In a world driven by instant gratification and material success, young people are naturally drawn to things they can touch, see, and immediately appreciate. Dreams of becoming superstar athletes or performers are tangible—they are fueled by energy, health, and youth. But life’s most enduring rewards often lie in the intangibles: respect, kindness, resilience, and personal integrity.
For parents, mentors, educators, and community leaders, the challenge is clear. How do we inspire young individuals to place equal value on the unseen benefits of good character, respect, and long-term perseverance? This blog offers practical strategies to nurture a balanced understanding of tangible and intangible values.
The Tangible and Intangible Dichotomy
Why Youth Gravitate Toward Tangibles
Young minds are wired for sensory experiences. They see success in the form of trophies, recognition, and monetary gain. According to developmental psychologist Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, children and adolescents primarily process the world through concrete experiences (Piaget, 1972). These tangible symbols of success offer immediate gratification, reinforcing the belief that "seeing is believing."
The Hidden Power of Intangibles
However, intangible qualities like respect, kindness, and personal integrity are harder to grasp. Research from the University of Pennsylvania’s Positive Psychology Center underscores the long-term benefits of intangible traits like gratitude and empathy, which contribute to life satisfaction and success in ways tangibles cannot (Seligman et al., 2005).
Strategies for Teaching the Value of Tangibles and Intangibles
Model Intangible Values in Action
Young people learn best by observing those around them. As a parent, mentor, or educator, model qualities like respect, patience, and generosity. Actions often speak louder than lectures. When youth witness adults practicing these values, they begin to internalize their importance.
What to Do
Demonstrate respect in everyday interactions.
Share stories about moments when intangible traits like integrity paid off.
Highlight the Long-Term Benefits of Intangibles
Explain the ripple effect of intangible values. Respect may not bring immediate rewards, but it builds trust and long-term relationships. Similarly, kindness can create opportunities and goodwill in ways that tangible achievements cannot.
How to Think
"What would the world look like if everyone were honest and kind?"
Challenge young people to think beyond short-term results.
Example ActivityAsk youth to reflect on someone they admire. Are those qualities rooted in tangible success or intangible character traits?
Balance Tangible Goals with Intangible Lessons
It’s okay for young people to pursue tangible goals like excelling in sports or academics. The key is teaching them how intangible values like discipline and teamwork contribute to tangible success.
What to Do
Connect tangible achievements to the intangible traits required to achieve them.
Encourage self-reflection after wins and losses to identify growth in character.
Create Opportunities to Practice Intangibles
Make respect, kindness, and resilience actionable by embedding them into daily routines or group activities. Programs like community service projects or team sports are great ways to teach these lessons.
Practical Example:
Organize a community cleanup where youth can see the impact of their intangible values—teamwork, responsibility, and commitment—manifest in tangible results.
Challenge the Norms
Many societal messages equate success with visible wealth or accolades. Challenge these norms by celebrating small, everyday wins that stem from intangible traits.
How to Think
Reframe success: “What does being successful mean beyond material wealth?”
Use open-ended questions to spark deeper thinking: “How does being respectful make you feel about yourself?”
Encouraging a Shift in Mindset
Shifting a young person’s mindset from "I must see it to believe it" to "I believe in its unseen value" requires patience and persistence. Research from Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program suggests that fostering intangible virtues like hope, gratitude, and purpose can lead to a deeper sense of fulfillment (VanderWeele et al., 2017).
Practical Tips for Shifting Thinking
Share stories of role models whose success stems from intangible values.
Celebrate acts of kindness or respect in your home, classroom, or community.
Discuss how intangibles contribute to lasting happiness and well-being.
Conclusion
Helping young individuals value the unseen is one of the greatest gifts we can offer. Tangibles may glitter in the moment, but intangibles create a foundation for lifelong fulfillment. By modeling these values, challenging societal norms, and creating opportunities for reflection and practice, parents, mentors, educators, and community leaders can inspire youth to embrace the power of the unseen.
Let’s create a generation that values not just what they can see but what truly matters.
References
Piaget, J. (1972). The psychology of the child. Basic Books.
Seligman, M. E. P., Steen, T. A., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive psychology progress: Empirical validation of interventions. American Psychologist, 60(5), 410-421.
VanderWeele, T. J., et al. (2017). On the promotion of human flourishing. PNAS, 114(31), 8148-8156.
Duckworth, A. L., & Gross, J. J. (2014). Self-control and grit: Related but separable determinants of success. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 23(5), 319-325.
Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2006). Character strengths and happiness among young children: Content analysis of parental descriptions. Journal of Happiness Studies, 7, 323-341.
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
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