Often times, baby boomers get a bad rap for being stubborn and closed-minded (hence the “OK boomer” meme that went TikTok viral in 2019). But these individuals may actually be a lot more open to change than they’re given credit for.
For example, unlike older generations, they’re more likely to see the purpose of marriage as mutual happiness and fulfillment rather than child-raising.
Belief in the American Dream
Regardless of their political affiliation, most boomers have faith in the American dream. According to a recent survey, 75 percent of Americans say they have achieved the American dream or are on their way to doing so.
This generation loves to set goals for themselves and work diligently towards them. They want to be recognized by their superiors for their hard work, and they enjoy a good sense of competition in the workplace.
This generation also values quality products and services. This may be why they prefer to buy items from established brands that have proven their quality over the years. Additionally, they often prefer shopping at physical stores rather than online as they like a pleasant customer experience. This is especially true when it comes to purchasing medical products and technology.
Self-confidence
A major trait of baby boomers is their strong sense of self-confidence. They are willing to work hard to meet their goals and they hold themselves to a high standard, which is why you often find them at the top of their profession. They are also loyal to their employers and often stay in the same company for a long time.
They are also resourceful and know how to make do with what they have. This characteristic has helped them to survive the tough times of their past and they like to use this mentality in their everyday lives. They are often able to find satisfaction with the simpler things in life and prefer a more straightforward shopping experience. This helps them to save money and avoid waste.
Self-discipline
Self-discipline, or the ability to control impulses and delay gratification, is crucial for boomers who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whether that means eating more vegetables or staying away from junk food, these habits can add years to your life expectancy.
Developing self-discipline takes time. To keep you on track, set small goals for yourself each day and reward them as you accomplish them. You might also consider getting an accountability partner to help you stay motivated and on track.
Creating new habits can feel intimidating at first. To combat that, try removing the most common distractions from your environment. For example, if you often pause your work to watch TV, move the remote out of the room. Then, once you’re more comfortable, add a new behavior slowly.
Optimism
Optimism is the belief that you’ll find more good than bad in your life and that things will work out for the best. This mindset is considered healthy, but it can be taken too far. Optimists who expect positive outcomes without regard to reality may be at risk of health problems, according to research published in 2021.
If you’re unsure where you stand on the optimism spectrum, consider talking to a licensed counselor. Better help has a large platform of over 30,000 licensed therapists who can help you explore your current pessimism and develop an optimistic outlook. You can start by taking their free survey, which will also give you a personalized report on 24 character strengths (including hope). You can also check out this no-nonsense guide to optimism taken too far.
Trust in Others
Although Baby Boomers have a strong sense of autonomy, they also value other people’s opinions and support. They seek out information on social issues, such as controversies in college campuses, and pay close attention to them.
They’re self-reliant and enjoy the challenge of solving problems on their own. This mindset helps them succeed in the workforce, where they often compete for promotions and recognition from their superiors.
They have a strong work ethic, and they’re comfortable standing up to authority when they see something unfair. They’re also willing to learn new skills and apply them to their jobs, which explains why they are so adaptable to changes in the workplace. They also believe in setting goals for themselves, and they’re motivated by the satisfaction of meeting those goals.