Many times, we dismiss the wisdom of our older generation, thinking it outdated or irrelevant. But hold on a second, there’s a lot of boomer life advice that still rings true in today’s fast-paced, tech-infused world.
Let’s be real – our elders have been around the block. They’ve navigated life without Google Maps, managed relationships without instant messaging, and ran businesses without social media marketing.
Sure, technology has changed the game, but some fundamental life lessons stand the test of time. They often hold the keys to resilience and success, whether it’s in our personal lives or entrepreneurial journeys.
Here are seven pieces of boomer advice that make total sense even in today’s digital era, and could give us an edge in our modern world. Stay tuned—you might just be surprised.
1) Relationships are built offline
Boomers lived in an era where face-to-face conversations were the norm. They understood the value of personal connections, eye contact, and a firm handshake. While technology has made communication easier, it can sometimes feel impersonal.
The boomer advice? Prioritize in-person interactions. It’s an old school approach that can make a world of difference in our professional and personal lives.
Whether it’s a client meeting, a team bonding session, or simply catching up with a friend – physical presence can build trust, show commitment and foster stronger relationships.
Remember, technology is a tool to facilitate connections, not a substitute for human interaction. The richest relationships are often built offline.
This timeless piece of advice holds true even in today’s digital world – and could be the key to setting your business apart in an increasingly automated world.
2) Handwritten notes still matter
Here’s a personal anecdote that you might find interesting. A few years ago, I landed a significant client for my business. How did I do it? I took a page from the boomer playbook and wrote a handwritten thank-you note after our initial consultation.
In the digital age where emails are the go-to communication mode, taking the time to write a personal message left a lasting impression. The client later told me that it was this note that set me apart from the other potential service providers.
Handwritten notes are a small but powerful way to show appreciation, connect on a personal level and make people feel valued.
It’s an old-school practice that can have a significant influence in today’s world, from strengthening business relationships to simply making someone’s day.
Boomers knew the value of this gesture, and it’s advice worth heeding even today.
3) The value of delayed gratification
Boomers were brought up with the understanding that good things come to those who wait. This concept – known in psychological terms as delayed gratification – is a fundamental principle that many successful entrepreneurs swear by.
In a Stanford experiment, famously known as the Marshmallow Test, children were given the choice of having one treat immediately, or two treats if they could wait for 15 minutes.
Those who waited – and thus demonstrated delayed gratification – tended to have better life outcomes, including higher SAT scores and healthier lifestyles as adults.
Applying this principle in today’s fast-paced world may seem counterintuitive, but it’s core to long-term success.
Whether it’s waiting for a business to turn a profit, or resisting the urge to constantly check your smartphone, practicing delayed gratification can lead to greater rewards down the line. Boomers understood this well, and it’s advice worth following today.
4) Good old-fashioned hard work
While we live in an age of overnight sensations and instant success stories, boomers were raised on the ideology of good old-fashioned hard work.
There’s no substitute for rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck in, no matter how smart or technologically advanced we become.
This boomer advice still rings true today. Whether you’re starting a business or climbing the corporate ladder, persistence and hard work are often the keys to long-term success.
It’s about putting in the hours, staying committed, and pushing through even when things get tough. Remember, there are no shortcuts to any place worth going. This simple yet powerful piece of wisdom continues to stand the test of time and technology.
5) Money isn’t everything
Early in my entrepreneurial journey, I became so consumed with profits and hitting targets that I barely had time for anything else. It was a stressful and unfulfilling period of my life. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon a piece of boomer wisdom that things started to change.
The advice was simple yet profound: Money isn’t everything. Boomers knew the importance of a balanced life. They understood that while money can provide comfort and security, it can’t buy happiness or peace of mind.
This shift in perspective helped me regain control of my life. I started prioritizing personal growth, relationships, and experiences over financial success. And guess what? Not only did my quality of life improve, but my business did too.
This timeless advice serves as a gentle reminder to us all – don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.
6) Face adversity with resilience
Boomers have lived through times of great change and faced many challenges. They’ve weathered economic downturns, societal shifts, and personal trials. Their advice? Face adversity with resilience.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and keep going in the face of adversity. It’s a quality that helps us deal with life’s inevitable ups and downs.
In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world, this advice is more relevant than ever. Whether it’s dealing with a business failure, a tough client, or even a global pandemic – resilience can be the key to survival and success.
Remember, it’s not about avoiding hardships but learning to navigate them with strength and grace. This piece of boomer wisdom can be a guiding light in our modern world.
7) Time is your most valuable asset
Boomers understand that time is a non-renewable resource. You can always make more money, but you can never get back lost time. It’s a fundamental truth that remains relevant in today’s digital age.
In a world filled with distractions and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to lose sight of how we’re spending our time. But boomers knew the importance of using it wisely.
Whether it’s dedicating time to building your business, spending quality moments with loved ones, or investing in your personal growth – every second counts.
Consider this the most important advice of all: Treasure your time, it’s the one thing you can’t get more of. Make every moment count.
In conclusion: Wisdom transcends time
The essence of human experience and wisdom often transcends the confines of time and technology. This is exemplified in the enduring relevance of boomer life advice in today’s fast-paced, digitally driven world.
One key piece of wisdom that resonates across generations is a quote by philosopher George Santayana: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
This timeless adage reminds us of the importance of learning from our predecessors.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life and face new challenges, it’s worth remembering that some solutions lie in the tried-and-tested wisdom of earlier generations.
Whether it’s valuing personal connections, understanding the power of resilience, or recognizing that time is our most valuable asset – these nuggets of wisdom hold profound relevance.
As we step into the future, let’s keep these lessons close to heart. After all, in this ever-changing world, some things remain timeless.
Feeling stuck in self-doubt?
Stop trying to fix yourself and start embracing who you are. Join the free 7-day self-discovery challenge and learn how to transform negative emotions into personal growth.
