Everyone has the potential to change, but the journey to becoming a better version of yourself is often paved with challenges and self-doubt.

There’s a profound difference between those who seem to age gracefully and those who don’t.

The secret? It’s all about habits.

The difference boils down to personal growth.

Those who become a better version of themselves later in life have usually adopted specific habits that foster this growth.

Becoming a better version of yourself isn’t about becoming someone else.

It’s about improving on who you already are, and making choices that lead to ongoing development and fulfillment.

Those who manage to do this successfully often share certain habits.

Let’s delve into what these 10 habits are and how they can help you become the best version of yourself.

1) Embrace lifelong learning

The most noticeable trait of those who become a better version of themselves later in life is their unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

There’s an old saying that goes, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, but when it comes to personal growth, age is just a number.

It’s never too late to learn something new, and those who manage to upgrade themselves later in life understand this fact better than anyone.

They understand the importance of keeping their minds active and stimulated.

Being a lifelong learner is about understanding that there’s always room for growth and improvement, and taking proactive steps towards that.

These are the people who recognize that learning doesn’t stop when you graduate from school or university. In fact, it’s just the beginning.

Lifelong learning is not just about academic pursuits — it’s about broadening your horizons, understanding different perspectives, and fostering a genuine curiosity about the world around you.

So, if you’re aspiring to become the best version of yourself, start cultivating this habit of lifelong learning. Who knows?

The next book you read or course you take might just change your life.

By making learning a lifelong habit, you equip yourself with the knowledge and insights necessary to navigate life’s ups and downs and become a more rounded individual.

It’s the first step towards becoming a better version of yourself.

It’s pretty simple really: to become a better version of yourself, never stop learning.

2) Embrace failure

Those who become a better version of themselves later in life tends to adopt this often overlooked trait – embracing failure.

In a society that often glorifies success and marginalizes failure, it can be hard to view failure in a positive light.

However, those who become better versions of themselves later in life see failure not as an end, but rather as a stepping stone on the path to success.

Embracing failure isn’t about celebrating mistakes or ignoring the consequences.

It’s about understanding that failure is an integral part of life and growth.

It’s about learning from your mistakes, picking yourself up, and moving forward with newfound knowledge and experience.

By adopting this habit, you shift your perspective from viewing failure as a setback to seeing it as an opportunity for growth.

It’s a tough mindset to master, but once you do, it can profoundly change your approach to challenges and your journey towards becoming a better version of yourself.

3) Practice gratitude

People who become a better version of themselves often adopt the habit of practicing gratitude.

In a world where we are constantly chasing more – more success, more money, more possessions – it’s easy to lose sight of what we already have.

However, those who become better versions of themselves later in life recognize the importance of being grateful.

Practicing gratitude isn’t just about saying ‘thank you’.

It’s a mindset, a way of perceiving the world that involves consistently acknowledging the good in your life and appreciating it, even the smallest things.

It’s about shifting your focus from what you lack to what you have.

By cultivating a habit of gratitude, you foster positivity and happiness, which can dramatically improve your quality of life.

It also promotes resilience, helping you to navigate tough times with a more positive outlook.

Practicing gratitude can be as simple as writing down three things you’re grateful for each day.

This small act can shift your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right and can significantly improve your overall well-being.

Not only does this habit help you become a better version of yourself, but it also has the power to transform your perspective on life as a whole.

It’s a small practice that can make a big difference in your life.

4) Set clear goals

Another habit adopted by people who improve themselves later in life is setting clear and distinct goals.

Setting goals is like having a roadmap for your life.

It gives you direction and a clear focus on what you want to achieve.

It’s not just about setting lofty ambitions, but also about breaking them down into manageable, achievable steps.

These individuals understand the importance of having both short-term and long-term goals.

They spend time envisioning where they want to be in the future, and then work backwards to figure out what steps they need to take to get there.

But they don’t just set goals and forget about them.

They constantly check in on their progress, adjust their course when necessary, and celebrate their achievements along the way.

So if you’re aiming to become a better version of yourself, start by setting clear goals.

Not only will they give you a sense of direction, but they’ll also provide you with the motivation needed to keep pushing forward.

5) Prioritize self-care

Those who evolve into a better version of themselves later in life often prioritize self-care.

Self-care isn’t just about spa days or indulgent treats, though these can certainly be part of it.

It’s about recognizing the importance of taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health.

From maintaining a nutritious diet and regular exercise to ensuring adequate sleep and practicing mindfulness, these individuals include self-care activities in their daily routine.

They understand that in order to be productive, creative, and effective, they need to be in optimal health.

So they make time for exercise, ensure they’re eating well, and prioritize rest.

In the rush of life’s demands, it’s easy to put self-care on the back burner.

