Who doesn’t love a good old hand-me-down? They’re especially great when they come from people you love, but they don’t always have to be physical – sometimes they’re life lessons, too! Today, we’re looking at ten essential life lessons that Boomers have passed down to Millenials. These aren’t your regular nuggets of wisdom – we’re looking at the ones that have stood the test of time.
1. Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees
First up, we have a classic. Despite what your credit card tries to tell you at 2 AM during an online shopping spree, Boomers remind us that money is actually a finite resource. We would always remember the value of a dollar, or in millennial terms, the equivalent of about three avocado toasts. Budgeting is a blessing that we should all try to receive.
2. Respect Your Elders
In a world where Google seems to know more than grandma, Boomers remind us that wisdom isn’t just stored in the cloud. Respecting your elders means acknowledging their experience and not just how many years they have on the clock. Before there were tutorials for life hacks, there were actual people hacking life with their intelligence. Who would’ve thought?
3. The Art of Conversation
Here’s a crazy idea – before texting became the norm, people actually talked. Boomers remind us that there’s an art to conversation that emojis can’t capture. Maintaining eye contact and showing a genuine interest in others are very important social skills that, sadly, many people have lost. It’s about connecting, not just communicating.
4. Hard Work Pays Off
In an era of instant gratification, Boomers teach us about the value of persistence. They understand that behind every “overnight success” are years of unseen effort – it doesn’t just spring up out of the blue. Hard work is the secret sauce to achieving goals and is what separates the dreamers from the doers.
5. The Rollercoaster of Life
Boomers tend to deal with the unpredictability of life with a shrug and a smile. They’ve seen it all – the disco era, the rise of the internet, and everything in between. They tell us life will indeed toss you around like a salad, and sometimes the dressing isn’t even that great. But they understand that, honestly, there’s a beauty in not knowing what’s around the corner.
6. Investing In Yourself
Boomers have been around the block enough times to know that health is wealth. Sure, hitting the gym and eating greens are both important, but Boomers know health is more than that. Being healthy means making the right choices so that your body and mind are in it for the long haul. After all, you only get one of each!
7. People Over Pixels
In a world that’s drowning in the latest gadgets, Boomers remind us that it’s the human connections that truly matter. No matter how many followers you have or the likes you get on your most, real wealth comes from our relationships. After all, it’s laughter with friends or hugs from your family that warm your heart, not the cold glow of a smartphone screen.
8. Learn to Laugh at Yourself
Taking life too seriously is a surefire way to feel miserable. Boomers totally understand just how important it is to laugh at things, especially at yourself. If you can laugh at yourself, you’re always in good company. Boomers understand that we only have one life to live – so why make it so miserable?
9. Commitment Is Key
Whether it’s a relationship or a job, Boomers completely understand the importance of sticking with it. Sure, instant gratification can be good sometimes, but Boomers understand that commitment is always in season. They know that you have to show up, day in and day out, even when the going gets tough.
10. Keep Learning
For Boomers, the classroom may change, but the learning never stops. They recognize the value of continuous growth, be it personal or professional. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby or understanding the latest technology, Boomers know that growth is the key to staying young and having fun.
The Ultimate Lesson
These ten Boomer lessons might seem obvious, but to many Millennials, they’re very important. These lessons of old can help people to face the challenges of the modern world. But what’s the most important lesson of all? Well, it’s simple – you should never give up, and you should always be true to yourself. Boomers do that in spades!
Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.
Speak Your Mind