If you want life to have more meaning as you get older, say goodbye to these 7 behaviors

Growing older often prompts us to seek a deeper meaning in life. But there are certain behaviors that can block this journey.

These behaviors, often unnoticed, can hold us back from finding the significance we long for as we age.

If you’re keen to breathe more meaning into your golden years, you might want to say farewell to these seven habits.

In this article, I’ll share with you what these behaviors are, and how letting them go can help you live a more fulfilling life as you age. It’s all about making conscious choices for a richer life experience.

Stay with me as we explore these together.

1) Dwelling on the past

One of the biggest barriers to experiencing a meaningful life as we age is clinging to the past.

It’s quite normal to reflect on our past experiences. After all, they’ve shaped us into who we are today. But there’s a difference between acknowledging our past and dwelling on it.

Living in the past can prevent us from fully embracing the present moment. It can hinder our capacity to appreciate the beauty of now. It can also block us from paving the way for a fulfilling future.

If we’re always looking back, we might miss the opportunities that lie ahead.

So, if you want your life to have more meaning as you get older, it’s crucial to let go of this habit. Instead, learn from your past, but focus on living in the present and planning for the future.

This doesn’t mean forgetting your past; it simply means not allowing it to monopolize your thoughts and prevent you from moving forward. It’s about finding a healthy balance so that your past, present, and future can coexist harmoniously.

2) Neglecting self-care

I learned this the hard way. For many years, I was so caught up in my career and taking care of others that I completely ignored my own needs. I was constantly on the go, with no time for rest or relaxation.

Eventually, this lifestyle caught up with me. I found myself burnt out, feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from my own life. It was a wake-up call that I needed to start prioritizing self-care.

And, let me tell you, it made a world of difference! Once I started investing time in activities that nourished my body, mind, and soul – like exercising, meditating, and pursuing hobbies – I noticed a significant shift in my overall well-being.

I began to feel healthier, happier, and more connected to myself and my life. And this has filled my life with more meaning than I could have ever imagined.

Remember that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary for a meaningful and fulfilling life as you get older.

3) Living on autopilot

A common behavior that can make life feel less meaningful as we get older is living on autopilot. This refers to going through the motions of life without truly being present in the moment.

When we live on autopilot, we’re not fully engaged in our experiences. We might be physically present, but our minds are often elsewhere—lost in thoughts about the past or worries about the future.

This can cause us to miss out on the richness of life that’s unfolding right in front of us.

In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I delve into this topic in depth.

I discuss how mindfulness—the practice of consciously focusing your attention on the present moment—can help us break free from autopilot living and infuse our lives with a deeper sense of meaning.

Mindfulness allows us to fully engage with each moment, no matter how ordinary it may seem. It invites us to savor the here and now, which can lead to a greater appreciation for life and a heightened sense of fulfillment.

4) Holding on to grudges

Holding onto grudges is another behavior that can drain our lives of meaning as we get older. It’s like carrying around a heavy backpack filled with rocks, weighing us down and preventing us from moving forward freely.

There was a time when I harbored a lot of resentment towards someone who had wronged me. The bitterness consumed my thoughts and tarnished my interactions with others. It felt as if this grudge was casting a dark cloud over every aspect of my life.

One day, I realized that holding on to this grudge wasn’t punishing the person who wronged me—it was punishing me. It was robbing me of peace, joy, and the ability to fully enjoy the present moment.

So, I made the conscious decision to let go of this grudge. I chose forgiveness—not for them, but for myself.

It wasn’t easy, and it didn’t happen overnight. But eventually, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. My life started to feel lighter, brighter, and more meaningful.

5) Chasing happiness

This might sound counter-intuitive, but another behavior that can deprive our lives of meaning as we get older is the relentless pursuit of happiness.

Now, don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be happy. But when we turn happiness into a constant goal that we’re always chasing, it can actually make us feel less satisfied with our lives.

Why? Because life isn’t always about being happy. It’s about experiencing a full range of emotions, both positive and negative. It’s about facing challenges and overcoming obstacles. It’s about growth, learning, and transformation.

And often, these things don’t come wrapped in a package labeled ‘happiness’. But they do add depth, richness, and ultimately more meaning to our lives.

So instead of obsessively chasing happiness, let’s embrace life in all its complexity. Let’s welcome all experiences—both good and bad—with open arms.

They’re all part of the human journey and they all have the potential to add more meaning to our lives as we age.

6) Overvaluing material possessions

As we age, we start to realize that the things that truly add meaning to our lives aren’t things at all.

However, a common behavior that can make life feel less meaningful is placing too much value on material possessions.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that the more we have, the happier and more fulfilled we’ll be. But in reality, material possessions are fleeting. They may bring temporary joy, but they can’t provide the deep, lasting fulfillment that we crave.

Meaning doesn’t come from what we own; it comes from our experiences, relationships, personal growth, and contributions to others and the world around us.

Cultivate gratitude for what you already have. And remember that the most valuable things in life aren’t things at all.

7) Resisting change

If there’s one thing you should know about life, it’s this: change is inevitable. Yet, one of the behaviors that can drain our lives of meaning as we get older is resisting change.

Change can be scary. It often brings with it uncertainty and discomfort. But it’s also a catalyst for growth and transformation.

When we resist change, we’re essentially saying no to new experiences, opportunities, and lessons. We’re limiting our potential for growth and reducing our capacity to lead a meaningful life.

Embrace change as an integral part of life. Welcome it as an opportunity for growth, learning, and becoming more of the person you want to be.

Life isn’t about avoiding change; it’s about adapting to it, learning from it, and growing through it. That’s where real meaning lies.

Final note: It’s about conscious choices

Our behavior and the choices we make play a significant role in shaping the meaning of our lives, especially as we get older.

Each of the seven behaviors we covered are not inherently bad. They become problematic only when they dominate our lives, leaving no room for growth, self-discovery, and meaningful engagement with the world around us.

In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I delve deeper into how conscious choices can transform our lives. I discuss how by being mindful and present, we can make better decisions that align with our desire for a more fulfilling life.

Saying goodbye to these seven behaviors isn’t about denouncing who you are or what you’ve done. It’s about looking at your habits and deciding which ones are serving you and which ones aren’t.

It’s about choosing to let go of what’s holding you back and embracing what can propel you forward. It’s about consciously deciding to lead a life that is rich with experiences, relationships, growth, and ultimately more meaning.

It’s your life. Make it meaningful.

Eliza Hartley

Eliza Hartley, a London-based writer, is passionate about helping others discover the power of self-improvement. Her approach combines everyday wisdom with practical strategies, shaped by her own journey overcoming personal challenges. Eliza's articles resonate with those seeking to navigate life's complexities with grace and strength.

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