As expected, there are often differences in belief systems across generations. That’s true between me and my parents. What follows are some generational differences between us.
It’s reasonable to expect beliefs to be different across generations. Any number of factors can account for those differences.
For example, a most critical factor is how you grew up. And, where you grew up. Economics and educational opportunities really shape our belief systems.
I’m a first-generation college student. So, my life had a much different trajectory than the lives of my parents.
Similarly, world events can impact us when we are directly involved. My father, for instance, served in Europe during World War II. In addition, both my parents grew up in during the Depression in the rural South. Those experiences certainly shaped their beliefs and view about life.
Therefore, it’s reasonable for my parents to have held a world view that was very different from mine, a post-WWII Baby Boomer. The Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964. As such, most Boomers are in retirement, or beyond!
Solomon shares with us how he was loved by both of his parents and was taught by both of them. See Proverbs 4.3-4, Proverbs 22.17-21, and Proverbs 31.2 for examples. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Some Similarities of Beliefs
Some beliefs, or values, are passed down across generations. As a result, those very fundamental beliefs tend to be fairly consistent when transferred from parent to child.
Unsurprisingly, my parents and I have a number of similar beliefs. In fact, those commonly-held values include the following:
1). The same personal faith in God and similar church attendance practices.
2). Support for essential traits such as hard work, honesty, and charity.
3). A fairly careful attitude toward handling of monthly cash flows.
4). Recognizing the importance of both immediate and extended family.
5). Conservative political views and respect for the rule of law.
In Proverbs 22.28 we are warned about removing the “ancient landmark set by earlier generations.” Those landmarks are more than simply property boundaries, as they also include beliefs, value systems, and respect for institutions that give stability to society. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Some Differences in Beliefs
As expected, there are often differences in belief systems across generations. That’s true between me and my parents. Here are some areas in which my beliefs are different from the generation of my parents.
Investments
Mom was born in 1921; dad in 1911. Given their child and young adult experiences in the Great Depression (1929-1939), my parents were extremely cautious with how they handled money.
Like many, their major asset was a house and eventually a modest investment account. But, my career path has provided me a comfortable retirement and much greater flexibility in my income and investments than they ever had.
Career Changes
Their outlook on life, in general, was also extremely conservative. There was never “try a new career.” My dad worked for the same company for 40+ years. Much of that time he was a receiving clerk. He did relocate twice, but it was with the same firm.
I’ve had a couple of career changes. And, I was willing to take some risks in regard to job changes. Some of those risks turned out well; some didn’t! I learned, recovered, and moved on to try something else.
Political Views
I am a moderate Republican. I also have have a Ph.D. It’s not a surprise that my views on politics are much different than my parents. I’m certainly not a liberal as defined by far Left U.S. politics. But, I also don’t buy into the outlandish world views of the far Right. Both parties have abandoned moderates like me in a rush to buy votes from the extremists.
Life Outlook
My mom, in particular, had a fairly negative view of life possibilities. The glass was almost always half empty for her. That said, both parents dealt with the extreme rural poverty in the pre-depression South. Moreover, both my parents were marked by the race relations and world views of that challenging environment.
Conversely, my life as a child and young adult was very different from my parents. In part, because they worked hard to give my sister and me something better than they had when they were growing up.
Most critically, my education made a significant difference in my life. That’s an opportunity my parents didn’t have.
Self-Image
I picked up many of my parents beliefs, life outlooks, and attitudes as a child. Then, I carried those beliefs – both good and bad – into my young adult years.
For better and for worse, I became what I observed, perceived, and felt at home. Of note, I think, were traits such as issues with my self-worth and self-confidence.
Those character traits were a significant challenge for me, for years. Over time, I’ve grow in my self-image, and as a result, I have built up my self-confidence, along with some much needed, but still developing, interpersonal skills.
Along the way, I’ve also focused on personal and professional growth by developing career-critical skills. As a result of that growth, I enjoyed some really important career opportunities late in my career, including being an associate dean, then a dean of a business school.
The first half of Proverbs 23.7 teaches that we should be careful about our life focus. Why? Because we become what we focus on, that’s why! Similarly, Proverbs 4.23 encourages us to protect our character above all else. Again, why? Because who we are is the essence of life itself. In short, we get to choose to be our authentic and our best self! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Some Takeaways
Our beliefs and our personal value systems are critical because they dramatically impact our life outcomes. Certainly, it’s not trite to believe that who we are really does matter!
It’s true that we don’t choose where we start from in life. Similarly, it’s true that we don’t choose the life events that impact us. However, it’s also true that by our persistence and mindset, we can dramatically alter where we wind up in life.
It’s essential that we get it right in regard to the fundamentals such as a personal faith, our family, and deliberately living a life marked by integrity. Thus, know your authentic self and be that authentic self. Most importantly, don’t live someone else’s life, such as the life of your parents or friends.
A common regret in life is the regret of risks not taken. Of things not tried. And, of opportunities we pass on because of fear. It’s Ok to try and fail miserably. I’m one of the world’s leading experts at that! But, it’s not Ok to stop there. Get up and move on with your life because failing does not mean we are a failure.
Therefore, choose to believe in yourself! Choose abundance – on purpose! The outcome? Resilience and an abundance mindset will enable you to live with purpose, on purpose!