Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X & Boomers Have Very Different Ideas Of What Counts As Being Brave
AYO Production / Shutterstock Most people would like to think they'll be brave when it really matters, but not everyone has the same understanding of what that actually looks like in practice. The concept of bravery isn't always as straightforward as it seems, and in particular, baby boomers, millennials, Gen X, and Gen Z all grew up with vastly different role models and lessons around what defines an act of courage.
Gen Z, millennials, Gen X, and boomers all have their own very different ideas of what counts as being brave.
Facing your fears or standing up against someone who is doing what you know isn't right takes courage, but each generation sees certain shades of complexity in what that really means.
Baby boomers think bravery has to do with facing your greatest fears.
Growing up, baby boomers were taught not to run from hard things, even when they're scared or feel completely out of their depth. Now that they're older, they maintain that mindset that courage means doing what needs to be done and not making a whole production out of it.
JLco Julia Amaral | Shutterstock
This might mean going through a rough patch with their head held high or taking accountability when things go sideways. They tend to respect a person who can hold their own, which means they're much more likely to see standing by their decisions and sticking it out as signs of strength.
To Gen X, being brave means sorting things out without waiting for someone to save them.
Because they're so used to taking care of everything on their own, Gen X isn't particularly interested in making a fuss every time life gets complicated. Even though it may not be easy, taking a risk or walking away from something that isn't working for them are acts of courage in their eyes.
Szepy from Getty Images via Canva
This generation largely admires those who can think for themselves and handle a little uncertainty, so they don't mind questioning the rules every now and then instead of blindly following them. Sometimes, the bravest thing they can do is trust their gut and stop worrying about whether others approve of what they do.
Millennials think being brave means being willing to start over.
Even when everyone else seems to have their lives figured out, millennials aren't afraid to challenge what they're told they should be doing. That might mean changing careers or admitting that the life they once wanted doesn't really fit them anymore. It's pretty gutsy to choose a fresh start over something that feels familiar.
La Famiglia | Shutterstock
They also see emotional honesty as a completely valid form of courage. Going to therapy or setting boundaries with their loved ones can be hard, but it's much harder to go on pretending everything is fine when it's not.
For Gen Z, being brave means having the confidence to be unapologetically themselves.
Gen Z has absolutely zero interest in what society expects them to do. Instead, they find plenty of courage in doing their own thing. That's why they express unpopular opinions, embrace their individuality without hesitation, and refuse to squeeze themselves into someone else's idea of success.
Being the only odd one out doesn't concern them. Actually, they're perfectly happy to stand apart from the crowd.
Anatoliy Cherkas | Shutterstock
There's a boldness in the way they approach uncertainty. This generation experiments with different lifestyles and redefines common milestones because they don't necessarily view having a traditional life as the ultimate goal. Taking a chance on a version of life that fits them best is brave enough.
Kayla Asbach is a writer with a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida. She covers relationships, psychology, self-help, pop culture, and human interest topics.
