I can’t assist however smile once I take into consideration a number of the tales my older family members have shared with me—particularly those that grew up within the ’60s or ’70s. The whole lot from the music they listened to, to the best way they approached relationships and constructed their careers, appears to mirror a really distinct set of values.
Over time, I’ve additionally seen these values in most of the shoppers I work with who have been raised throughout that period. It’s fascinating how sure beliefs and priorities grow to be woven into the core of who we’re, and the way they affect our day-to-day interactions.
The cultural backdrop of these many years was completely pivotal. There was a lot taking place: social actions, shifts in conventional norms, and an explosion of recent concepts about private freedom. But regardless of the turbulence, lots of people who grew up in that interval absorbed deep-rooted values that endure to at the present time.
Listed here are seven of these values I’ve noticed repeatedly. In case you occurred to be born round that point, it’s possible you’ll discover a few of these resonate with you—and if not, it’d make it easier to perceive why your dad and mom or grandparents behave the best way they do.
1. A strong work ethic
I’ve seen that many people who grew up within the ’60s and ’70s have a tendency to hold a powerful sense of self-discipline in the case of their careers.
There was a shared perception that if you happen to stored your head down, labored onerous, and confirmed dedication, you’d be rewarded. Consider the folks you understand who virtually outline themselves by their occupation. They stand up early, go to mattress late, and consider deeply within the energy of perseverance.
I’ve had shoppers who, regardless of nearing retirement age, nonetheless can’t think about life with out some construction of their day. Lots of them inform me it’s as a result of their dad and mom—who lived by means of World Conflict II or its aftermath—taught them that good alternatives don’t come simply.
This ingrained mindset usually carries over into their relationships, as nicely. Sticking issues out by means of robust occasions can really feel like second nature if you consider unwavering dedication is the important thing to success.
Certainly one of my favourite quotes from Michelle Obama sums up the spirit of willpower so nicely: “Success isn’t about how a lot cash you make; it’s in regards to the distinction you make in folks’s lives.”
Certain, many from the ’60s and ’70s have been (and nonetheless are) hustling for a snug life, however that robust work ethic usually goes hand in hand with eager to contribute one thing significant to others.
2. Household first mentality
Household dinners, recreation nights, and the traditional street journey—these have been rites of passage for a lot of children who grew up many years in the past. Individuals from that point usually discuss how households spent actual, high quality time collectively. It wasn’t uncommon for a number of generations to reside underneath the identical roof, or at the least close by, which created close-knit models.
Typically, the sense of loyalty was so robust that it grew to become synonymous with obligation or obligation. It was what you probably did—no questions requested. The parents at Psychology At the moment stand behind this, noting that sure formative occasions in adolescence form values that persist nicely into maturity.
It is smart to me: if you happen to grew up in a family the place everybody appeared out for each other—whether or not in occasions of disaster or celebration—you’d possible go that on to your youngsters (and even your grandchildren).
I noticed this with one in every of my current shoppers, who was scuffling with balancing his need for independence together with his sense of household duty.
Having grown up within the ’70s, he felt an virtually unbreakable obligation towards his aged dad and mom. We labored on discovering a center path that revered his want for private area whereas honoring his core family-first worth.
3. Respect for authority
Individuals who grew up within the ’60s and ’70s possible witnessed huge protests in opposition to sure types of authority.
But, apparently, additionally they realized (from their dad and mom and faculties of the time) that respecting elders, group leaders, and managers was non-negotiable. This will really feel contradictory, nevertheless it’s a twin actuality many people have navigated.
On the one hand, there was the rebellious spirit of the ’60s, difficult outdated programs and giving rise to highly effective social justice actions. Alternatively, there was nonetheless a powerful custom of listening to your dad and mom, lecturers, and mentors—if solely as a result of that was “the best way it was carried out.”
Many people from that period nonetheless carry an inner compass that oscillates between eager to query every part and feeling a pure deference to sure figures or establishments.
I typically see this rigidity floor within the office. A child boomer coworker would possibly advocate for progressive change however nonetheless adhere to established protocols with out query. The group at Verywell Thoughts identified that our core values usually mirror each cultural influences and private experiences.
So, for somebody raised in these many years, you’ll see that blend: a perception in respecting authority mixed with a singular readiness to problem the established order when it feels necessary.
4. Frugality and ease
Once I consider people who grew up within the ’60s or ’70s, I usually image resourcefulness: carpooling earlier than it was stylish, patching up garments as an alternative of tossing them, and making each greenback depend.
