If you want to be a stronger person as you get older, say goodbye to these 8 behaviors

If someone is constantly complaining, you know they’re negative. If someone always gives up, you know they lack perseverance.

That’s the simplicity of human behavior.

But, let’s get real. Aging is a complex process and becoming a stronger person as you get older, well, that’s even more difficult. It involves shedding certain behaviors that hold you back.

I’ve found out that people who manage to grow stronger with age often say goodbye to these eight specific behaviors. And trust me, it’s worth the effort.

1) Complaining

Life, as you know, is far from perfect.

Problems are everywhere, and they seem to multiply as we age. It’s easy to get caught up in a cycle of constant complaints about everything going wrong.

But here’s the truth: complaining does nothing to solve these problems.

People who grow stronger with age understand this. Rather than wasting their precious energy on complaints, they focus on solutions. They face challenges head on and work towards overcoming them.

This doesn’t mean they never vent or never acknowledge the difficulties they face. They just don’t let these difficulties define them or consume their thoughts and time.

If you want to age into a stronger person, it’s time to say goodbye to constant complaining. Trade it in for action and problem-solving. It might not be easy but it’s definitely worth it.

Isn’t that a better way to live?

2) Procrastination

I’ve been there – that constant cycle of pushing things off until the last minute.

During my college years, I was the queen of procrastination.

Assignments, studying, you name it – I always thought I had more time than I actually did. And invariably, I ended up scrambling to meet deadlines, under unnecessary stress and frustration.

But as I got older, I realized that procrastination was taking a toll on my mental health and overall productivity. It wasn’t helping me; it was hindering my growth.

The moment I decided to say goodbye to this behavior was the beginning of a significant shift in my life.

Gradually, I started planning ahead, breaking tasks into manageable bits, and tackling them one at a time. The result? Less stress, more productivity and an overall sense of accomplishment.

As we age, time becomes even more precious. Don’t waste it on procrastination. Take it from me – it’s one behavior you definitely want to leave behind if you want to grow stronger with age.

3) Negativity

Negativity is like a thick fog that clouds your vision and keeps you from seeing the beauty of life. It’s a behavior that can easily become a habit, especially when life throws curveballs at us.

But here’s something you might not know: the human brain has a natural tendency to focus on the negative. This is known as the negativity bias. It means we’re more likely to remember negative experiences than positive ones.

But people who grow stronger with age don’t let this natural tendency control their outlook on life.

They consciously choose to focus on the positive, to find the silver lining in every situation. They understand that life is full of ups and downs, but they choose to rise above the downs and keep moving forward.

If you want to be a stronger person as you get older, it’s time to say goodbye to negativity. Embrace positivity, and watch how it transforms your life.

4) Being stubborn

We all have our beliefs and values, and it’s natural to stand by them. But there’s a fine line between being firm and being stubborn.

Being stubborn means refusing to change your mind or consider other perspectives, even when evidence suggests you might be wrong. It’s a behavior that often leads to missed opportunities and strained relationships.

The strongest people I know are those who are open-minded. They’re willing to adapt, to change, and to grow. They understand that their perspective isn’t the only one, and they’re open to learning from others.

As we get older, our willingness to adapt becomes even more critical.

The world is constantly changing, and so should we. So if you want to grow stronger with age, say goodbye to stubbornness and embrace flexibility and openness instead.

5) Ignoring self-care

I’ll admit it. There have been times when I’ve put everyone else’s needs before my own, to the point where I was left feeling drained and unfulfilled.

But as I got older, I realized the importance of self-care.

Taking care of our physical, emotional, and mental health is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. And that’s something that people who grow stronger with age understand very well.

They know that in order to take care of others, they first need to take care of themselves. They make time for activities they enjoy, they ensure they get enough rest, and they pay attention to their nutrition.

From my personal experience, if you want to age into a stronger person, start prioritizing self-care. It’s not selfish; it’s essential.

6) Always saying yes

You might think that always saying yes is a sign of being accommodating, helpful, and friendly. But in reality, it can lead to burnout and resentment.

People who grow stronger with age understand the power of saying no. They realize that their time and energy are valuable, and they can’t say yes to everything without compromising their own well-being.

Saying no allows them to focus on what truly matters to them. It gives them the freedom to invest their time and energy in pursuits that align with their values and goals.

If you want to be a stronger person as you get older, it’s time to get comfortable with saying no. It’s not about being selfish or unkind; it’s about setting boundaries and respecting your own needs.

7) Avoiding difficult conversations

It’s human nature to avoid discomfort, and difficult conversations typically fall into that category. We fear conflict, misunderstandings, or hurting others’ feelings.

But people who grow stronger with age don’t shy away from these conversations. They understand that open communication is key to resolving issues and fostering deeper relationships.

They approach these discussions with respect and empathy, aiming for understanding rather than winning an argument.

This doesn’t make the conversations any less challenging, but it does make them more productive and less damaging.

So, if you want to become a stronger person as you age, don’t avoid difficult conversations. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and connection.

8) Living in the past

The past can provide valuable lessons, but it can also become a prison if we let it. Dwelling on past mistakes or longing for “the good old days” prevents us from fully living in the present and planning for the future.

Those who grow stronger with age understand this. They learn from their past, but they don’t let it dictate their present or future. They keep moving forward, embracing new experiences and opportunities with open arms.

If you want to be a stronger person as you get older, let go of the past. Embrace the present, and look forward to the future.

Final thoughts

As you journey through this path of life, remember that becoming stronger is not about building an impenetrable wall around you.

It’s about learning to adapt, to grow, and to let go of behaviors that no longer serve your best interests.

Changing behaviors is not an overnight process. It takes time, patience, and a whole lot of self-love. But as the proverb goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

If you want to become a stronger person as you get older, start now. Say goodbye to these eight behaviors and embrace the change that comes with it.

After all, each day presents a new opportunity for growth. It’s up to us whether we seize it or let it pass.