Growing older brings with it a wealth of experiences, but it also presents an opportunity for gaining wisdom and self-awareness. As we age, we’re not just becoming older, but perhaps wiser and more in tune with ourselves.

The more we age, the more we understand ourselves and our place in the world. We learn what makes us tick, what makes us happy, and what we should steer clear from.

The journey towards self-awareness is different for everyone, but there are some habits that people who become more self-aware as they get older tend to adopt. These habits are cultivated over time and gradually shape the person we become.

In this article, we’ll delve into the 10 specific habits that seem to be common among those who grow more self-aware with age. If these practices resonate with you, they might just be signaling your journey towards a deeper understanding of yourself.

1) Embracing solitude

One of the most distinguishing habits of self-aware individuals as they age is their ability to embrace solitude.

As you get older, you might find that you are not as interested in socializing as much as you used to be. This isn’t a sign of becoming antisocial or eccentric, but rather an indication of a growing comfort with your own company. 

Embracing solitude allows you to engage with your thoughts and feelings without distraction. It’s an opportunity to reflect on your experiences, understand your reactions, and acknowledge your emotions.

It’s in these quiet moments that you truly get to know yourself. You learn to understand what motivates you, what scares you, and what makes you happy.

This doesn’t mean isolating yourself from others or avoiding social situations entirely. It simply means setting aside some time for yourself regularly, to introspect and develop a deeper understanding of yourself.

If you find yourself enjoying your own company more often, it could be a sign that you’re growing more self-aware with age.

2) Seeking feedback

While it may seem counterintuitive, those who grow more self-aware with age often actively seek feedback from others.

You might think that self-awareness means relying solely on your own perceptions and introspections. Yet, one of the key aspects of self-awareness is recognizing our blind spots – those aspects of ourselves that we might not be fully aware of or might misinterpret.

As you grow older and more self-aware, you might find that you are more open to, and even eager for, constructive criticism. You understand that other people can provide valuable insights into your behaviors, attitudes, and impact on others.

This isn’t about seeking validation or approval. It’s about gaining a fuller picture of who you are, how you’re perceived, and how you can grow.

So if you find yourself regularly asking for feedback and genuinely considering it, this could be a sign of increasing self-awareness.

3) Practicing mindfulness

Another habit often adopted by individuals who grow more self-aware with age is the practice of mindfulness.

Mindfulness, the act of being present and fully engaged with whatever we’re doing at the moment, can be a powerful tool for self-awareness. It’s about tuning into your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment or distraction.

As you get older, you might find yourself naturally gravitating towards mindfulness. You may start to appreciate the beauty in the moment, rather than constantly worrying about what’s next or dwelling on the past.

This could take the form of meditation, mindful eating, or simply taking a few minutes each day to exist in the present moment.

If you find yourself becoming more mindful in your daily life, this could be an indication of growing self-awareness.

4) Admitting mistakes

Nobody likes to be wrong. We all have a natural tendency to justify our actions and decisions, even when deep down we know we’ve made a mistake. But one of the most telling signs of growing self-awareness is the ability to admit when you’re wrong and take responsibility for your missteps.

As you get older, you might find that your pride takes a backseat to your desire for personal growth. You understand that mistakes are not a sign of weakness or failure, but rather opportunities to learn and improve.

Admitting mistakes requires courage and humility, but it also fosters self-respect and authenticity. It shows that you value truth and growth over maintaining a facade of perfection.

So if you notice that you’re more willing to own up to your errors and learn from them, it’s a good indication that you’re becoming more self-aware.

5) Cultivating gratitude

There’s something profoundly transformative about gratitude. It’s an emotion that can make us feel connected, content, and truly alive.

As we age, we often become more aware of the fleeting nature of life. And with this awareness, comes a deeper appreciation for the moments, experiences, and people that bring us joy.

People who grow more self-aware with age often cultivate the habit of expressing gratitude. They take time to appreciate what they have, rather than dwelling on what they lack.

Gratitude can be as simple as acknowledging a beautiful sunrise, cherishing a shared laugh with a friend, or expressing thanks for a warm meal.

Cultivating gratitude doesn’t just enhance our mood; it changes our perspective. It allows us to see the beauty in everyday moments and makes us realize how rich we truly are. It’s a habit that brings warmth to our hearts and peace to our minds.

