If you truly want to a happier person as you get older, say goodbye to these habits

Ava Sinclair by Ava Sinclair | January 24, 2025, 9:08 pm

If you’re anything like me, you desire happiness as you age. But let me tell you, it’s not just about adding new habits into your life – it’s also about letting go of the old ones.

This isn’t always a walk in the park. Our habits, the good and the bad, become ingrained in us over time. But with a little effort and determination, we can say goodbye to those that steal our joy.

In this article, we’ll discuss the specific habits you need to kick to the curb if you truly want to be a happier person as you get older. Buckle up, it’s time for some self-improvement!

1) Letting negativity rule your life

We all have those days when we wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Days when the world feels a bit too heavy and everything seems to go wrong. It happens.

But when you let negativity become your default setting, that’s when it becomes a problem.

Negativity, in essence, is like an infectious disease. It spreads to those around you and can even become a self-fulfilling prophecy. You start expecting the worst, and lo and behold, the worst happens.

As you get older, it’s essential to say goodbye to this habit. Instead, adopt a more positive outlook. This doesn’t mean ignoring the bad stuff – it just means focusing more on the good.

After all, happiness isn’t about a life without problems – it’s about finding joy even amidst the chaos.

2) Procrastination

Oh boy, this is a big one for me. I used to procrastinate like there was no tomorrow. I’d put off important tasks until the last minute, convincing myself that I work better under pressure.

But here’s the thing – I didn’t. All it did was add unnecessary stress to my life and left me scrambling to meet deadlines.

One day, it hit me. If I truly wanted to be happier, I needed to say goodbye to this habit. So, I did. I started taking small steps, breaking down tasks into manageable chunks, and tackling them head-on instead of delaying them.

And let me tell you, the difference it made was astounding. My stress levels went down, my productivity went up, and I found myself feeling much happier and more accomplished at the end of each day.

Procrastination might seem like a harmless habit, but in reality, it’s a happiness thief. Kick it to the curb and see the positive change in your life.

3) Ignoring your health

We live in a fast-paced world and it’s easy to put our health on the back burner. We fall into the trap of eating on the go, staying up late, and skipping exercise.

If you want to be a happier person as you get older, it’s time to prioritize your health. Eat balanced meals, get enough sleep, stay active.

It might seem like a chore at first, but once you start feeling the benefits, you’ll never look back.

Remember, a healthy body leads to a healthy mind – and that’s one of the key ingredients to happiness.

4) Living in the past or future

Life is a journey, filled with ups and downs, victories and losses. It’s easy to get caught up in past mistakes or future anxieties. But let me tell you, it’s a one-way ticket to stressville.

Living in the past robs us of our present joy. Dwelling on future worries does the same.

It’s like trying to drive a car by constantly looking in the rearview mirror or staring too far down the road – you’ll miss what’s right in front of you.

If you want to be a happier person as you get older, it’s crucial to learn to live in the present. Treasure each moment as it comes and embrace the beauty of now.

After all, life is happening right here, right now. Don’t miss it by being somewhere else in your mind.

5) Comparing yourself to others

I’ll admit it – I’ve fallen into the comparison trap more times than I can count. I’d look at others, their achievements, their lives, and feel like I was falling short.

It was a constant battle, one that left me feeling inadequate and unhappy.

But here’s what I’ve learned – comparison is the thief of joy. The moment I started focusing on myself, my journey, and my progress, things started to change.

I realized that everyone’s path is unique. We all have our own timelines, our own strengths and weaknesses. And that’s okay. It’s more than okay – it’s what makes us human.

So if you want to be a happier person as you get older, say goodbye to comparisons. Celebrate your victories, learn from your failures, and remember that you are enough just as you are.

6) Always saying yes

Many of us are wired to believe that agreeing to everything is the key to being liked and avoiding conflict. But here’s the reality – it often leads to burnout and resentment.

When you always say yes, you may find yourself overloaded with tasks you don’t enjoy, commitments you can’t keep up with, and little time left for yourself. It’s a surefire way to zap your happiness.

If you want to be a happier person as you get older, learn to say no. It might seem hard at first, but setting boundaries is an act of self-care.

Reserve your time and energy for things that genuinely bring you joy. Remember, it’s your life. You have the right to choose how you spend it.

7) Avoiding change

Change can be scary, I get it. It’s stepping into the unknown, leaving behind the comfort of what we know. But here’s a thought – change is also exciting. It’s an opportunity to grow, to learn, to experience new things.

If we avoid change, we risk becoming stagnant, stuck in the same routines and patterns. This can lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

If you want to be a happier person as you get older, embrace change. See it not as a threat, but an invitation to a new adventure.

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. So step out, embrace the unknown and watch your happiness soar.

8) Neglecting relationships

Relationships are the cornerstone of our happiness. They provide us with support, love, and a sense of belonging. No matter how independent we are, we’re social creatures at heart.

If you neglect your relationships, you’re essentially depriving yourself of one of the most fundamental sources of happiness.

So, if you want to be a happier person as you get older, nurture your relationships. Spend quality time with your loved ones, express your feelings, listen when they need you.

After all, at the end of the day, it’s not what we have in our life, but who we have in our life that matters.

Embracing the journey of self-improvement

If you’ve made it this far, hopefully, you’ve come to realize that the road to happiness isn’t about quick fixes or temporary highs.

It’s a lifelong journey of self-improvement, of letting go of habits that no longer serve us and embracing ones that do.

Happiness isn’t a destination but a way of life. It’s about finding joy in the small moments, cherishing relationships, and taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Saying goodbye to these habits might seem challenging at first, but remember – every step you take brings you one step closer to a happier you.

As Abraham Lincoln once said, “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

So make up your mind to be happy, let go of these habits and embrace the exciting journey ahead.

After all, at the end of our lives, isn’t it the pursuit of happiness and the joy we’ve experienced along the way that truly matters?