Growing older gracefully isn’t just about keeping the wrinkles at bay, it’s also about how we behave and interact with others.

If you want to gain admiration and respect as you age, there are certain behaviors you may need to let go of.

As a Life Transition coach and the creator of Reset Your Life Compass, I’ve observed that certain habits can hinder our personal growth and affect how others perceive us.

It’s not about pretending to be someone else, but about enhancing who we truly are by eliminating these unhelpful behaviors.

In this article, I will share the 8 behaviors that you might want to say goodbye to if you aspire to be more admired and respected as you age.

Let’s journey together towards a more fulfilling and respected older age.

After all, age is just a number, it’s how we live that truly counts.

1) Resisting change

As we age, it’s natural to find comfort in familiarity.

But too often, this can turn into resistance to change, which can hinder our growth and affect how others perceive us.

Change is a constant part of life, and it’s something we should embrace rather than resist.

It’s through change that we learn new things, have fresh experiences, and ultimately become better versions of ourselves.

When we resist change, we often come across as rigid or set in our ways, which can make others view us as less adaptable and therefore less admirable or respectful.

As a Life Transition coach, I’ve seen how embracing change can lead to a more fulfilling life.

It allows us to stay relevant and interesting as we age, which in turn keeps us admired and respected.

2) Ignoring your core values

The foundation of self-respect lies in understanding and staying true to your core values.

If we stray from these, we can feel out of alignment, and it can affect how others perceive us.

In my work as a Life Transition coach, I’ve found that those who deeply understand their core values and live by them tend to be the most admired and respected.

They know who they are and aren’t afraid to show it.

As Dr. Seuss once said, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

I love this quote because it beautifully captures the importance of authenticity in gaining respect and admiration. And authenticity starts with knowing your core values.

If you’re unsure of what your core values are or how to align your actions with them, I’ve got just the thing for you.

I have created an exercise called “Defining Your Values” which will guide you through the process.

This exercise has helped many people in their journey towards greater self-understanding and respect.

Click here to start the Defining Your Values Exercise.

So, if you want to be more admired as you age, don’t ignore your core values.

Understand them and let them guide your actions.

3) Living without meaningful goals

Aimless drifting through life can lead to a sense of stagnation which is rarely admired or respected.

People who are respected as they age are often those who have clear, meaningful goals that they are actively pursuing.

Goals give us direction, purpose and a reason to wake up in the morning.

They help us shape our lives in the way we want and encourage continual growth and learning.

A study published in Social Indicators Research found that individuals who pursued non-zero sum goals—such as commitment to family, friends, and social involvement—experienced higher life satisfaction, indicating that meaningful goals contribute significantly to well-being.

If we’re honest, it’s often easier to just coast along on autopilot, especially as we get older.

But living this way can lead to a lack of fulfillment and may cause others to see us as lacking in ambition or drive.

Setting meaningful goals doesn’t mean you have to climb Mount Everest or write the next great novel.

It could be something as simple as learning a new skill, spending more time with family, or volunteering in your community.

The important thing is that your goals are meaningful to you and align with your core values.

This not only leads to personal fulfillment but also helps you gain respect and admiration from others who see your dedication and drive.

4) Surrendering control of your life

If you’re not at the helm, you can’t steer the ship.

The same applies to your life.

If you consistently surrender control and let others dictate your decisions, you may find yourself drifting aimlessly rather than moving in a direction that truly aligns with your desires and values.

People who are admired and respected as they age tend to be those who take initiative, make their own choices, and accept responsibility for the outcomes.

They don’t let life just happen to them – they actively shape their life’s journey.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of blaming circumstances or other people for where we are in life.

It’s much harder to accept that we are, in large part, the architects of our own life.

Steering the direction of your life isn’t about being rigid or controlling every detail.

It’s about making conscious decisions, setting meaningful goals, and taking steps towards them.

It’s about knowing when to say yes, when to say no, and when to change course.

