If you want to become happier and more joyful as you get older, say goodbye to these 7 behaviors

Happiness isn’t just a result of external circumstances; it’s deeply influenced by the behaviors we choose to embrace—or let go of—over time.

Sadly, as we age, the habits we’ve built can either enhance our joy or slowly erode it. Many of us hold on to behaviors that no longer serve us, often without even realizing it.

The good news is that it’s never too late to make a change.

Today, we dive into seven behaviors that might be dragging you down and how letting go of them can help you cultivate a happier, more joyful life. Are any of these habits lurking in your life? Let’s find out. 

1) Allowing negativity to creep in

We all know that one person who seems to thrive on negativity. Every conversation and every interaction is colored with a negative hue. It’s exhausting, isn’t it?

But here’s the thing: as noted by experts, negativity is contagious.

It seeps into your thoughts, impacts your mood, and slowly chips away at your joy. What’s worse, we often don’t realize how much we’ve let negativity creep into our lives.

Getting older doesn’t have to mean getting grumpier. It’s a choice. And the first step in choosing happiness is saying goodbye to the habit of negativity.

That doesn’t mean ignoring the bad things in life. It means focusing more on the good and spending time with others who do the same. It’s about changing your perspective and choosing to see the glass as half full.

2) Procrastination

I think we can all relate to the concept of ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’. In my younger years, I was a master of procrastination. Whether it was a work task, a kickstart to a healthier diet, or even calling a friend, I always found reasons to put things off until later.

But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized procrastination was a major roadblock on my path to happiness. It wasn’t just about tasks piling up or deadlines being missed; it was about the constant nagging feeling of unfinished business.

As noted by experts, it has even been linked to depression. Yep. As Alice Boyes, Ph.D, a researcher, wrote in a  Psychology Today post, “People who deal with stress by putting problems in their ‘too hard basket’ are more vulnerable to getting depressed.”

The moment I decided to stop saying ‘tomorrow’ and started embracing ‘now’, I noticed an immediate uplift in my mood. The sense of accomplishment that comes from ticking off tasks is far more joyful than the stress of pending work.

Try saying goodbye to procrastination. Trust me, your future self will thank you!

3) Comparing ourselves to others

In this age of social media, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of comparison. You see someone’s seemingly perfect life on Instagram or Facebook, and suddenly, your own life seems a little less shiny.

But did you know that research has shown time and again that comparing ourselves to others can reduce our happiness? 

When we compare, we’re often comparing our behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel. It’s not a fair comparison, and it certainly doesn’t lead to joy.

Focus on your own progress, celebrate your own victories, and watch your happiness flourish.

4) Resisting change

Change is a constant part of life.

Yet many of us resist it and cling to the familiarity of what we know. We fear the unknown, dread the discomfort, and hesitate in the face of uncertainty. Sound familiar?

The truth is resisting change can rob us of our happiness. Instead of opening ourselves to new possibilities and experiences, we stay stuck in our comfort zone.

Embracing change is about accepting that life evolves and that we can grow with it. It’s about seeing change not as an enemy but as a friend that helps us shape a more exciting and fulfilling life.

5) Holding onto grudges

This is a huge one. 

Yes, it can be to forgive, but holding onto a grudge is like holding onto a hot coal with the intention of throwing it at someone else. In the end, you’re the one who gets burned.

Grudges are heavy. They weigh on your heart and cloud your mind. They take up space that could be filled with love, joy, and positivity.

Forgiveness isn’t about letting someone off the hook for their actions; it’s about setting yourself free from the burden of resentment. It’s a gift to yourself – a chance to heal and move forward.

This is backed up by research; forgiving others can improve well-being. 

The point?

Consider releasing those grudges that have been holding you back. 

6) Ignoring self-care

There was a time when I believed that self-care was a luxury, something reserved for spa days and expensive vacations. I was juggling work, family, and countless responsibilities, always putting myself at the bottom of the list.

But I learned the hard way that ignoring self-care can lead to burnout, stress, and a significant dip in happiness.

It wasn’t until I started carving out time for myself – reading a book, going for a walk, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee – that I realized the true value of self-care.

Never take time just for you? Maybe it’s time to. 

7) Living in the past

This is the final one on this list, but it’s perhaps one of the most important. 

The past can be a comfortable place to live. It’s familiar, it’s known. But it’s also a place where joy can get lost.

Dwelling on past mistakes, regrets, or missed opportunities can cast a shadow over our present and future happiness.

The past should be a place of reference, not residence. It’s from our past experiences that we learn and grow.

To truly enjoy life, though, we must embrace the present, look forward to the future, and allow ourselves to live fully in each moment. It’s in the here and now that true joy resides.

Final reflection: The power is in your hands

When it comes to happiness, it’s easy to look for external factors to blame. But more often than not, the key to our happiness lies within us.

The behaviors we’ve discussed are not set in stone. They’re habits, and habits can be changed. It’s all about conscious choice and consistent effort.

It’s never too late to say goodbye to the habits that no longer serve your joy. It’s never too late to choose happiness. So why not start today?