As we age, I believe becoming contented is a journey that involves letting go of certain habits that hold us back. Hi, this is Lachlan Brown from Hack Spirit, your guide to mindfulness and Buddhism.

Growing older can be a beautiful process if we allow ourselves to evolve and let go of practices that no longer serve us.

To be truly content as we age, there are 8 habits we need to say goodbye to. And trust me, I’ve learned the hard way – clinging onto these habits only leads to stagnation and dissatisfaction.

Let’s get started. 

1) Overthinking

As we age, we tend to reflect more on our life and decisions. This introspection is a natural part of growing older, but it can often lead us down the path of overthinking. And let me tell you, overthinking is a habit that can rob you of your contentment.

Overthinking can create a whirlpool of negative thoughts, doubts, and fears. It’s like getting stuck in your own mind, replaying scenarios over and over again. It can keep you awake at night and steal your peace during the day.

Mindfulness teaches us to observe our thoughts without judgment. It’s about acknowledging our thoughts but not allowing them to control us.

If you’re someone who often finds themselves in the grips of overthinking, start practicing mindfulness. Watch your thoughts come and go without getting hooked into them.

You are not your thoughts. You are the observer of your thoughts.

Letting go of the habit of overthinking is the first step towards finding contentment as we grow older. By practicing mindfulness, we can learn to live in the present moment and find peace in simply being.

2) Attachment to Material Things

As I’ve journeyed through life, I’ve come to realize that true contentment doesn’t come from material possessions. Sure, we all enjoy the comfort of a cozy home or the thrill of driving a new car. But these things are fleeting and can never truly satisfy our deeper longing for contentment.

The Buddha once said, “Contentment is the greatest wealth.” This wisdom rings true as we grow older. When we attach ourselves too much to material things, we set ourselves up for disappointment and dissatisfaction because nothing lasts forever.

In contrast, when we find contentment in the simple things in life – a beautiful sunset, a good book, or a meaningful conversation – we tap into a well of joy that never runs dry.

3) Resistance to Change

One of the most profound truths in Buddhism is the concept of impermanence. Everything changes. Nothing stays the same. Yet, as humans, we often resist change and cling to the familiar.

This resistance can cause a lot of unnecessary stress and anxiety. We fear losing what we have, or we worry about what the future might bring. But this fear only holds us back from experiencing true contentment.

As we grow older, life will inevitably throw changes our way. Our bodies age, our children move out, our careers shift. It’s all part of the natural ebb and flow of life.

Instead of resisting these changes, let’s learn to embrace them. Let’s welcome them as opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

It is not the change itself that causes suffering, but our resistance to it. When we accept change as a natural part of life, we can find peace and contentment in every season.

4) Living on Autopilot

It’s so easy to fall into the trap of living life on autopilot. We wake up, go to work, come home, and repeat the cycle without really taking the time to be mindful of our experiences.

But here’s the raw truth: living life on autopilot is a sure-fire way to miss out on the beauty of the present moment.

Mindfulness is all about being fully engaged in the here and now. It’s about savoring each moment, each breath, each experience. It’s about being aware of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, and not letting life pass us by unnoticed.

As we grow older, it becomes more important than ever to step off the autopilot mode and engage fully with life.

This doesn’t mean we have to make drastic changes or embark on grand adventures. It simply means being present and attentive in our everyday lives.

5) Letting Ego Rule

It’s no secret that our egos can sometimes get the better of us. We strive to protect our image, to be right, to be recognized. This is natural, but letting our ego rule can lead to discontentment.

I discuss this extensively in my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego.

One of the key lessons I share is how to notice when your ego is in control and how to step back. It’s about recognizing that we are more than just our ego, and true contentment comes from connecting with our authentic selves.

As we age, let’s strive to live with less ego and more authenticity. It’s a journey that may not always be easy, but it’s definitely worth it for the contentment it brings.

6) Neglecting Self-Care

In our quest to meet the demands of life, we often overlook one crucial aspect – self-care. We push ourselves to the limit, trying to balance work, family, and other commitments, often at the expense of our own well-being.

But here’s the raw and honest truth: neglecting self-care is a surefire way to burnout and discontentment.

Buddhism teaches us the importance of balance and self-compassion. We are reminded that it’s not selfish to take time for ourselves, to recharge and rejuvenate.

Mindfulness too emphasizes the importance of being attuned to our bodies and minds, recognizing when we need to slow down and take care.

As we grow older, prioritizing self-care becomes even more important. It’s not just about physical health, but mental and emotional well-being too.

Let’s break free from the habit of neglecting self-care. Let’s prioritize our well-being and cultivate a lifestyle that allows us to feel content and at peace with ourselves.

7) Holding onto Grudges

Holding onto grudges is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to get sick. It’s a destructive habit that only serves to harm ourselves, yet we often cling to it out of a misguided sense of justice.

This is the raw and honest truth: grudges don’t bring justice; they only bring pain and discontentment.

The renowned mindfulness expert Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” And he couldn’t be more right.

As we grow older, the energy it takes to hold onto grudges becomes more apparent. It weighs us down and keeps us from experiencing true contentment.

8) Seeking Constant Happiness

Now, this may sound counterintuitive. After all, isn’t the pursuit of happiness what we all strive for? Well, not exactly.

The truth is, the constant pursuit of happiness can, paradoxically, lead to unhappiness. This is because it creates a cycle of always wanting more and never truly appreciating what we have.

Mindfulness teaches us that it’s okay not to be happy all the time. Life is full of ups and downs, and it’s natural to experience a wide range of emotions.

Instead of constantly seeking happiness, mindfulness encourages us to fully experience each moment as it is, whether it’s joyful or sad, exciting or mundane.

As we grow older, let’s let go of the habit of seeking constant happiness and instead embrace the richness of our full emotional spectrum. This acceptance and presence can lead to a deeper contentment that’s far more fulfilling than fleeting happiness.

Conclusion

Becoming content as we age doesn’t just happen. It requires letting go of certain habits and adopting healthier ones. It’s about embracing change, practicing mindfulness, prioritizing self-care, and letting go of negativity.

Remember, contentment is not a destination but a journey. And it’s never too late to embark on this journey towards a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

For more insights on how to live with maximum impact and minimum ego, I invite you to check out my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It’s packed with practical tips and wisdom to help you navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience.

Let’s age not just with years, but with wisdom and contentment. Here’s to a life well-lived!