If you want to feel more valued as you get older, say goodbye to these behaviors

Jeanette Brown by Jeanette Brown | April 1, 2024, 10:50 pm

Getting older is a beautiful journey, but it’s also a time when many of us start to feel less valued. I’m here to tell you that this doesn’t have to be the case.

Hi, I’m Jeanette Brown, a Life Transition coach and creator of Reset Your Life Compass. I’ve found that shedding certain behaviors can dramatically shift how we perceive ourselves as we age.

Feeling valued isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about letting go of the things that no longer serve you. 

So, if you’re ready to feel more valued as you get older, it’s time to say goodbye to these behaviors.

Stay with me as we explore this together.

1) Embrace change

As we age, change can often feel intimidating. We may resist it, clinging to old behaviors and patterns simply because they are familiar.

But here’s the truth; change is the only constant in life. And, believe it or not, it’s also our greatest ally in feeling more valued as we get older.

When we resist change, we are essentially telling ourselves that we are not capable of adaptation and growth. This can lead to feelings of stagnancy, and ultimately, a sense of being undervalued.

Instead, try embracing change as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Welcome new experiences and perspectives with an open mind. Learn to adapt and find joy in the journey of personal evolution.

When we embrace change, we navigate our way to a more fulfilling life – a life where we feel valued, respected, and loved for who we truly are.

It may not always be easy, but trust me, it’s worth it.

So take that first step towards embracing change today, and watch how your self-perception transforms.

2) Understanding yourself and your core values

One of the most powerful ways to feel valued as you age is to truly understand yourself and your core values. As Oscar Wilde once said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

The journey of self-discovery is a lifelong one, and it’s never too late to delve deeper into understanding who you are and what values you hold dear.

I’ve personally found that the more I understand myself, the more value I see in my own experiences and contributions. This understanding helps me to stand firm in my beliefs, make decisions that align with my values, and ultimately, feel valued in my own right.

To help you on this journey of self-discovery, I’ve created a free exercise called “Defining Your Values”. This tool can be a powerful first step towards understanding what truly matters to you.

So why not give it a try? Click here to access the Defining Your Values Exercise. Remember, the key to feeling valued lies within you – in understanding yourself and embracing your core values.

3) Setting meaningful goals 

As we age, it’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like our most meaningful accomplishments are behind us. But let’s be honest, this is far from the truth.

Setting new, meaningful goals is an essential part of feeling valued as we age. When we have something to strive for – something that aligns with our personal values and aspirations – we give ourselves permission to continue growing and learning.

Goals give us a sense of purpose, a direction to work towards. They remind us of our potential and reaffirm our worthiness.

Remember, it’s never too late to set new goals for yourself. Whether it’s learning a new skill, embarking on a new project, or simply aiming to live each day with kindness and gratitude – every goal is meaningful.

So, don’t let age deter you. Embrace the opportunity to set new, meaningful goals for your life and watch as you feel more valued with each step you take towards achieving them.

4) Steering your life’s direction

There’s a raw, honest truth that we often forget as we get older – we are the captains of our own ships. We have the power to steer the direction of our lives, no matter our age.

Feeling valued as we age isn’t about waiting for others to see our worth. It’s about recognizing our own power and taking charge of our life’s direction.

Perhaps you’ve spent years putting others’ needs before your own or following a path that never quite felt like yours. If so, it’s time for a change. It’s time to grab the wheel and steer your life in a direction that aligns with your values, passions, and goals.

It might be scary and it might be challenging, but it will be worth it. Taking charge of your life is one of the most empowering things you can do. And with empowerment comes a renewed sense of value and self-worth.

So go ahead, take the wheel. You’ve got this.

5) The power of journaling

Have you ever tried journaling? It’s a simple practice, but it can have a profound impact on our lives, especially as we age.

Journaling allows us to reflect on our experiences, emotions, and thoughts. It offers a safe space to explore our deepest desires, fears, and dreams. It can be therapeutic, insightful, and incredibly empowering.

But perhaps most importantly, journaling can play a crucial role in helping us feel valued. As we document our journey, we are reminded of our strengths, achievements, and personal growth. We see our worth in our own words.

If you’ve never journaled before or if you’re looking to deepen your journaling practice, I invite you to join my course: Reset Your Life Compass.

In this course, we not only explore the power of journaling but also provide practical tools and techniques to help you navigate your life transition and feel more valued as you age.

So why not give it a try? Remember, your story is valuable – and it’s worth documenting.

6) Changing your habits

Habits are the building blocks of our lives, shaping our daily routines and ultimately, our overall life experience. So, it’s no surprise that changing our habits can have a significant impact on how valued we feel as we age.

Perhaps you have some habits that are no longer serving you. Maybe they’re causing stress, affecting your health, or simply making you feel stuck.

If so, it’s time for a change.

Changing habits isn’t always easy. It requires commitment, patience, and self-compassion.

But the result? A more fulfilling, healthier life where you feel more valued and in control.

Take small steps. Start by identifying one habit you’d like to change. Understand its triggers and think about how you can replace it with a healthier habit.

Every step you take towards changing a habit is a step towards a better life. So be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress. You’re doing great!

7) Finding your purpose

In the wise words of Mark Twain, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

As we age, it’s easy to lose sight of our purpose. We get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, in our jobs, our responsibilities. We forget that each one of us is here for a reason – a purpose that gives our lives meaning.

Finding this purpose isn’t always straightforward. It requires introspection, honesty, and sometimes, a good deal of soul-searching. But when you do find it, it can transform your life. It can make you feel valued, driven, and truly alive.

I’ve created a video with some tips to help you on this journey towards finding your purpose. I hope it provides some guidance and inspiration as you navigate this important aspect of feeling valued as you age.

So take the time to explore what truly matters to you. Because when you live a life with purpose, you’re not just existing – you’re thriving.

Watch: Tips for finding your purpose in life.

8) Living authentically

Here’s a somewhat counterintuitive truth: to feel more valued as we age, we must first value ourselves. And the key to self-value is living authentically.

Living authentically means embracing who you truly are, without fear of judgment or criticism. It means expressing your thoughts, feelings, and desires honestly and openly. It means making choices that align with your true self, not what others expect of you.

When we live authentically, we send ourselves a powerful message: that we are enough just as we are. That our thoughts, feelings, and experiences are valid and valuable.

Contrary to what societal norms might suggest, our worth isn’t determined by how much we achieve or how much we earn. It’s determined by how authentically we live our lives.

So dare to be yourself. Embrace your uniqueness. Live your truth. It’s the most liberating, empowering decision you can make – and it’s a surefire way to feel more valued as you get older.

As we journey through life, feeling valued is crucial to our well-being and happiness. Remember, it’s never too late to start making changes and embrace behaviors that affirm your worth.

From understanding your core values to steering your life’s direction, from setting meaningful goals to living authentically – each step you take towards embracing these behaviors is a step towards a more fulfilling, valued life.

If you’re ready to start this journey and need a little guidance, I invite you to join my course: Reset Your Life Compass. Here, we delve deeper into each of these points and provide practical tools to help you navigate through life transitions.

So here’s to growing older and feeling more valued. Here’s to living a life that’s true to who you are, rich in purpose and meaning. You’ve got this!