Getting older is inevitable, but how we age is largely up to us. There’s a difference between simply growing old and maturing into the best version of yourself.

The secret? It’s all about habits. Some habits can hold you back, keeping you stuck in patterns that no longer serve you.

If you’re serious about becoming the best possible version of yourself, there are ten habits you need to ditch. And don’t worry, I’m not about to leave you hanging. I’ll tell you exactly what they are.

Let’s get started. 

1) Procrastination

We’ve all been there. You know you need to do something, but you decide to do it later. And before you know it, “later” has turned into never.

This is the habit of procrastination, and it’s a sneaky one. It seems harmless at first, just a little delay. But over time, it can rob you of your potential.

Procrastination is more than just a time-management issue. It’s a form of self-sabotage that can keep you stuck in your current situation.

The best version of yourself doesn’t procrastinate. Instead, they take action, even when it’s hard or uncomfortable.

Start making a conscious effort to tackle tasks head-on, and watch as your life starts to change for the better.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about progress. So don’t beat yourself up if you slip up every now and then. Just keep moving forward.

2) Negative self-talk

I’ve been there. I used to have a constant loop of self-deprecation running through my head. “You’re not good enough,” “you’ll never achieve that,” “why even try?” – you name it, I’ve thought it.

But then I realized something. This negative self-talk was not only bringing me down, it was holding me back from becoming the best version of myself.

Negative self-talk is like having a bully in your own mind, constantly putting you down and sabotaging your efforts. It’s a habit that can be hard to break, but trust me, it’s worth the effort.

I started by becoming more aware of what I was saying to myself. Whenever I caught myself thinking something negative, I’d stop and challenge that thought. I’d ask myself: “Is this really true? Is this helpful?”

Slowly but surely, I started to turn things around. These days, my inner voice is my biggest cheerleader. And let me tell you, it’s made a world of difference in my life.

If you want to become the best version of yourself as you age, you need to ditch the habit of negative self-talk. Start treating yourself with the kindness and respect you deserve. After all, you’re with yourself for the long haul – you might as well be your own best friend.

3) Lack of physical activity

Sitting has been dubbed the “new smoking.” It sounds dramatic, but there’s a lot of truth in it. Our sedentary lifestyles are wreaking havoc on our health, contributing to a myriad of issues like heart disease, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer.

The best version of yourself is an active one. Physical activity isn’t just about looking good – it’s about feeling good too. Regular exercise can boost your mood, improve your energy levels, and even enhance your cognitive function.

You don’t need to become a gym fanatic to reap the benefits either. Something as simple as a daily walk can make a significant difference.

If you want to become the best version of yourself as you age, make movement a priority. Your future self will thank you for it.

4) Not setting boundaries

It’s easy to fall into the habit of being a people-pleaser. Saying yes to everything and everyone, even when it’s to your own detriment. But let me tell you, it’s a habit that can drain you physically, emotionally, and mentally.

The best version of yourself knows how to set boundaries. They understand that saying no isn’t selfish, it’s self-care. They value their time, energy, and wellbeing, and aren’t afraid to protect them.

Setting boundaries might seem tough at first. You might fear the reactions of others or feel guilty. But remember, if someone has a problem with your boundaries, it’s their problem, not yours.

5) Overconsumption of junk food

We all love to indulge in a greasy burger or a sugary treat every once in a while. However, when these become a regular part of our diet, they can lead to health problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

The best version of yourself prioritizes wholesome, nutritious food. They understand that what they put into their body has a direct impact on their health, energy levels, and even their mood.

Now, this doesn’t mean you have to completely eliminate your favorite guilty pleasures. It’s about moderation and balance.

If you’re aiming to become the best version of yourself as you age, start reevaluating your dietary habits. Ditch the habit of overconsuming junk food and start fueling your body with what it truly needs.

6) Holding onto grudges

Life can be messy and people can hurt us. It’s a universal truth we all have to navigate. Holding onto grudges might feel like a way to protect ourselves, but in reality, it’s like drinking poison and expecting the other person to get sick.

The best version of yourself knows the power of forgiveness. They understand that letting go of grudges isn’t about condoning bad behavior or forgetting what happened. It’s about freeing yourself from the heavy burden of resentment.

Holding onto a grudge is like carrying a heavy backpack everywhere you go. It weighs you down, saps your energy and prevents you from moving forward. But when you choose to forgive, it’s like setting that backpack down.

If you want to become the best version of yourself as you age, start practicing forgiveness. It may not always be easy, but it’s always worth it.

7) Neglecting self-care

There was a time when I believed that self-care was a luxury, something to squeeze in if there was time left after taking care of everything and everyone else. I thought that constantly pushing myself to the limits, ignoring my needs, was the way to success.

I couldn’t have been more wrong. This approach only led to burnout and unhappiness.

The best version of yourself values self-care. They see it as a necessity rather than a luxury. They understand that taking care of their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing isn’t selfish; it’s essential.

Start making self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it’s taking a walk in nature, reading a book, practicing yoga, or simply taking a moment to breathe – do something every day that makes you feel good. You deserve it.

8) Avoiding failure

We’ve been conditioned to think of failure as something to be avoided at all costs. But here’s the thing, failure is not the enemy. In fact, it’s one of our greatest teachers.

The best version of yourself embraces failure. They understand that every mistake, every misstep, is a chance to learn and grow. They see failure not as a dead end, but as a stepping stone on the path to success.

Don’t run from failure. Embrace it. Use it as fuel to become stronger, wiser, and more resilient. Remember, the only true failure is not trying at all.

9) Living in the past or future

It’s easy to get caught up in what has been or what could be. But constantly living in the past or future can rob you of the joy of the present moment.

The best version of yourself lives in the now. They appreciate the past for the lessons it has taught them and look forward to the future with optimism. But they don’t let these things distract them from living fully in the present.

If you want to become the best version of yourself as you age, practice mindfulness. Be present in each moment, fully engaged with what’s happening right now. Life is a series of moments, and it’s up to us to make each one count.

10) Not believing in yourself

This might just be the most damaging habit of all. If you don’t believe in yourself, you’re already setting limits on what you can achieve.

The best version of yourself has unshakeable self-belief. They know their worth and they trust in their abilities. They understand that they have the power to shape their own destiny.

Start believing in yourself. You are capable of amazing things. And remember, it’s never too late to become the person you’ve always wanted to be.