If you want to be genuinely popular as you get older, say goodbye to these 9 habits

Avatar by Lachlan Brown | June 4, 2024, 4:52 pm

Popularity isn’t about being the center of every party or gaining thousands of followers on social media. As we age, genuine popularity comes down to respect, kindness, and how we make others feel.

There are certain habits that can hinder our ability to truly connect with others and be appreciated for who we are. And let’s be honest, we all have some habits we could definitely do without.

In this article, I’m going to share with you 9 habits you might want to say goodbye to if you want to be genuinely popular as you get older.

Sit back, read on, and let’s go on this journey of self-improvement together.

1) Trying to please everyone

As we get older, it’s essential to understand that you can’t please everyone, and guess what? That’s perfectly okay.

The habit of bending over backwards to meet everyone’s expectations can be exhausting and, quite frankly, impossible. It’s a draining endeavor that can leave you feeling unsatisfied and unappreciated.

Being genuinely popular doesn’t mean you have to be on everyone’s good side all the time. It means being appreciated for your authenticity and individuality.

As hard as it might be, saying goodbye to the habit of people-pleasing is a significant step towards becoming more comfortable with yourself. And when you’re comfortable with who you are, others will naturally be drawn to your confidence and self-assuredness.

It’s not about being liked by everyone but being loved by the right ones. So let go of the need to please everyone and focus on pleasing yourself.

2) Avoiding new experiences

I’ll be the first to admit, as I got older, I found myself falling into a routine. It was safe, comfortable, and predictable. But it also prevented me from experiencing new things and meeting new people.

Think about it: how can you expect to connect with diverse individuals if you’re always sticking to what’s familiar?

I remember when a friend invited me to try this salsa dancing class. My initial reaction was pure hesitation. I had two left feet, and the idea of dancing in front of strangers was terrifying. But, I decided to let go of my comfort zone and gave it a shot.

And guess what? It wasn’t half as bad as I thought. Plus, I met some of the most fantastic people who are still in my life today.

Breaking the habit of avoiding new experiences can significantly increase your popularity because it allows you to connect with different people from various walks of life. It’s time to say goodbye to your comfort zone and hello to new experiences!

3) Constant negativity

Did you know that your brain has a natural bias toward negativity? It’s an evolutionary trait designed to keep us safe from harm, but in our modern world, it can quickly turn into a harmful habit.

Constant negativity can be a real downer for the people around you. It’s hard to enjoy someone’s company when they’re always focusing on the worst-case scenario or constantly criticizing others.

Being genuinely popular involves spreading positivity and uplifting others, not dragging them down with negative thoughts and attitudes.

If you want to increase your popularity as you age, it might be time to say goodbye to constant negativity and hello to a more positive outlook on life. After all, positivity attracts positivity!

4) Holding onto grudges

We’ve all been hurt or disappointed by others at some point in our lives. It’s a part of being human. But holding onto those grudges as we age? That’s a habit that needs to go.

Grudges can weigh you down, filling you with bitterness and resentment. And let’s be honest, no one enjoys being around someone who is always bitter and resentful.

Forgiveness, on the other hand, is a powerful trait that can make you more approachable and amiable. It shows maturity and a willingness to move forward rather than dwell on the past.

Saying goodbye to grudges doesn’t mean you forget what happened or allow people to walk all over you. It means you choose your peace of mind over holding onto negative energy. And that’s a trait of someone who is genuinely popular as they get older.

5) Ignoring your health

As we age, taking care of our health becomes more important than ever. But often, we neglect our physical wellbeing due to our hectic schedules or laziness.

Ignoring your health doesn’t just impact you physically; it can also affect your social life. It’s hard to connect with others if you’re always tired, unwell, or lacking energy.

On the other hand, staying fit and healthy boosts your confidence and increases your ability to engage in various activities. Whether it’s going for a hike with friends, trying out a new dance class, or even just being able to have a conversation without getting winded – taking care of your health can significantly enhance your popularity.

If you want to be genuinely popular as you get older, it’s time to say goodbye to the habit of ignoring your health and start prioritizing your wellbeing.

6) Not valuing relationships

In the hustle and bustle of life, we often forget the importance of maintaining and cherishing our relationships. We get so caught up in our personal goals and ambitions that we neglect the people who truly matter.

Not valuing relationships can lead to loneliness and isolation as we get older. We might achieve our goals, but what good are they if we have no one to share our joy with?

The most popular people aren’t those with the most achievements or possessions, but those who have meaningful relationships.

Relationships are the heart and soul of our existence. They provide us with love, support, joy, and a sense of belonging. They are what make our lives truly rich.

If you want to be genuinely popular as you age, it’s time to say goodbye to the habit of not valifying relationships. Start reaching out to your friends and family more often. Show them that you care about them and value their presence in your life. After all, at the end of the day, it’s not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters.

7) Being too proud to ask for help

I’ve always prided myself on being independent and self-reliant. But there was a time when this sense of pride became a barrier.

After a major setback in my career, I found myself struggling. But instead of reaching out to others, I kept it all to myself, thinking I could handle it alone. It wasn’t until I hit rock bottom that I realized how important it is to ask for help when you need it.

Asking for help doesn’t make you weak; on the contrary, it shows strength and humility. It also allows you to form deeper connections with others – people appreciate being needed and being able to lend a helping hand.

Being genuinely popular as you get older means letting go of pride and embracing vulnerability. It involves understanding that we all need help sometimes, and that’s perfectly okay. So, don’t hesitate to reach out when you need support – you might be surprised at how willing others are to help.

8) Not listening to others

Communication is a two-way street. While sharing your thoughts and ideas is important, so is listening to what others have to say.

Many of us have the habit of listening with the intent to reply, rather than understanding. We’re so focused on what we’re going to say next that we don’t fully absorb what’s being said to us.

Not really listening to others can make them feel unimportant and dismissed. And that’s not the way to win hearts.

If you want to be genuinely popular as you get older, it’s crucial to develop active listening skills. When you truly listen to someone, you show them that you value their thoughts and opinions. This not only makes them feel appreciated but also fosters stronger, more meaningful relationships.

It’s time to say goodbye to the habit of not really listening and start tuning in more attentively to those around you. Who knows what insights and connections you might gain?

9) Not being true to yourself

In the end, the most important habit to let go of if you want to be genuinely popular as you get older is not being true to yourself.

Pretending to be someone you’re not or suppressing your true feelings and thoughts to fit in is a recipe for unhappiness and dissatisfaction.

True popularity comes from being authentic, from being comfortable with who you are, and from allowing others to see your real self. When people see that you are genuine and true, they are more likely to respect and appreciate you for who you are.

Let go of the mask and embrace your true self. Because being popular isn’t about pleasing others; it’s about being at peace with yourself.

Final thought: It’s about growth

To truly understand the essence of popularity as we age, it’s important to reflect on the word ‘growth’.

Growth isn’t just about getting physically older; it’s about developing emotionally and mentally, evolving our perspectives, and yes – changing our habits.

Each habit we’ve discussed is not inherently bad. They are often defense mechanisms or coping strategies we’ve developed over time. But as we grow older and strive for genuine popularity, it’s crucial to reassess these habits and their impact on our relationships.

Remember, popularity isn’t about impressing others but about impacting them positively. It’s not about being seen but about being remembered for the right reasons.

So, as you journey through life, remember to keep shedding the old layers, embracing new experiences, nurturing relationships, and above all – staying true to yourself. Because in the end, your growth and authenticity are what will make you genuinely popular as you get older.

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