A few of that needed to do with the financial ebb and circulation of these eras. Whether or not it was the oil disaster, the fallout from wars, or simply the cultural ethos, saving and dwelling merely felt important.
It’s not all about pinching pennies, although. There’s additionally a pleasure that comes from understanding the right way to repair what’s damaged and reuse what nonetheless has life left. I do know somebody who can’t bear to throw away a glass jar with out discovering a brand new use for it.
He as soon as informed me it’s as a result of his mom lived by means of strict rationing, and nothing went to waste. In my counseling periods, I’ve heard how this sensible mindset spills over into emotional resilience: “We make do with what we have now, and we don’t complain.”
There’s a compelling quote by Maya Angelou that speaks volumes right here: “You’ll be able to’t dissipate creativity. The extra you employ, the extra you may have.”
Whereas she wasn’t speaking particularly about family frugality, her phrases seize that spirit of resourcefulness. While you’re used to discovering inventive options for day-to-day wants, it will possibly form the best way you strategy life’s larger challenges, too.
5. Honesty as one of the best coverage
At any time when I speak to somebody from this era in regards to the virtues instilled in them as a toddler, honesty normally tops the checklist. There was an everlasting lesson: if you happen to inform the reality, you don’t have anything to concern.
I bear in mind listening to tales about moms who may seemingly spot a lie a mile away, or dads who’d hand out the harshest punishments for any type of deception.
In my very own observe, I see how necessary transparency is for shoppers from this background. They have a tendency to position a excessive premium on belief in relationships—each skilled and private. It may be heartbreaking once they really feel somebody has betrayed them, as a result of honesty is so central to how they join with others.
The professionals over at Selecting Remedy would possibly say that honesty fosters deeper emotional bonds and higher battle decision, which is one thing I additionally emphasize in my e-book on codependency. (You may need learn my put up on how transparency can break cycles of unhealthy reliance.)
6. Giving again to the group
For a lot of who got here of age in these many years, civic involvement was a giant deal. It may need been the civil rights motion, the push for environmental consciousness, and even native volunteer initiatives.
Certainly one of my shoppers informed me how he used to hitch his neighbors in planting group gardens and organizing free artwork reveals for native children. He didn’t see it as activism per se, simply one thing that accountable residents did.
To at the present time, lots of people from that period nonetheless consider in “paying it ahead.” Their strategy would possibly differ—some volunteer at homeless shelters, whereas others quietly donate assets the place they will.
However the underlying worth is identical: you’re a part of a society, and as a member of that society, you may have tasks past your personal entrance door.
That is harking back to a quote by Brené Brown: “We don’t should do all of it alone. We have been by no means meant to.” There’s an underlying message of collective duty in her phrases, which mirrors that sense of group spirit cultivated many years in the past.
Even if you happen to’re not marching within the streets, the need to help a better good usually springs from the experiences and messages absorbed in youth.
7. Emphasis on private duty
I’ve saved a giant one till final, associates. In case you have been raised within the ’60s or ’70s, there’s an excellent probability you grew up with a agency understanding that your actions—and their penalties—are yours to personal.
This doesn’t imply you have been by no means influenced by exterior occasions. However there was a prevalent perception: it doesn’t matter what life throws at you, you finally should take duty to your choices.
That type of mentality could be extremely empowering. It means taking a look at errors not as causes to wallow, however as alternatives to be taught and do higher.
Even in my counseling work, I see how this will foster a development mindset—much like what Susan Cain usually explores when speaking about introspection and self-awareness. In her view, taking duty for our inner world (and actions) paves the best way for deeper private development.
In relationships, private duty helps scale back blame video games. I’ve seen {couples} dramatically enhance their communication when each companions settle for their function in conflicts somewhat than pointing fingers.
Embracing private accountability won’t all the time be simple, nevertheless it’s a trademark of emotional maturity and more healthy connections.
Ultimate ideas
Although occasions have modified and expertise has catapulted us right into a world the ’60s and ’70s may solely dream of, the values rooted in these many years have endurance.
Laborious work, the significance of household, respect for authority, frugality, honesty, community-mindedness, and a way of non-public duty—these concepts proceed to form the best way many individuals make selections, navigate challenges, and kind significant relationships.
For anybody studying this who grew up in that period, I hope reflecting on these values supplies a little bit of nostalgia and readability. And if you happen to didn’t develop up then, possibly you may spot these traits in somebody you understand—like a dad or mum, a grandparent, or an older mentor—and higher perceive how their background formed their worldview.
We’re all merchandise of our upbringings to some extent, however the great thing about self-development lies in how we select to maintain or adapt these influences as we transfer ahead.
Signing off.