Becoming a better person isn’t about sweeping life changes, it’s about the little things that add up over time.

It’s like weeding a garden. Letting go of certain habits is just as important as cultivating new ones.

And trust me, there are habits we all hold on to that do more harm than good. As we age, these habits can keep us stuck in a rut, preventing us from becoming our best selves.

But don’t fret! Here are 8 habits you should say goodbye to if you’re serious about personal growth. It’s time to weed your garden and let the good stuff grow.

1) Procrastination

We’ve all been there. You’ve got a to-do list as long as your arm, but somehow, you just can’t bring yourself to get started.

Let me tell you, procrastination is a habit we can all do without. It’s like a weight pulling us down, making it harder and harder to climb towards our goals.

As we age, the negative effects of procrastination only multiply. With each passing year, it becomes more difficult to break free from this destructive habit.

The good news? It’s never too late to change.

Bidding goodbye to procrastination opens the door to productivity, progress, and personal growth. And who doesn’t want that?

2) Negativity

Ah, negativity. It’s a trap that’s all too easy to fall into. I’ve been there myself.

I remember a time when I’d start each day expecting the worst. If something could go wrong, in my mind, it inevitably would. This negative mindset was like a dark cloud hanging over every aspect of my life.

As you can imagine, it wasn’t healthy. It drained my energy, stifled my creativity, and made it difficult for me to enjoy the good things in life.

Eventually, I realized that this habit of negativity was holding me back from becoming the person I aspired to be.

So, I decided to make a change – to consciously choose positivity instead. It wasn’t easy and it didn’t happen overnight, but gradually, I noticed a shift in my outlook.

And guess what? Life got better.

If you find yourself stuck in a cycle of negativity, know this: you have the power to change. You can choose to see the glass as half full instead of half empty. You can choose to become a better person as you grow older.

3) Multitasking

Multitasking might seem like a great way to get more done in less time. But here’s the kicker – it’s actually counterproductive.

Research shows that when we try to do several things at once, our attention gets divided. Instead of doing multiple tasks well, we end up doing them all poorly. What’s more, multitasking can increase stress levels and make us more prone to errors.

By trying to juggle too many balls at once, we’re setting ourselves up for failure. It’s an unhealthy habit that can stand in the way of our personal growth.

If you’re serious about becoming a better person as you age, it might be time to say goodbye to multitasking and hello to focused, single-tasking. It’s all about doing one thing at a time, and doing it well.

4) Attachment to material possessions

Buddhism teaches us that attachment is the root of all suffering. This includes attachment to material possessions.

In our society, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that more stuff equals more happiness. But in reality, the opposite is often true. The more we accumulate, the more we have to worry about, and the less freedom we ultimately have.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into this concept. I explore how letting go of material possessions can lead to a greater sense of peace and contentment.

Now, I’m not saying you should give away all your belongings and live like a monk. But it’s worth considering whether your attachment to material possessions is adding to your happiness or detracting from it.

As we age, it becomes increasingly clear that the most valuable things in life aren’t things at all. Letting go of this habit of attachment can be a powerful step towards becoming a better person.

5) Being overly critical of others

It’s easy to find fault in others. To pick apart their actions and words, and to judge them harshly for their mistakes. I used to be like that, always ready with a negative comment or a critical remark.

But over time, I realized that my habit of being overly critical wasn’t helping anyone. It wasn’t making me feel better about myself, and it certainly wasn’t improving my relationships with others.

What’s more, I realized that my criticism was often a reflection of my own insecurities. When I was feeling bad about myself, I would project those feelings onto others.

So, I made a conscious effort to let go of this destructive habit. Instead of focusing on the faults of others, I started focusing on their strengths. And instead of tearing people down, I began building them up.

The result? Not only did my relationships improve, but I also felt better about myself.

If your goal is to become a better person as you age, saying goodbye to the habit of being overly critical can be a game-changer.

6) Seeking constant comfort

Comfort. It’s something we all naturally seek. We like feeling safe, secure, and at ease. But here’s the thing: constant comfort can actually be a roadblock on the path to personal growth.

Why? Because growth happens outside of our comfort zones. It’s when we challenge ourselves, when we try new things and face our fears that we truly grow and evolve.

Contrary to what you might think, discomfort can be a good thing. It can be a sign that you’re pushing your boundaries, exploring new terrain, and becoming a better version of yourself.

If you’re serious about personal growth as you age, don’t shy away from discomfort. Instead, embrace it. Recognize it as an opportunity for growth and seize it with both hands.

7) Ignoring your health

It’s a simple truth that we often overlook: our health is our wealth.

As we age, maintaining good health becomes even more crucial. But all too often, we ignore the signals our bodies are giving us. We push through when we should be resting, eat poorly when we should be nourishing ourselves.

Ignoring your health is a habit that can lead to serious consequences down the line. It can limit our ability to enjoy life to the fullest, and stand in the way of our personal growth.

If you’re striving to become a better person as you get older, start by taking care of your health. Exercise regularly, eat well, get enough sleep and listen to your body.

Because at the end of the day, a healthy body is the first step towards a healthy mind and a better you.

8) Living in the past

Living in the past is a habit that can leave us stuck, unable to move forward and grow. Dwelling on past mistakes, regrets, or missed opportunities keeps us from living in the present and planning for the future.

The most crucial thing to remember is this: You cannot change the past, but you can learn from it.

Turn your past experiences into lessons, not chains that hold you back. Because true personal growth and becoming a better person as you get older comes from letting go of the past and embracing the present moment.

Final thoughts: It’s all about the journey

Personal growth and becoming a better person with age is a journey, not a destination. It’s about constant evolution, learning from our experiences, and making conscious choices.

A key part of this journey involves letting go of habits that no longer serve us. Whether it’s procrastination, negativity, or living in the past, shedding these habits can open the door to a richer, more fulfilling life.

It’s important to remember that this journey is highly personal and unique to each individual. What works for one person might not work for another. That’s why it’s crucial to find your own path and follow it.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into this concept further. I discuss ways to live more intentionally and authentically, guided by the wisdom of Buddhism.

As you embark on this journey of personal growth, remember that every step you take brings you closer to becoming the person you aspire to be. It’s a lifelong journey filled with both challenges and triumphs.

And ultimately, it’s this journey that shapes us into the people we are meant to become.