2025 will be the year I turn 39. I like this late-thirties era. The increased maturity (most days), deepened perspectives, heightened self-acceptance, and what felt like an instantaneous inner calm the day I turned 38 have all contributed to making me appreciate this stage of my life far more than I anticipated.

In contrast, I’ve unintentionally had the lovely opportunity to be around a few young people in my work and non-work life lately. By young, I mean those in their early to mid-twenties.

In conversing with these youthful individuals, some fresh out of university, some young lawyers, others trying entrepreneurship or even maintaining successful, mature, long-term relationships at what can be an insecure age – I’ve found myself not only being reminded of and deeply missing that part of my life, but also learning and marvelling at their character and novel personality traits that would benefit anyone of any age in the year 2025.

For example, I recently sat beside a 22-year-old model living in New York City on an airplane and had the sweetest and most intriguing conversation about her life. My close and highly valued subordinate at work is 23 years old, graduated at the top of her university class, and teaches me new and improved approaches and mindsets to doing my own job daily. And so many other young colleagues, family members, and community members have affected my thinking and approach to life.

Please keep reading for a list of my favourite things about the young people around us that we try to imbibe and certainly shouldn’t take for granted.

THINGS WE CAN LEARN FROM THE YOUNG AND “INEXPERIENCED”

Resiliency.

I can’t quite put my finger on it, but the emotionally healthy twenty-somethings of today seem much thicker-skinned. They recover quickly from setbacks, take risks, and are more able to respectfully question authority and handle criticism than any other generation I’ve been around in the last twenty years.

Maybe it’s just the youth’s confidence, or they are facing a different set of problems that we older folk never did. But from my 38-year-old perspective, there is a new kind of bravery among today’s young people.

Recovery in all forms is an elite character trait in this generation. The world is constantly at risk of being instantly changed within seconds. Whether it’s natural disasters, global pandemics, technological disasters, or political changes, the young people of today have their work cut out for them when it comes to being able to handle anything and everything at a moment’s notice.

We, the predecessor generation, have left them with enough problems and global issues to combat, in addition to the added responsibility of caring for us through it all.

Accidental wisdom.

Conversations with younger folk can be so good because they sometimes drop the most life-changing wisdom without knowing it or are looking for applause.

It can be as simple as asking a nuanced, leading question or subtly stating an egoless point of view, but it can lead to many new perspectives.

Technological confidence.

The apps. They create, brand, sell, and know how to operate all of them.

Not only that, but the younger generation seems to simply have technological aptitude coded into their DNA—so much so that it’s not something that they even have to work hard at like the older generation did and does.

Youthful Exuberance.

Part of the appeal of people in their twenties is the overflow of childlike enthusiasm, excitement, and sweetness they carry over into their young adulthood from their teenage years.

Demonstrated in how they respond to advice or guidance, the positivity with which they accept constructive criticism, or their overall zestful appetite for their future life – it’s a contagious and desirable feeling for all and a mindset that is perfectly viable to adopt at any age.

Increased cultural awareness.

I believe that almost all recent generations have maintained a healthy level of cultural awareness that is appropriate, accessible, and revolutionary for their times.

But the young people surrounding us today have not only an inner connection to and finger on the pulse of the cultural, social, and political scene but also care about making real change that’s relevant to their experience of the world—something that reflects their own values and spirit.

How to stay curious and coachable.

One thing that I adore about young people is their never-ending curiosity and openness to learning and development. If you are blessed enough for them to respect you, they listen, absorb, ask the right questions, and either disregard your point of view entirely or dutifully incorporate it into their lives. It can be an immensely gratifying experience if you enjoy being a mentor or “life coach” to a young person.

Curiosity and coachability are also valuable qualities to catch. We tend to develop a smugness and know-it-all attitude that often comes over us as we age. Maintaining a fresh perspective and questioning our values and preconceptions are youthful and beneficial qualities that could bring us better results later in life.

Valuing the element of “fun”.

I can’t speak for everyone, but as the years pass past the age of thirty, remembering the importance of fun and what it looks and feels like tends to become a difficult task. We cling to our cozy daily and nightly routines, connect consistently with only a handful of reliable and chosen few, and prioritize all aspects of our health.

Maintaining a connection to at least one “next-gen” individual in your life reminds you about the value of frivolity in life. Yes, your 9-5 can and should be something you look forward to. Yes,  Monday evenings need not be dreary and mundane. And yes, having a lighthearted attitude and state of mind can work wonders in even the most serious situations.

Click on this link to follow the Minimal Instinct digital magazine on Instagram for new blog post announcements and other lifestyle content on living lightly.

Comment down below with your thoughts about this post. I always love hearing your feedback and if my articles have helped you!

RECENT POST: REIMAGINING “HIGH VALUE” IN 2024 – Minimal Instinct