7 things successful boomers never complain about, says psychology

Farley Ledgerwood by Farley Ledgerwood | May 2, 2025, 8:55 am

My dad, a classic boomer himself, has a saying that goes, “Successful people never complain about what they can’t control.”

This tidbit of wisdom always had me pondering.

Curious about the thought process of successful individuals, particularly among the boomer generation, I delved into the realm of psychology.

What I found was intriguing.

Turns out, there are seven specific things successful boomers never seem to complain about, according to psychological research.

In a world where it’s all too easy to grumble and groan, these findings were surprisingly refreshing.

This investigation not only offers a new perspective on success but also provides a roadmap for those seeking to follow in the footsteps of successful boomers.

If you’re curious about what makes the boomer generation tick or you’re simply looking for ways to ease your own path to success, stick around.

Because we’re about to delve into seven things successful boomers never complain about, as backed by psychology.

It’s not just about avoiding complaints; it’s also about embracing a mindset that fosters resilience, contentment, and ultimately success.

1) Lack of time

How often have we heard someone say, “I just don’t have the time for that”?

Here’s a little secret.

Successful boomers don’t have more hours in the day than anyone else.

What they do have, however, is a different perspective on time.

Sure, they face the same 24 hours as the rest of us. But instead of lamenting their lack of time, they embrace it as an opportunity.

Successful boomers understand that time is a finite resource.

They appreciate its value and make the most of it.

Rather than complaining about not having enough time, they focus on maximizing what they do have.

They prioritize, delegate, and organize their time effectively. This way, they get things done without feeling overwhelmed or rushed.

This positive attitude towards time management can lead to increased efficiency and decreased stress levels.

Next time you’re tempted to complain about your lack of time, remember this first hallmark of successful boomers and try to reframe your perspective.

2) Setbacks and failures

Another thing that successful boomers don’t complain about? Failures and setbacks.

Now, this one really hit home for me.

A couple of years ago, I started a small business endeavor that didn’t quite pan out as I had hoped.

At first, it was difficult. I felt like a failure and was tempted to wallow in self-pity.

But then I remembered my dad, a successful boomer himself, who had faced his fair share of setbacks in his life.

He never complained or let these experiences bring him down. Instead, he viewed them as learning opportunities.

He used to say, “Failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s part of success.”

And you know what? He was right.

The experience taught me valuable lessons about resilience, determination, and the importance of adaptability.

Successful boomers see failures not as the end but as stepping stones on their path to success.

They understand that setbacks are inevitable and even necessary for growth.

Rather than complaining about them, they embrace these experiences, learn from them, and move forward with even more determination.

It’s a mindset that not only fosters success but also promotes personal growth and resilience.

It’s definitely something worth adopting!

3) The actions of others

Let’s get real for a moment.

We’ve all been there, haven’t we?

Miffed at a friend who cancelled plans last minute, frustrated with a colleague who didn’t meet a deadline, or disappointed by a family member’s thoughtless remarks.

It’s normal to feel this way, but here’s the clincher.

Successful boomers, they don’t waste their energy complaining about the actions of others.

Sounds surprising? Let me explain.

They know that people are not perfect and that everyone makes mistakes.

They understand that they can’t control what others do or say, but they can control their own reactions.

Instead of complaining about others, they focus on their own actions and responses.

They choose empathy over annoyance, understanding over frustration.

People who adopt this approach tend to experience less stress and have healthier relationships.

The next time you’re tempted to grumble about someone else’s actions, take a leaf out of the successful boomer’s book.

Focus on your reaction instead, and see how it changes your perspective.

4) Change

Change is a constant in life. It’s something we all experience, whether it’s small daily changes or massive life-altering ones.

The thing is, successful boomers don’t complain about change. They embrace it.

Rather than resisting change or fearing the unknown, they see it as an opportunity for growth and learning.

They adapt, they evolve, and they thrive amidst change.

They understand that life is a series of transformations, and each one brings new experiences and lessons.

Embracing change is linked with flexibility, resilience, and a positive outlook on life.

The next time you find yourself facing change, instead of complaining or resisting, try embracing it.

You might just find that it opens up a whole new world of possibilities.

5) Aging

Aging – it’s a natural part of life that none of us can escape.

You might be surprised to learn that successful boomers don’t complain about getting older.

Actually, they celebrate it!

Now here’s the fascinating part.

A study found that individuals who maintain a positive attitude towards aging live an average of 7.5 years longer than those who view aging negatively.

Successful boomers understand this.

They see each passing year not as a loss, but as a gain – more life experience, more wisdom, more memories.

They celebrate their age and wear their wrinkles with pride, seeing them as badges of a life well-lived.

Next time you’re tempted to complain about another birthday, remember this: Aging is a privilege denied to many.

Embrace it, celebrate it, and perhaps even thank it for the wisdom it brings.

6) The past

We all have our share of past experiences that we wish we could change.

But here’s the thing about successful boomers – they don’t dwell on the past or complain about it.

Instead, they accept their past, both the good and the bad, with grace and understanding.

This doesn’t mean they ignore their past or pretend it didn’t happen.

Rather, they acknowledge it as a part of their journey that has shaped them into who they are today.

They understand that every experience, every choice, every triumph, and every mistake has contributed to their growth.

This kind of acceptance is linked to better mental health and a stronger sense of self.

Instead of dwelling on the past, consider learning from it.

It’s made you who you are today. And that person is worth celebrating.

7) What they don’t have

In a world that often encourages us to want more and more, successful boomers stand out.

They don’t complain about what they don’t have.

Instead, they appreciate what they do have.

They value their relationships, their health, their experiences, and even their challenges.

They understand that true success and happiness don’t come from having it all. It comes from appreciating all you have.

This gratitude-focused perspective isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a powerful tool for enhancing well-being, backed by countless psychological studies.

Take a moment to appreciate the good in your life. Because in the end, it’s not about what you don’t have.

It’s about being grateful for what you do have.

Final thoughts

We’ve journeyed through the seven things successful boomers never complain about, offering you a glimpse into their mindset.

But here’s what’s even more significant – these aren’t exclusive to boomers. Regardless of your age or generation, these principles hold true.

The power of a positive outlook on time, the strength in embracing failure, the peace in accepting past experiences, and the joy in expressing gratitude for what we have – these are all within your reach.

Change starts with awareness. Take note of instances where you might be tempted to complain.

Reflect on these moments and consider how adopting a ‘boomer-like’ mindset could alter your perspective.

Embracing this shift won’t happen overnight.

It’s a process, a journey. But it’s one that leads to positivity, resilience, and ultimately success.

Take a moment. Reflect on these principles. Consider how they can play out in your own life.

Because at the end of the day, success isn’t just about what we achieve. It’s about our attitude along the way.