James Carter
Growing up working class isn’t just about the paycheck – it’s about the lessons learned and the survival traits developed.
These traits aren’t just about making ends meet, they’re about navigating life and its many challenges in a way that’s resourceful, resilient, and practical.
What’s interesting is how these deeply ingrained traits can actually be a source of strength, even if they were born out of necessity.
They can shape us, guide us and even influence how we approach self-improvement and mindfulness.
These traits might resonate with you, or they might offer new insights into the qualities you admire in others.
1) Resourcefulness
Growing up working class often means learning to make do with what you have, and that’s exactly what resourcefulness is all about.
It’s not just about fixing a leaky faucet without calling a plumber or stretching a tight budget to last the month. It goes deeper than that.
It’s about finding solutions in the face of adversity, thinking creatively, and turning obstacles into opportunities.
This trait is not only useful for surviving tough times but also for navigating life in general.
It’s a mindset that encourages problem-solving, creativity, and resilience.
In the realm of self-improvement and mindfulness, resourcefulness can help us overcome challenges, achieve our goals, and cultivate a sense of empowerment.
And it’s all born from a simple childhood lesson – make the most of what you have.
It’s a deeply ingrained survival trait you’ll often find in those who grew up working class.
2) Value of hard work
Working class upbringing often instills a deep appreciation for the value of hard work.
It’s not just about putting in the hours, it’s about understanding that effort and persistence often lead to success.
Speaking from personal experience, I remember my father waking up at the crack of dawn every day, ready to tackle his job as a construction worker.
He’d come home exhausted, but he would always say, “Hard work is the key to everything.”
This wasn’t just a mantra for him; it was a way of life.
His dedication and tireless effort to provide for our family taught me more than any classroom ever could.
The value of hard work has become an integral part of who I am today. It informs my approach to self-improvement, mindfulness, and personal growth.
It reminds me that meaningful change requires consistent effort and that nothing worth having comes easy.
So, the second deeply ingrained survival trait you’ll often find in people who grew up working class? A profound respect for the value of hard work.
3) Adaptability
Working class families often face unpredictable circumstances like job loss, sudden expenses, or even relocation.
As a result, adaptability becomes a crucial trait for survival.
The ability to adjust quickly to new situations is not just useful for surviving hardship, but it’s an essential life skill.
In fact, research in the field of psychology indicates that adaptability is directly linked to overall life satisfaction and well-being.
Adaptability encourages us to stay open-minded, flexible, and ready to evolve with changing circumstances.
It’s a trait that’s particularly useful in today’s fast-paced world where change is the only constant.
In the journey towards self-improvement and mindfulness, adaptability allows us to embrace change, learn from new experiences, and grow as individuals.
The third deeply ingrained survival trait you’ll often find in people who grew up working class?
A remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in the face of change.
4) Financial mindfulness
Money can be tight in working-class families, which often leads to a heightened awareness of financial matters from a young age.
This awareness, or financial mindfulness as I like to call it, is a vital survival trait.
Financial mindfulness is about understanding the value of money, making informed decisions about spending, and having the discipline to save for the future.
It’s about planning ahead, living within your means, and finding creative ways to stretch every dollar.
This trait goes beyond just managing finances. It can shape our attitudes towards consumption, frugality, and sustainability.
In the context of self-improvement, financial mindfulness can help us make wiser choices, reduce stress related to money matters, and lead a more balanced life.
The fourth deeply ingrained survival trait in people who grew up working class?
A strong sense of financial mindfulness.
5) Appreciation for simple pleasures
When you grow up in a working-class family, fancy vacations or expensive toys aren’t usually part of the equation.
But that doesn’t mean joy and happiness are out of reach.
I remember as a child, a game of catch in the backyard with my siblings was as exhilarating as any high-tech video game could be.
A family meal made from scratch held more pleasure than any fine dining experience.
These simple pleasures taught me early on that happiness doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.
It’s about being present in the moment, cherishing connections, and finding joy in simplicity.
This trait is invaluable in the pursuit of mindfulness and self-improvement.
It encourages us to focus on experiences rather than material possessions, to connect with others, and to appreciate the beauty in everyday life.
The fifth deeply ingrained survival trait you’ll often find in people who grew up working class? A deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
6) Resilience
Growing up working class often means facing challenges head-on and developing a certain toughness along the way.
This resilience, this ability to bounce back from adversity, is a powerful survival trait.
Resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship; it’s about learning to cope with it.
It’s about finding the strength to keep going, even when the odds are stacked against you.
In the world of psychology, resilience is often associated with mental health and emotional well-being.
It’s seen as a protective factor against stress and adversity.
In our journey towards mindfulness and self-improvement, resilience encourages us to face our fears, learn from our mistakes, and keep moving forward despite setbacks.
And so, the sixth deeply ingrained survival trait you’ll often find in people who grew up working class?
A remarkable resilience that keeps them standing, no matter what life throws their way.
7) Empathy
Growing up working class often means understanding what it’s like to struggle.
This understanding can foster a deep sense of empathy for others who are experiencing hardship.
Empathy is more than just feeling sorry for someone. It’s about understanding their feelings, their struggles, and their perspective.
It’s about connecting with them on a deeper level.
This trait is not just beneficial for relationships and social interactions, but also for self-improvement and mindfulness.
Empathy can help us become more compassionate, understanding, and emotionally intelligent individuals.
The most crucial survival trait you’ll often find in people who grew up working class? A profound empathy that allows them to connect deeply with others.
Final thoughts: It’s about perspective
At the heart of these survival traits lies a unique perspective on life, born out of a working-class upbringing.
These traits – resourcefulness, appreciation for hard work, adaptability, financial mindfulness, appreciation for simple pleasures, resilience, and empathy – are not just survival tools, they’re life skills
They’re lenses through which to view and navigate the world.
In the words of renowned psychologist Carl Rogers, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.”
These traits embody this spirit of learning and adapting.
Whether you grew up working class or not, consider these traits.
Reflect on how they might already be part of your life or how you can cultivate them.
It’s not just about where you come from; it’s about the perspective you choose to take.
