8 ways growing up with very little shapes your outlook on life

Growing up with very little can be tough, but it also shapes your perspective on life in unique ways.

It’s not about the things you don’t have, but about learning to appreciate what you do have. It’s about understanding the value of hard work, the importance of resilience, and the beauty of simplicity.

In this article, I’ll share eight ways that growing up with less has influenced my outlook on life. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find that having less isn’t such a bad thing after all.

1) Valuing experiences over material possessions

Growing up with very little often means that material possessions are sparse.

But this doesn’t necessarily translate into a life of deprivation. Instead, it can lead to a shift in perspective where experiences become more valued than things.

Think about it. When you don’t have a lot of stuff, you learn to find joy and fulfilment in experiences. These could be simple things like a walk in the park, a game of soccer with friends, or a homemade meal with family.

These experiences, rich in emotion and connection, often hold more value than any material item could. This outlook can lead to a life that is rich in experiences, relationships, and memories, rather than cluttered with unnecessary possessions.

Remember, it’s not about what you have, but about what you do and who you do it with. That’s a lesson you learn when you grow up with less.

2) Learning the art of resourcefulness

Growing up, money was always tight in my household.

We didn’t have the luxury of buying everything we wanted, and that meant we had to get creative.

I remember one winter when our heating system broke down. We couldn’t afford to get it fixed right away, so we had to figure out how to keep warm. We ended up piling on layers of clothing, using hot water bottles, and even baking more often to keep the house warm.

This experience taught me how to be resourceful and find solutions even when resources were limited. It was a tough situation, but it also taught me a valuable skill that I’ve used throughout my life whenever I’m faced with a challenge.

Growing up with less doesn’t only shape your outlook on life; it also sharpens your problem-solving skills. It teaches you to think outside the box and find innovative solutions, which is a skill that can serve you well in all areas of life.

3) Developing a strong work ethic

Did you know that many self-made millionaires grew up in less than privileged circumstances?

One reason for this is the strong work ethic that’s often developed when you grow up with less. When you’re not handed everything on a silver platter, you learn the value of hard work and determination from an early age.

You understand that if you want something, you have to work for it. This instills a sense of grit and perseverance that can drive success in many areas of life, from education to career to personal goals.

Growing up with less, therefore, can shape your outlook on life by fostering a powerful work ethic that keeps you pushing forward even in the face of obstacles and setbacks.

4) Appreciating the small things

When you grow up with less, you learn to appreciate the little things in life.

You find joy in simple pleasures – a sunny day, a good book, a home-cooked meal. You understand that happiness doesn’t come from having lots of stuff, but from being content with what you do have.

This outlook shapes how you interact with the world around you. You become more grateful for the people and experiences in your life, and less focused on material possessions.

In a world that often encourages us to want more and more, growing up with less can teach us the value of contentment and simple joy.

5) Understanding the value of relationships

One of the most profound ways growing up with less shapes your outlook on life is in the value placed on relationships.

When material possessions are few, you quickly learn that it’s the people in your life who matter most. Family, friends, neighbors – these are the individuals who provide emotional support, share laughter and tears, and help you through the tough times.

Their worth can’t be quantified in monetary terms, and their presence in your life is more valuable than any material item.

This understanding makes you cherish and nurture your relationships more deeply. You learn that love, kindness, and connection are the true riches in life. And this, perhaps more than anything else, shapes your outlook on life in a profound way.

6) Building resilience and strength

I remember the days when we had to get by on a tight budget, figuring out how to make ends meet. There were times when it was incredibly tough, and I wondered why we had to face such challenges.

But looking back now, I realize that those experiences built a resilience in me that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

It taught me that even in difficult times, we can find a way to overcome. It showed me that challenges don’t define us; rather, it’s how we respond to them that does.

This resilience and strength have become a part of who I am today, shaping my outlook on life and influencing how I approach adversity. No matter what life throws at me, I know I have the strength to face it head-on and come out stronger on the other side.

7) Embracing humility

Humility is a trait often learned in the school of hard knocks.

When you grow up with less, you’re acutely aware that there’s no room for arrogance or entitlement. You learn to respect others regardless of their social status or material possessions because you understand that everyone faces their own struggles.

This humility shapes your outlook on life as you grow older. It teaches you to remain grounded, appreciate your successes without arrogance, and always remember where you came from.

In an increasingly self-centered world, this humility can be a refreshing perspective, fostering empathy and understanding towards others.

8) Understanding that less can be more

Growing up with less teaches you a powerful lesson: that less can actually be more.

This doesn’t just refer to material possessions, but to life in general. It’s about understanding that a simple life can be a fulfilling one. That you don’t need a lot to be happy. That your worth is not defined by what you have, but by who you are as a person.

This idea of “less is more” can shape your entire outlook on life, guiding your decisions, shaping your values, and influencing how you interact with the world around you.

Understanding this concept can liberate you from the constant pursuit of more, allowing you to focus on what truly matters in life.

Final thoughts: It’s all about perspective

The impact of growing up with less is undeniably profound. It shapes your outlook, your values, and even your interactions with the world around you.

But it’s crucial to remember that having less doesn’t mean being less. In fact, it can often mean being more – more resourceful, more appreciative, more resilient.

The lessons learned from a humble upbringing are invaluable. They teach you the true worth of things, the importance of relationships, and the power of resilience.

It’s about learning to see the world not in terms of what you lack, but in terms of what you have. To appreciate the simple joys, to value experiences over possessions, and to understand that happiness is not tied to material wealth.

Growing up with less isn’t a disadvantage; it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to shape a unique perspective on life that can lead to a richer, more fulfilling existence.

So as we reflect on these insights, let’s remember that it’s not about where we start, but where we choose to go from there. And that no matter our beginnings, we have the power to shape our own outlook on life.