If you want to feel more optimistic about life as you get older, say goodbye to these 6 behaviors

Aging comes with many changes, some of which can make us feel like a different person.

It’s not only about the appearance of our bodies but also the state of our minds and hearts.

Many of us begin to lose the spark that once used to power us through the days and overcome obstacles. The light in our eyes dims and we find ourselves looking at the world with resignation and complaint. 

There’s a stark difference between growing old with a sense of optimism and growing old with a sense of dread. The difference lies in our everyday behaviors.

The behaviors you choose to keep or discard can significantly influence the way you perceive your life as you age.

Here are six behaviors that, if let go, could help you view your golden years with more positivity and hope.

1) Holding onto grudges

Let me tell you a personal story.

I had a falling out with a close friend in my twenties. The disagreement was over something that, looking back, feels trivial now. But at the time, the resentment I felt was so intense that I cut ties completely.

As years passed, that resentment didn’t disappear but morphed into a heavy grudge I carried around. It was like a weight on my heart, keeping me tethered to the past and preventing me from fully enjoying the present.

When I turned forty, I realized how much energy and joy this grudge had stolen from me. The person I held this grudge against had moved on with their life, and here I was, still clinging onto this negative emotion that served no purpose.

So I decided to let it go. It wasn’t easy, but the moment I did it, I felt lighter, freer. Life suddenly seemed more promising and full of possibilities.

Holding onto grudges as we age only robs us of our happiness. If you want to feel more optimistic about life as you get older, learn to forgive and move on. Trust me; it’s worth it.

2) Resistance to change

Change is the only constant in life. From the cells in our bodies to the seasons, everything around us is in a state of continual flux.

The human brain, however, is wired to prefer routine and predictability. It’s a survival mechanism that served our ancestors well in a time when change often meant danger.

But in our modern world, this resistance to change can become a barrier to personal growth and optimism.

Research shows that being open to new experiences can increase life satisfaction and contribute to overall well-being.

Embracing change, rather than resisting it, is a key aspect of this. It’s what keeps life interesting and helps us grow into better versions of ourselves.

3) Living in the past

Our past is filled with experiences that have shaped us into who we are today. Some of those experiences are beautiful memories that we cherish, while others are painful chapters we wish we could erase.

But here’s the thing – living in the past, whether it’s reliving your glory days or dwelling on past mistakes, can prevent you from fully embracing the present.

Regrets, nostalgia, and ‘what ifs’ can cloud your vision and keep you stuck in a time that no longer exists. This could hinder you from seeing the beauty of the present moment and the potential of what lies ahead.

As we get older, it’s easy to romanticize the past or harp on old regrets. But if you want to feel more optimistic about life, learn to let go of the past and live in the now. Remember, right now is the only moment you truly have control over. Make it count.

4) Fear of failure

I remember when I wanted to start my own business. I had a solid plan, a passionate drive, and a strong belief in my idea. Yet, there was something that kept holding me back – the fear of failure.

Like a ghost lurking in the shadows, this fear whispered all sorts of discouraging thoughts into my mind. “What if you fail?” “What will people say?” “Are you sure you’re good enough?”

This fear kept me stagnant for years, making me feel trapped and pessimistic about my future.

But one day, I decided I had had enough. I realized that failure is not a dead-end but a stepping stone towards success. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and come back stronger.

So I took the leap, started my business, and yes, stumbled quite a few times along the way. But with each failure came invaluable lessons that made me stronger and more resilient.

If you want to feel more optimistic about life as you get older, don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. Embrace it as part of your journey towards growth and success.

5) Ignoring your health

Health is a treasure, but often, we don’t realize its true value until it starts to slip away from us.

We get caught up in our daily routines, putting work, family, or other responsibilities ahead of our own wellbeing. We push our bodies to the limit, ignoring the warning signs it sends us until it’s too late.

But maintaining good health is not just about preventing diseases or living longer. It’s also about improving the quality of our lives.

When you’re healthy, you feel more energetic, more capable, and more optimistic about life. You’re able to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and face challenges with a stronger mind and body.

6) Comparing yourself to others

In this age of social media, it’s easier than ever to compare our lives with those of others. We see their highlight reels – the perfect vacations, the happy families, the successful careers – and we feel like we’re falling behind.

But remember, what you see on social media is not the whole truth. It’s a curated version of someone’s life, presenting only the best moments and leaving out the struggles and hardships.

Comparing yourself to others can only lead to dissatisfaction and a lack of self-worth. It makes you focus on what you lack instead of appreciating what you have.

Your journey is unique, just like you. It has its own pace, its own ups and downs. The only comparison that matters is with who you were yesterday and who you want to be tomorrow.

Avoiding comparison is a good way to maintain positivity not only as you age, but even more importantly – today. Embrace your journey and celebrate your progress. You’re doing better than you think.

Final thought: It’s a journey, not a destination

Our lives are a continuous journey of learning, growing, and evolving. As we age, we’re not just accumulating years, but also wisdom, experiences, and perspectives.

When it comes to cultivating optimism, it’s crucial to remember that it’s not a one-time achievement, but a lifelong practice. It’s about consciously choosing positivity over negativity, embracing change over stagnation, and growth over complacency.

Scientific studies have indicated that optimism can lead to improved health and a longer life. It’s not about denying the realities of life, but about choosing to focus on the possibilities that life offers.

Letting go of these seven behaviors is not an overnight task. It takes time and patience. But with each small step you take, you’re paving the way for a more optimistic and fulfilling life as you age.

So as you continue on your journey, remember this quote by Alexander Graham Bell: “When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the ones which open for us.”

Here’s to opening new doors, embracing change, and cultivating optimism as we age. The best is yet to come.