Millennials, We’ve Got This: 10 Powerful Lessons and Game-Changing Hacks

Turning 40 is a milestone that can feel both exhilarating and overwhelming—especially as a millennial mom juggling life, kids, and career. The world is moving faster than ever, and we’re right in the middle of balancing nostalgia for the '90s with navigating Gen Z slang our kids throw at us. But let’s be honest: we’ve learned some powerful lessons along the way.

Here are 10 important lessons we've learned as millennials, how to keep evolving, and some fun Amazon must-haves to make the big 4-0 even better!

1. Self-Care is Non-Negotiable

Gone are the days when we could run on coffee and four hours of sleep. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s survival. Whether it’s a skincare routine, a 10-minute meditation session, or a walk around the block with your favorite podcast, taking time for yourself is crucial. Neglecting yourself leads to burnout, which helps no one. Getting regular massages, facials, and a mani-pedi appointment all count towards self-care. Prioritizing self-care sets an example for your kids that mental and physical wellness matter.

Amazon Find: Theragun Mini for quick muscle relief after chasing the kids all day and Silk Sleep Mask for improved sleep quality.

2. Perfection is Overrated

We grew up striving for perfection—perfect homes, parenting, and careers. But let’s face it: perfection is exhausting. Progress over perfection, always. Let go of the pressure to “do it all.” Accept that some days, the dishes won’t get done, and that’s okay. Instead of aiming for a spotless house, aim for a happy home.

Hack: Embrace the “good enough” mindset. Your kids will remember the love, not whether dinner was Pinterest-worthy. Use apps like Tody to make cleaning manageable without the stress.

3. Financial Wellness Matters

Remember blowing your first paycheck on a Michael Kors purse and a Nokia 3310 or was it a Blackberry? Yeah, times have changed. Financial stability is key, and we’re smarter now about budgeting, investing, building our credits and saving for the future. Having emergency savings and investments means less stress when unexpected expenses pop up and believe me they will. Teaching kids financial literacy is also a huge plus!

Amazon Find: Budget Planner & Tracker to stay on top of expenses, and Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover for financial wisdom.

4. Health is the Ultimate Wealth

Millennials are finally realizing that their metabolisms aren’t what they used to be! Regular workouts, eating well, and prioritizing mental health make all the difference. Make time for movement, whether it’s yoga, weight training, or even dancing in the kitchen. Health is not just about exercise—it’s about staying hydrated, eating whole foods, and getting checkups regularly.

Amazon Find: Smart Scale with Body Composition Analysis to track health goals, and NutriBullet Blender or The Our Place blender for quick, nutritious smoothies.

5. Keep Learning or Get Left Behind

Tech, trends, and even the workplace are evolving. Continuous learning keeps us sharp, whether picking up a new skill, staying updated on AI, or learning to use social media like Gen Z or Gen Alpha. Lifelong learning doesn’t have to be daunting. Read books, take online courses, and stay curious about the world. I can personally say, I enjoyed my interior design Class on Masterclass. Learning and growing never gets old.

Hack: Take online courses on Skillshare or MasterClass, listen to thought-provoking podcasts, and follow industry leaders on LinkedIn.

6. Boundaries Are a Superpower

One thing about us millennials is that we spend all our lives trying to fit into society's expectations. We’ve spent years saying yes to everything. Now, we understand the power of saying no to toxic relationships, overcommitment, and draining social media habits. Boundaries protect our energy and mental well-being. Boundaries, whether limiting social media, saying no to extra work, or protecting personal time, are essential.

7. Time is the Most Valuable Currency

If it doesn’t bring you joy or align with your values, it’s not worth your time. Prioritizing what truly matters is a game-changer. Delegate tasks where possible., ask for help from your family or community so you can spend time doing things you love and that bring you joy, "not that those munchkins aren't the absolute center of our lives but hey" lol.  Your time can best spent on experiences that bring fulfillment. So Plan a trip, and take a trip.

Hack: Plan a weekend getaway or a solo retreat to recharge. Whether it’s a staycation in a cozy Airbnb, a spa day, or a road trip to a new city, alone time allows you to reset. Use TripIt to organize your itinerary effortlessly.

8. Friendships Need Maintenance

Life gets busy, but friendships need care just like any other relationship. Regular check-ins, FaceTime calls, and girls’ trips keep bonds strong. Aging friendships require effort. Plan monthly coffee dates or virtual meetups to stay connected. When possible, hosting dinner parties or potlucks with friends will go a long way to keeping those relationships thriving. 

Amazon Find: elegant chaffing dishes for those dinner parties and cute serving Trays  

9. Parenting is a Wild Ride—Enjoy it!

Between PTA meetings and bedtime tantrums, it’s easy to forget that these little years fly by As the saying goes "The days are long but the years are short" with kids. Enjoy the chaos, laugh at the mess, and take pictures. Let go of the guilt. No one has all the answers, and that’s okay. Be present and cherish every moment.

Hack: Create a monthly photo book with your favorite family moments using Chatbooks or Shutterfly.

10. Age is Just a Number, but Confidence is Everything

Turning 40 doesn’t mean losing your edge—embracing your wisdom and confidence like never before. Walk into this decade owning every bit of who you are. Confidence comes from knowing yourself. Wear what makes you feel good, pursue passions unapologetically, and don’t let anyone dim your light. I get loads of styling tips and inspiration from Pinterest. I continuously have to work on this point myself. I must remind myself of my accomplishments and why I am enough more often than you can imagine. It's essential to remain mindful and positive. 

Amazon Find: Affirmation Cards for daily motivation and self-love.

Final Thoughts

Millennials, not just moms, are redefining 40. We’re tech-savvy, self-aware, and still rocking our favorite ‘90s playlists. The key to thriving is to keep growing, embrace change, and invest in things (and people) that truly matter. This decade is all about balance, growth, and fun. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned on your journey to 40? Let’s chat in the comments! 

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.