If you want to be a better person as you get older, say goodbye to these 8 low-quality behaviors

As we age, our characters evolve. But there are some stubborn behaviors that can stick around, holding us back from becoming the best versions of ourselves.

The difference here is choice. You can choose to eliminate these low-quality behaviors, or let them dictate your life.

Being a better person means letting go of these behaviors, and it’s easier than you might think. In this article, I’ll share with you 8 behaviors to bid farewell to as you grow older.

These aren’t just regular old tips – they’re transformative changes that can make you a better person. Are you ready?

1) Procrastination

We’ve all been there. You have a task or obligation, but you find a million reasons to put it off. Procrastination is a common behavior, but it’s not one that serves us well as we age.

The issue with procrastination is that it’s often rooted in fear – fear of failure, fear of effort, fear of success. It’s a low-quality behavior that can hinder our personal growth and development.

As we get older, time becomes increasingly precious. Every moment spent delaying tasks could be spent on meaningful activities that enrich our lives and those around us.

So if you want to become a better person, it’s time to say goodbye to procrastination.

Just remember, taking the first step is always the hardest. Overcoming procrastination involves making a conscious decision to act immediately rather than later.

And remember, progress over perfection. It’s better to take small steps forward than none at all. This philosophy can lead you towards becoming a better person as you age.

2) Negativity

I used to be a pessimist. I would always focus on the negatives in any situation, and it was affecting my happiness, my relationships, and even my health. Negativity can be a toxic behavior that drains the joy out of life.

Then, one day, I had a realization. I was letting negativity cloud my perception and rob me of appreciating the good things in life. It wasn’t easy, but I made a conscious decision to shift my focus towards positivity.

I started with small steps like replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, and expressing gratitude for the good things in my life. Over time, this change in attitude made a huge difference.

I found myself feeling happier, my relationships improved, and I even felt healthier. The world didn’t change, but how I viewed it did.

It’s time to let go of negativity. It might not be an easy journey, but trust me – it’s one worth making.

3) Holding grudges

Life is too short to hold onto anger and resentment. It’s a low-quality behavior that can consume you, leaving no room for positivity, growth, or happiness.

You see, when you hold a grudge, the person you’re hurting the most is yourself. You’re carrying an emotional burden that can weigh heavily on your heart and mind.

To be a better person as you age, it’s important to let go of these grudges. Learn to forgive, not necessarily because the other person deserves forgiveness, but because you deserve peace.

Forgiving someone doesn’t mean forgetting what they did or allowing them to hurt you again. It’s about freeing yourself from the chains of resentment and moving forward with your life.

Take a deep breath, let go of the past and embrace the future with an open heart and mind. Your older self will thank you for it.

4) Living on autopilot

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to fall into the trap of living on autopilot. We get so caught up in our routines, we often forget to truly live and appreciate each moment. This is a low-quality behavior that can rob us of our joy and fulfillment.

Mindfulness is the key to breaking free from this automatic mode of living. It’s about being present in the moment, paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment.

In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”, I delve deep into how you can cultivate mindfulness in your everyday life. It’s a transformative practice that can help you live more consciously and fully.

By practicing mindfulness, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself, find peace in the present moment, and lead a more fulfilling life. So if you want to become a better person as you age, it’s time to switch off the autopilot and embrace mindfulness.

Each moment is an opportunity to be present and engaged with life. Don’t let them slip away unnoticed.

5) Fear of change

Change can be scary. It’s like stepping into the unknown, uncertain of what lies ahead. But clinging to the familiar, even when it’s not serving us well, can hold us back from growth and happiness.

A few years back, I was in a situation that wasn’t healthy or fulfilling. Despite knowing that things needed to change, I was terrified to take the leap. It felt safer to stay in the familiarity of the old than to venture into the uncertainty of the new.

But here’s what I’ve learned: change is an inevitable part of life and often, it’s for the better. We evolve, learn new things, meet new people and discover facets of ourselves we never knew existed.

Remember: Growth happens outside our comfort zones. Don’t let fear of change prevent you from becoming the best version of yourself.

6) Over-reliance on comfort

It’s a natural human tendency to seek comfort. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a cozy evening on the couch, or sticking to familiar routines? But there’s a hidden danger in always choosing the comfortable path – stagnation.

While it may seem counter-intuitive, discomfort is often a catalyst for growth. It pushes us to step outside our comfort zones, try new things, and take risks. Risk-taking might lead to failure, but it also opens the doors to unexpected successes and learning experiences.

Now if you’re aiming to be a better person as you age, consider shaking things up a bit. Try something that scares you or makes you uncomfortable. You might be surprised at what you’re capable of when you push yourself to venture into uncharted territory.

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Don’t let the lure of comfort hold you back from realizing your full potential.

7) Being overly critical of yourself

One of the most destructive behaviors we can engage in is constantly criticizing ourselves. Whether it’s about our looks, intelligence, achievements or relationships, this self-criticism can eat away at our self-esteem and hinder our personal growth.

We’re often our own harshest critics. But imagine if we were as kind to ourselves as we are to others?

To be a better person as you age, it’s essential to say goodbye to this habit of self-criticism. Instead, practice self-compassion. Acknowledge your shortcomings, but also celebrate your strengths and achievements.

Nobody is perfect – we all make mistakes and have flaws. What matters is how we learn from these mistakes and grow.

And the next time you catch yourself in a cycle of self-criticism, take a step back and try to treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would extend to a friend. You’re worth it.

8) Letting your past define you

Your past does not define you. It’s a part of your story, sure, but it’s not the whole book. It’s essential to learn from our past experiences and mistakes, but dwelling on them can keep us stuck in a cycle of guilt, regret, and bitterness.

To be a better person as you age, it’s crucial to let go of the idea that your past determines who you are or what you’re capable of.

Instead, see each day as a new opportunity to write a fresh chapter in your life. You have the power to decide who you want to be and what actions you will take to become that person.

You are not a product of your past. You’re a product of the choices you make right now. So choose wisely, and always choose growth.

Embracing the journey

Personal growth is a lifelong journey, not a destination. It’s about consistently striving to improve and evolve, even as we age.

We’ve explored 8 low-quality behaviors to let go of as you get older, but remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that requires patience, perseverance, and self-compassion.

In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”, I discuss the power of mindfulness in aiding personal growth. By being present in each moment, we can cultivate self-awareness and make conscious choices that align with our desire to be better.

Becoming a better person isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about recognizing our flaws and making a conscious effort to improve. It’s about choosing to grow and evolve, instead of staying stuck in old patterns.

As we bid farewell to these low-quality behaviors, we open ourselves up to new possibilities, experiences, and a greater sense of fulfillment. Here’s to embracing the journey of becoming better with age.

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.

People who maintain a healthy distance from their family often share these 7 surprising traits

7 things successful people do in private that make them stand out in public, according to psychology