If you really want to live and let live as you grow older, say goodbye to these 7 habits

There’s a clear line between aging gracefully and letting life pass you by.

The differentiator? Your habits.

Certain habits can tether you down, preventing you from living life to the fullest as you grow older.

As Hack Spirit founder and mindfulness enthusiast, I’m Lachlan Brown, and I’m sharing seven habits you need to bid adieu to if you genuinely want to embrace the “live and let live” philosophy.

Here’s a sneak peek into what not to carry forward as you age.

1) Living in the past

A common trap many of us fall into as we age is clinging on to the past.

It’s easy to get caught up in nostalgia, reminiscing about the “good old days”. But this can hold you back from truly living in the present and embracing what life has to offer right now.

Continually looking back can shackle you to a time that no longer exists and prevents you from moving forward. Not only does it hinder your ability to enjoy life in the now, but it also hampers your capacity to let others live their lives without your past-colored glasses.

So, how do you break free from this habit?

The key lies in mindfulness – a concept I often delve into at Hack Spirit. By practicing mindfulness, you can learn to appreciate the present moment without constantly comparing it to a snapshot from your past.

2) Neglecting self-care

I’ll admit, I’ve been guilty of this one myself.

In my early years at Hack Spirit, I was so focused on building the platform and creating content that I often overlooked my own needs. The stress was mounting, sleep was elusive, and healthy eating? That took a backseat.

The result? Burnout. And let me tell you, it wasn’t pretty.

I soon realized that neglecting self-care wasn’t just detrimental to my health, but it also impacted my productivity and overall quality of life. I wasn’t living the mindful life I was promoting.

This is a trap many of us fall into as we age. We get so caught up in our routines, responsibilities, or even in taking care of others that we forget to look after ourselves. But remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

So, let’s resolve to prioritize self-care as we age. Whether it’s taking a daily walk, practicing meditation, or simply taking time out to read a book, remember that your needs matter too.

3) Holding onto ego

This is a big one.

As we age, it’s not uncommon to hold onto our egos tightly. After all, we’ve spent years building our identities, our careers, and our reputations. But here’s the thing: our egos can sometimes prevent us from growing, evolving, and truly living freely.

Ego can make us defensive, resistant to change, and create barriers in our relationships. It can prevent us from admitting when we’re wrong or when we need help.

In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into how the Buddhist concept of egolessness can lead to a more authentic, peaceful, and fulfilling life.

Learning to let go of our ego doesn’t mean losing our sense of self or becoming a pushover. On the contrary – it’s about unshackling ourselves from the constraints of pride and learning to live with humility and openness.

So as we grow older, let’s strive to live with maximum impact and minimum ego. As the Buddhist saying goes, “The ego is a monkey catapulting through the jungle: Totally fascinated by the realm of the senses, it swings from one desire to the next, one conflict to the next, one self-centered idea to the next.”

It’s time we tame this monkey!

4) Avoiding new experiences

As we grow older, it can be tempting to retreat into our comfort zones. Familiar routines, known environments, and tried-tested activities can offer a sense of security. But this habit can also stagnate our growth and limit our enjoyment of life.

Psychologically speaking, new experiences stimulate our brain in ways that familiar ones don’t. They trigger the release of dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, and promote cognitive flexibility.

When we expose ourselves to new experiences, we’re not just broadening our horizons; we’re also boosting our brain health. Research has shown that novelty can help improve memory and concentration, reduce the risk of cognitive decline, and even contribute to a longer lifespan.

If you want to truly live and let live as you grow older, don’t shy away from new experiences. Be it learning a new skill, traveling to an unfamiliar place, or simply trying a different cuisine – embrace novelty.

5) Overplanning

Now, this might seem counter-intuitive.

Most of us are taught from a young age that planning is key. We plan our careers, our finances, our vacations.

But as we grow older, overplanning can become a habit that prevents us from truly living.

Why? Because life is unpredictable. And sometimes, the beauty of life lies in its spontaneity and the unexpected moments that take us by surprise.

Overplanning can result in rigid schedules that leave little room for spontaneity or unexpected opportunities. It can also create unnecessary stress when things don’t go according to plan.

Of course, this doesn’t mean we should throw planning out the window altogether. A certain level of planning is necessary and beneficial. But it’s equally important to leave some room for flexibility and spontaneity.

6) Ignoring your emotions

Ignoring or suppressing emotions is a habit many of us adopt as defense mechanism. But as we grow older, it’s imperative to understand that emotions aren’t enemies.

Our feelings are indicators of our inner state and can often provide insight into our needs and desires. Ignoring them can lead to stress, anxiety, and even physical health issues.

Instead of brushing emotions under the rug, we should learn to recognize, respect, and express them in a healthy way. This includes the so-called negative emotions like anger, sadness, or fear. They’re part of the human experience and it’s okay to feel them.

Practicing emotional intelligence can greatly enhance our quality of life as we age. It allows us to understand ourselves better, improves our relationships, and contributes to overall well-being.

7) Fear of asking for help

There’s a certain pride in being self-sufficient. But there’s also strength in recognizing when we need help and having the courage to ask for it.

Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to our understanding that we don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay.

When I was diagnosed with a health condition, I initially tried to deal with it on my own.

The result? Unnecessary stress and a slower recovery.

Once I finally reached out to others for support, not only did my health improve faster, I also felt less isolated and overwhelmed.

As we age, it’s vital to let go of the fear of asking for help. Whether it’s physical assistance, emotional support, or advice in a challenging situation – asking for help can make our journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Closing thoughts: It’s a journey

As we get older, life has a way of teaching us what really matters. The little things that once seemed so important start to feel like unnecessary weight.

If there’s one lesson that aging gracefully teaches us, it’s this: peace of mind is priceless. And often, the key to that peace lies in learning to let go.

By saying goodbye to these seven habits, you’re not just simplifying your life—you’re creating space for more joy, understanding, and connection.

“Live and let live” might not always come naturally, but with a little effort and a lot of self-awareness, it’s a philosophy that can lead to greater freedom and fulfillment as you move forward. 

In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve into how Buddhist teachings can guide us in living a more mindful and fulfilling life. Letting go of these habits aligns with this philosophy, allowing us to live with greater freedom and less burden.

So, take that first step, let go of what’s holding you back, and embrace the lighter, more peaceful path ahead.