7 boomer ways of thinking that no longer fit in today’s world, says psychology

I’ve spent years trying to understand the human mind and its quirks.

Hi there, it’s Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit and an avid psychology enthusiast.

Years ago, I found myself stuck in a generational mindset that didn’t quite fit with the evolving world. Like many boomers, I held onto certain ways of thinking that were no longer serving me or those around me.

These are the beliefs that defined an era – the boomer generation to be exact – but they’re simply not compatible with today’s rapidly changing society.

At one point, I felt like a relic, unable to adapt and stuck in a time that no longer existed. But then I started delving deeper into psychology and realized the need for a mindset shift.

In this article, I’m going to share with you 7 boomer ways of thinking that, according to psychology, no longer fit in today’s world.

And trust me, understanding these outdated perspectives has the potential to transform your interactions and relationships – much like how my own journey has transformed mine. Let’s dive in.

1) The “work until you drop” mentality

It’s a common narrative among boomers – work hard, grind relentlessly, and only then will you achieve success. It’s the idea that your worth is directly tied to your productivity, and taking time to rest is seen as laziness or lack of commitment.

But here’s what psychology says: This mindset can lead to burnout, negatively affecting our physical and mental health.

Constant stress and overwork can cause everything from heart disease to depression. And it certainly doesn’t guarantee success or happiness.

In fact, studies suggest that taking breaks and prioritizing self-care can actually boost productivity and creativity in the long run.

So if you find yourself stuck in this outdated way of thinking, try shifting your perspective. Recognize the importance of balance and the value of rest.

It’s not about working less, but about working smarter. Remember, your worth is not defined by how much you work, but by who you are as a person.

2) The “Keeping Up with the Joneses” syndrome

Early on in my career, I found myself caught up in this mindset.

I was always comparing myself to others, trying to match their success, their possessions, their lifestyles. If my colleague bought a flashy new car, I felt the need to upgrade mine. If a friend moved into a bigger house, I felt like my apartment was suddenly inadequate.

However, constantly comparing ourselves to others can lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

And renowned psychologist Dr. Leon Festinger’s Social Comparison Theory backs this up. He suggests that we have an inherent drive to assess our progress and abilities, but doing so by constantly comparing ourselves to others can lead to negative emotions and lower self-esteem.

Nowadays, I strive to focus on my own journey rather than how it stacks up against someone else’s. It’s not always easy, especially in our social media-driven world, but it’s a much healthier way of thinking.

3) The “set in stone” thinking

I remember when I used to believe that once you’ve made a decision or set a path for yourself, you’re stuck with it. Changing careers, shifting goals, or altering life paths were seen as signs of inconsistency and indecision.

This mindset had me paralyzed in a job I wasn’t passionate about for years. I thought I had to stick it out because that’s what I had decided on.

But life isn’t so rigid. It’s fluid, ever-changing and our ability to adapt is actually one of our greatest strengths as humans.

Psychology tells us that our brains are incredibly malleable. This concept, known as neuroplasticity, means we have the ability to change our habits, our thoughts, and even our personalities throughout our lifetime.

Ultimately, I took the leap and switched paths. It was scary, but it opened up doors to opportunities and experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

4) The “siloed gender roles” belief

For the longest time, I, like many others, grew up in a world where men and women had their own ‘designated’ roles. Men were breadwinners, women were homemakers – it was as simple as that.

The reality is, these rigid gender roles don’t hold up anymore. Today’s society recognizes and appreciates that men and women are capable of fulfilling any role they choose.

A study conducted by the Pew Research Center found that in about 60% of two-parent households, both parents now work. This shows a significant shift from the traditional model of the male breadwinner and female homemaker.

And it’s not just about who brings home the bacon. Men are now more involved in household chores and child-rearing, while more and more women are taking on leadership roles in the workplace.

Breaking free from these traditional gender roles has allowed me to become a more rounded individual, contributing to my home life just as much as my work life.

5) The “money equals success” mindset

This was a belief I held onto tightly in my early years. I thought that accumulating wealth was the ultimate measure of success. The bigger the bank balance, the more successful I was.

However, as I journeyed through life, I realized that there’s so much more to success than just money. True success lies in personal growth, meaningful relationships, and the positive impact we make on the lives of others.

Psychology supports this perspective as well, that after a certain point, additional income does not significantly contribute to happiness or feelings of success.

Now, I measure my success not by the size of my wallet, but by the quality of my relationships and the difference I can make in people’s lives.

If you’re still trapped in the “money equals success” mindset, try redefining what success means to you. Yes, financial stability is important, but it’s not the only factor in leading a fulfilling and successful life.

6) The “emotions are a sign of weakness” mentality

Growing up, like many of my generation, I was taught to keep my feelings to myself. Expressing emotions, particularly those seen as negative, was often viewed as a vulnerability.

Over time, and through my own experiences, I’ve learned that this couldn’t be further from the truth. Emotions, in all their complexity, are not a weakness but rather a fundamental part of our humanity.

In fact, expressing our emotions can lead to deeper connections with others and better understanding of ourselves. It’s okay to feel and express what we’re going through.

Now, I make it a point to acknowledge and express my feelings. It’s made my relationships richer and helped me understand myself better.

If you’re still holding onto the belief that expressing emotions is a sign of weakness, remember this: it takes strength to be open and vulnerable about your feelings. It’s an essential part of personal growth and building meaningful connections with others.

7) The “fear of technology” stance

Unlike younger generations who have grown up with technology at their fingertips, many boomers view it with a certain amount of trepidation. I was no exception. The digital world seemed overwhelming, complicated, and somewhat unnecessary.

But here’s the counterintuitive part: Embracing technology can actually simplify our lives, not complicate them. It can connect us with others, provide access to endless knowledge, and make daily tasks more efficient.

Instead of resisting or fearing technology, I’ve learned to see it as a tool that can enhance my life. It took some time and patience, but now I can’t imagine my life without it.

So if you’re still wary of the digital world, start small. Use technology to do something that interests you – whether it’s reading a book on an e-reader, learning a new skill through an online course, or connecting with old friends on social media.

Technology is not something to be feared, but a resource to be utilized. Embrace it as a part of modern life and see how it can enrich your world in ways you never imagined.

Conclusion

Breaking free from these boomer mentalities is not about disregarding the wisdom of the past, but rather about adapting to our ever-changing world.

Change is a part of life and embracing it can lead to personal growth and a better understanding of ourselves and others.

So if you find yourself adhering to any of these outdated ways of thinking, don’t be hard on yourself. We’re all products of our upbringing and our environment. The important thing is to acknowledge these mindsets and work towards evolving them.

Start small. Pick one mindset you’d like to shift and take baby steps towards changing it. Be patient with yourself, this is a journey not a race.

And most importantly, remember that it’s never too late to change. After all, the only constant in life is change itself.