5) Neglecting self-reflection

One of the most powerful tools for personal growth and transformation is self-reflection, and yet, it’s often neglected.

Regular self-reflection, such as journaling, can help us understand ourselves better, identify areas of growth, and keep track of our progress towards our goals.

As we age, self-reflection becomes even more important.

It helps us stay connected with who we are and what we want from life.

It allows us to course-correct when necessary and keeps us mindful of our journey.

People who regularly engage in self-reflection tend to be more admired and respected.

They show an awareness of themselves and their actions that others appreciate.

In my Reset Your Life Compass course, I emphasize the importance of journaling as a form of self-reflection.

It’s a simple but powerful practice that can make a significant difference in your life.

6) Holding on to old, unhelpful habits

We all have habits, some good and some not so good.

As we age, it’s often the unhelpful ones that can hold us back and hinder our personal growth.

Habits shape our lives more than we often realize.

They dictate how we spend our time, how we react to situations, and even how we think about ourselves.

If you’re holding on to old habits that no longer serve you, it can impact how others perceive you and may limit the respect and admiration you receive.

Successfully changing your habits isn’t about willpower alone.

It’s about understanding why you have these habits in the first place and finding healthier alternatives that fulfill the same needs.

A study from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that self-awareness can drive behavior change by reprogramming the brain’s reward system, highlighting the importance of understanding one’s habits to facilitate personal growth.

People who are able to identify their unhelpful habits and make positive changes are often admired for their self-awareness and determination.

They show that they are in control of their lives and are committed to continuous self-improvement.

7) Living without purpose

Living without a sense of purpose can lead to feelings of aimlessness, restlessness, and dissatisfaction.

As we age, having a clear sense of purpose becomes even more critical to our overall well-being and how others perceive us.

A clear purpose acts as a compass, guiding us in the decisions we make and the paths we choose to follow.

It provides a framework for setting meaningful goals and helps us connect with others on a deeper level.

Famed author Mark Twain once said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

This quote beautifully encapsulates the significance of living with purpose.

Having a sense of purpose doesn’t necessarily mean you need to have grandiose plans or ambitions.

It could be as simple as being a loving parent, contributing to your community, or pursuing a hobby you’re passionate about.

For tips on finding your purpose in life, check out my video here: Tips for finding your purpose in life.

8) Prioritizing others’ opinions over your authenticity

In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with opinions and expectations, it can be tempting to mold ourselves to fit what others think we should be.

However, this can lead to a loss of authenticity, which is rarely admired or respected.

Living authentically means being true to who you are, what you believe in, and what you value.

It means not being afraid to show your true self, even if it goes against the grain.

Ironically, while we may change ourselves to gain others’ approval, people generally admire and respect those who are authentic more than those who try to fit into a mold.

Authenticity shows courage, integrity, and self-awareness – qualities that are highly respected.

A study from the University of California, Los Angeles, highlights that the psychological experience of respect significantly impacts group life and individual well-being, suggesting that authenticity fosters genuine respect from others.

So if you want to be admired as you age, it may be time to say goodbye to prioritizing others’ opinions over your authenticity.

Dare to be yourself and let your true colors shine through.

You might be surprised at the respect and admiration that comes your way.

In conclusion, as we age, it’s not just about the physical changes we undergo but the behaviors we choose to keep or let go of that determine how respected and admired we are.

By saying goodbye to these eight behaviors, you’re paving the way for a more fulfilling, authentic life that commands respect and admiration.

It’s never too late to make positive changes.

Each day presents a new opportunity for growth and self-improvement.

If you’re ready to embark on this journey, I invite you to join me in my course, Reset Your Life Compass.

It’s designed to guide you through the process of identifying and letting go of unhelpful behaviors while embracing those that align with your core values and goals.

Here’s to growing older with grace, wisdom, and the admiration and respect of those around us.

You’re worth it!