Getting older? We all are. And as men age, they sometimes hang on to habits that don’t really help them anymore.
These habits might have been fine in their younger years, but now? Not so much.
If you’re a man keen on feeling happier and more content as you age, saying goodbye to these 10 behaviors could be your golden ticket.
Ready for a fun and straightforward chat about how to age with a smile on your face?
Let’s get started.
1. Living in the past
Here’s the deal. We’ve all got a past. Memories, experiences, the good, the bad, and the ugly. But as we get older, it’s crucial to know that living in the past won’t do us any good.
Remember that time when you were the star of your high school football team? Or when you could pull an all-nighter at work and still be fresh the next day? Yeah, those were the days. But they are just that – ‘the days’. They’re not today.
Living in the past can hold us back from truly enjoying the present moment and life as it is now. It can prevent us from accepting our current age and the changes that come with it.
So, let’s pack up those old memories and keep them as just that – memories.
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2. Ignoring your health
When we were younger, we might have been able to get away with eating junk food, skipping the gym, and still feeling great. But as we age, our bodies start to give us little reminders that they can’t handle neglect as well as they used to.
Ignoring your health is a no-go if you want to be truly happy as you get older. Regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and regular exercise are non-negotiable.
And don’t forget about mental health too! Practicing mindfulness, staying socially connected, and keeping your mind sharp are all part of the package.
Let’s adopt a “let’s start today” mindset. Because when it comes to our health and happiness as we age, every day truly counts.
3. Trying to please everyone
This was a tough one for me to let go of. I spent so many years thinking I had to make everyone around me happy. Whether it was saying yes to every request or never standing up for what I really wanted, I was the ultimate people-pleaser.
But guess what? Trying to please everyone is exhausting and, quite honestly, impossible. As I got older, I realized that at the end of the day, the most important person I needed to please was myself.
So, I started saying ‘no’ more often. I started setting boundaries and taking time for myself. And you know what? Not only did it not end in disaster like I feared, but I also became happier.
If you’re like me and have spent too much time trying to be Mr. Nice Guy, it’s time to start focusing on pleasing yourself. Believe me, it’s a game-changer.
4. Neglecting personal relationships
As we age, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and start neglecting personal relationships.
The relationships we build and maintain with friends, family, and loved ones play a crucial role in our overall happiness as we age. They provide support, love, and joy – the essentials for a fulfilling life.
I’ts important to stop neglecting those who mean the most to us. Instead, let’s nurture these relationships like our happiness depends on it – because it does!
5. Neglecting self-love
This might sound a bit corny, but hear me out. Many of us men were raised to believe that self-love was nothing more than a fancy term for vanity or narcissism.
But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Self-love is about appreciating yourself, treating yourself with kindness, and not being so harsh when you mess up. It’s about recognizing your worth and believing in your value as a person.
As we age, we’re bound to face challenges and setbacks. But when we truly love and accept ourselves, we’re better equipped to handle these hurdles with grace and resilience.
So let’s stop being our own worst critics. Instead, let’s be our own biggest cheerleaders. Because at the end of the day, you deserve love and kindness from yourself just as much as anyone else does.
6. Resisting change
I’ll admit it, I used to be a creature of habit. I liked things the way they were and didn’t see the need for change.
But as I got older, I realized that resisting change was like trying to swim against a very strong current – exhausting and ultimately pointless.
I learned that change is a natural part of life. Whether it’s changes in our bodies, our surroundings, or our circumstances, it’s all part of the journey. And once I started embracing these changes instead of fighting them, I found a sense of peace and happiness that I’d never experienced before.
So if you’re hanging on to the status quo for dear life, maybe it’s time to loosen your grip. Embrace change. It might not always be easy, but it’s often where we find growth and happiness.
7. Chasing after material possessions
Let’s get real for a second. We live in a world that often values what we have over who we are. Fancy cars, big houses, the latest gadgets – these are the things we’re told to chase after.
But here’s the cold, hard truth: these things are not the key to happiness. Sure, they might give us a temporary thrill, a fleeting moment of joy. But at the end of the day, they’re just things. They don’t love us back and they certainly can’t fill the void we might feel inside.
As we get older, it’s time to shift our focus from material possessions to experiences, relationships, and inner growth.
These are the things that truly enrich our lives and bring us lasting joy.
8. Avoiding alone time
In our busy, connected world, being alone can sometimes feel uncomfortable.
As we age, it’s important to embrace alone time. It’s during these quiet moments that we can reflect on our lives, nurture our passions, and truly get to know ourselves.
It’s also a great time to practice self-care and reenergize.
9. Putting off dreams
This one hits close to home. I spent so many years putting off my dreams, telling myself I’d get to them “someday”. But as I got older, I realized that “someday” could easily turn into “never”.
Whether it was writing that book, starting my own business, or even learning to play the guitar, I kept putting these dreams on the back burner. But then one day, I decided to take the leap and start pursuing my dreams – and let me tell you, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
So if you’ve been putting off your own dreams, now’s the time to start chasing them.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment because in reality, there’s no such thing. There’s only now. And trust me, your future self will thank you for it.
10. Holding onto grudges
This is something many of us are guilty of, myself included. Holding onto grudges, those old hurts and resentments, can feel strangely satisfying in a way. It’s like a way of getting back at the person who wronged us, right?
But here’s the honest truth: the only person we’re hurting by holding onto grudges is ourselves.
Carrying around this baggage weighs us down. It keeps us stuck in the past and prevents us from fully enjoying the present. As we get older, it’s time to let go of these grudges and forgive, not for them, but for ourselves.
It’s time to free ourselves from these chains and move forward towards a happier, lighter life.
Conclusion
So there you have it, ten behaviors to say goodbye to as we get older. It might not be easy; change rarely is.
But remember this: every step you take towards ditching these behaviors is a step closer to a happier, more fulfilled you.
And isn’t that worth it?
Remember, growing old isn’t a curse; it’s a privilege denied to many. So let’s embrace it with open arms and a smile on our faces. A
After all, we’re not getting older – we’re getting better!
This article was first published in geediting.com