But if you want to become a better version of yourself, it’s important to take good care of your most valuable asset – you.

6) Cultivate empathy

A habit that often goes hand-in-hand with personal growth is the cultivation of empathy.

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is more than just a trait – it’s a practice.

It’s about stepping into another person’s shoes and seeing the world from their perspective.

People who become better versions of themselves later in life understand the power of empathy in building strong relationships and fostering a sense of connection with others.

They strive to be compassionate listeners, offering understanding and support rather than judgement.

Cultivating empathy can be as simple as listening to others without interrupting, validating their feelings, or offering help when they’re in need.

When we open our hearts and minds to the experiences of others, we not only become kinder, more compassionate individuals, but we also enrich our own lives through deeper connections with those around us.

7) Practice mindfulness

Another habit is one that is gaining popularity but is still often overlooked – practicing mindfulness.

In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

We’re often so focused on the past or the future that we forget to live in the present.

However, those who become better versions of themselves understand the importance of being present and mindful.

Practicing mindfulness involves paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in the present moment without judgment.

It’s about being fully engaged in whatever you’re doing, rather than letting your mind wander or multitask.

By making mindfulness a habit, you can reduce stress, improve your mental clarity, and enhance your overall well-being.

It allows you to experience life more fully and deeply, enriching your journey towards becoming a better version of yourself.

8) Practice resilience

People who become a better version of themselves later in life often display remarkable resilience.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity.

Life inevitably throws curveballs our way – it’s how we respond to these challenges that defines us.

Those who continually improve themselves don’t let setbacks derail their progress.

Instead, they view these obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow.

They pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and continue moving forward.

Building resilience isn’t about avoiding difficulties, but about developing the strength and tenacity to cope with them.

And the more we practice resilience, the better we become at overcoming challenges and turning them into stepping stones for growth.

So if you’re aiming to become a better version of yourself, start practicing resilience. It’s a habit that will serve you well in all areas of life.

9) Find comfort in discomfort

This habit might seem a bit counterintuitive at first, but people who become a better version of themselves later in life often find comfort in discomfort.

Most of us naturally seek comfort.

We prefer what’s familiar, what’s easy, and what doesn’t disturb our peace.

However, those who manage to become better versions of themselves understand the importance of stepping out of their comfort zones.

Comfort zones, while safe and easy, rarely offer opportunities for growth or change.

It’s when you challenge yourself, when you encounter unfamiliar situations, when you face your fears head-on that you truly grow.

Finding comfort in discomfort means accepting that not everything will be easy or comfortable.

It means embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and seeing failures as lessons rather than setbacks.

By pushing your boundaries and taking risks, you not only discover new potentials within yourself but also build resilience and strength.

It’s certainly not an easy habit to adopt, but it’s one that could change your life for the better.

10) Stay true to yourself

The most important habit adopted by people who become a better version of themselves later in life is staying true to themselves.

In a world where we are constantly bombarded with messages about who we should be, what we should do, and how we should live our lives, it’s easy to lose sight of who we truly are.

But those who continually improve themselves understand the importance of authenticity.

They listen to their inner voice, stay true to their values, and don’t let external influences sway their decisions.

Staying true to yourself is about being authentic, acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses, and living in alignment with your values.

It’s about being the best version of you, not someone else’s version of you.

Remember, at the end of the day, you are the one living your life.

So make sure it’s a life that reflects who you truly are.

Living intentionally

While the above habits are instrumental in becoming a better version of oneself, it’s equally important to understand the underlying thread that ties them all together – intentionality.

Living intentionally is about making conscious choices rather than just going through the motions.

It’s about aligning your actions with your values, goals, and purpose.

It means not just letting life happen to you, but actively shaping your life according to your vision for yourself.

But intentionality isn’t just about the big picture.

It’s also about the small choices you make every day. It’s about living in alignment with who you truly are and who you aspire to be.

Living intentionally requires self-awareness.

It requires you to regularly check in with yourself, reflect on your actions and decisions, and adjust your course as needed.

The journey towards becoming a better version of ourselves is deeply personal and unique.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach because we’re all different, with varying aspirations, strengths, and weaknesses.

Whether it’s practicing gratitude, setting clear goals, or staying true to oneself – these habits don’t just contribute to personal growth but also enrich our lives in countless ways.

In the words of Carl Rogers, a prominent psychologist, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.”

The same applies to personal growth.

It’s an ongoing journey that doesn’t just occur by chance or overnight.

It’s about consistent effort, resilience, and a deep commitment towards self-improvement.

As you embark on or continue this journey towards becoming a better version of yourself, remember – it’s not about perfection but progress.

And every step you take in the right direction counts.