believe that).

Following that shock, millennials end up having high hopes and ambitions, but become overly critical of themselves. And to fill the gap between expectations and reality, they become obsessed with self-development.

Social media steps in and becomes the cherry on top. With people setting up their accounts to show only their strengths and achievements, they are creating an almost perfect image of who they are. And although all millennials know that it is possible to fake everything on social media, they still feel envious of others and their “successful” lives, further fueling the need to work harder on themselves. 

As a result, millennials are constantly dealing with high individual expectations, disappointing realities, and envy; creating the perfect recipe for a perpetual fixation on self-development.

 Is the millennial obsession with self-improvement a vice or a virtue? It’s up to you to decide.

Cover credit: Nextavenue.org