Lazy? Or Just Awake?What Gen Z and Millennials Are Teaching Us About Redefining Success
Back when I was writing my book Success Starts Within, I had a breakthrough that changed everything for me:
Fulfillment isn’t found in what we achieve, it’s found in how aligned our outer life is with our inner truth.
At the time, I looked successful on paper. But inside? I was burned out, anxious, and constantly questioning what it was all for.
That tension between external achievement and internal misalignment is something many high-achieving professionals live with quietly.
But here’s the shift: A new generation isn’t staying quiet about it anymore.
The Rise of Aligned Ambition
In Deloitte’s 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, only 6% of Gen Zs said their goal is to reach senior leadership.
At first glance, that stat might raise eyebrows. But dig deeper, and you’ll see the truth:
These professionals aren’t lazy. They’re just no longer willing to sacrifice their mental health, values, and well-being for a version of success that leaves them empty.
They’re asking better questions, the same ones I had to ask myself:
What if success didn’t require exhaustion?
What if peace of mind was part of the plan?
What if rest wasn’t a reward but a requirement?
They’re Not Opting Out — They’re Building Better
Over 40% of Gen Zs and millennials say they feel anxious or stressed most of the time.
Their biggest source of stress? Work.
They’ve seen what hustle culture does to their parents. They’ve watched burnout get glorified and mental health ignored.
So instead of playing the same game, they’re rewriting the rules.
They want to…
Build lives that feel good, not just look good
Find purpose in (or around) their work
Align their ambition with their peace
And they’re not waiting for permission.
What This Means for All of Us
Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or beyond, this isn’t just a Gen Z conversation.
It’s a human one.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the right things but still feel disconnected…
If you’ve ever wondered why success feels heavy instead of fulfilling…
If you’re tired of the grind, but scared to slow down…
You’re not alone. And you’re not broken. You’re simply waking up to the truth: hustle doesn’t equal happiness.
From Burnout to Alignment: My Work Now
Today, through keynotes, coaching, and my Rise & Reclaim Blueprint™, I help high-achievers break free from burnout, without losing momentum.
Inside the program, we don’t just talk about rest, we rewire the guilt around it. Because when your nervous system is regulated, your clarity improves.
When your energy is protected, your performance rises. When you align with your truth, success comes with peace, not in place of it.
You Don’t Have to Sacrifice to Succeed
Gen Z and millennials aren’t giving up on success. They’re just choosing to pursue it in a way that includes their humanity.
And maybe… That’s not something to critique. Maybe it’s something to learn from.
Reflect with Me:
What does success that feels as good as it looks mean to you? Let’s talk about what alignment looks like in your life, your career, or your leadership journey. Because the truth is, we don’t need more hustle.
We need more wholeness.
Want to Go Deeper?
If you’re ready to pause, reflect, and start rewriting your definition of success on your own terms…
Download a free chapter of my book, Success Starts Within, and learn how to reclaim your energy and create success that actually feels good: Click here to download
Looking to improve retention, reduce burnout, and help your team thrive?
I deliver keynotes and workshops that show professionals how to perform at a high level, without sacrificing their well-being: Click here to learn more
Chazz Scott | Resilience & Sustainable Performance Expert | Founder, Supra Mentem Consulting | Author of Success Starts Within
Creator of the Rise & Reclaim Blueprint™ – Helping professionals and teams break free from burnout, boost retention, and build success that actually feels good.