6) Embracing change

Change is a universal constant, yet it is often met with resistance. However, one of the key habits of individuals who grow more self-aware over time is their ability to embrace change.

As you age, you might come to realize that change isn’t something to be feared, but rather an essential part of life and growth. You start to see it as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and evolve.

Instead of clinging to familiarity and routine, you become comfortable with uncertainty. You understand that life is a dynamic journey, and your self-awareness grows as you navigate its twists and turns.

Whether it’s a change in career, relationships, or personal circumstances, embracing change means accepting the impermanence of life. It’s about letting go of control and trusting in the flow of life. It’s about being open and flexible in the face of life’s inevitable ups and downs.

If you’re finding yourself more accepting of change in your life, this could be a sign of growing self-awareness. It’s not an easy habit to cultivate, but it’s one that brings resilience, flexibility, and a greater sense of self-awareness.

7) Prioritizing mental health

With age comes the understanding that physical health is not the only aspect of wellness. Mental health plays an equally important role in our overall well-being.

Those who grow in self-awareness with age often make it a point to prioritize their mental health. They understand that a healthy mind can lead to a healthy body and vice versa.

By taking care of our mental health, we not only improve our quality of life but also strengthen our ability to deal with life’s ups and downs.

So whether it’s through meditation, therapy, or simply taking time out for yourself, prioritizing mental health is a habit that those who grow more self-aware with age often adopt.

8) Practicing self-reflection

In a world that constantly glorifies busyness and productivity, taking time for self-reflection might seem unproductive or even wasteful. But self-reflection is a habit often developed by those who become more self-aware as they age.

As you get older, you may start to appreciate the power and importance of self-reflection. These quiet moments can offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and provide an opportunity for introspection to slow down and reflect on your actions and decisions.

During these moments of introspection, you might discover things about yourself that you never know, identify patterns in your behaviors, or even unearth some of your deepest fears.

These moments of reflection can help you connect with your inner self and become more aware of your thoughts and emotions.

So if you’re beginning to practice self-reflection more in your life, this could be a sign of growing self-awareness.

9) Journaling

 Journaling is a powerful tool for self-discovery and self-awareness. As you age, you may find yourself drawn to pen and paper (or keyboard) more often. You might feel the need to record your thoughts, emotions, experiences, and ideas.

Journaling allows you to have a dialogue with yourself. It’s like holding up a mirror to your thoughts and feelings, giving you a chance to examine them in detail.

Over time, reviewing your entries can help you identify patterns, understand your reactions, and gain insights into your character and aspirations.

If you find yourself journaling on a regular basis, this could be a sign of growing self-awareness.

10) Living authentically

Above all, self-awareness leads us to the path of authenticity. As we age, we shed the masks we’ve worn and the roles we’ve played, and we start to embrace our true selves.

Living authentically means being true to your values, your beliefs, and your desires. It means honoring your feelings and expressing them honestly. It means not being afraid to show the world who you truly are.

Authentic living can be a challenging habit to cultivate, but it’s a fulfilling one. It brings a sense of freedom, a sense of peace, and a deep connection with oneself.

So dare to be yourself. Dare to live authentically. Because at the end of the day, there’s nothing more liberating than being true to yourself.

Final thoughts: The journey of self-awareness

The journey towards self-awareness is a deeply personal and unique one. It’s a path that varies for each of us, yet holds universal truths that bind us together.

Carl Rogers, a renowned psychologist, once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

This statement encapsulates the essence of self-awareness. It’s about accepting ourselves – our strengths, our weaknesses, our flaws, and our potentials.

As we age, we peel back the layers of our identity. We discover facets of ourselves we were previously unaware of. And through this process of discovery and acceptance, we cultivate habits that not only enrich our lives but also deepen our understanding of who we are.

Whether it’s embracing solitude, prioritizing mental health, or living authentically, these habits aren’t just markers of self-awareness; they are catalysts for personal growth.

So take this moment to reflect on your own journey towards self-awareness. Which of these habits resonate with you? And how can you integrate them into your life?

Remember, self-awareness isn’t a destination; it’s an ongoing journey. A journey that is as rewarding as it is enlightening.