There’s a striking distinction between those who age gracefully, continuously progressing in life, and those who seem to stall. The secret isn’t locked away in a hidden fountain of youth, but rather embedded in the daily habits they practice.
Hello, it’s Lachlan Brown here, founder of Hack Spirit and a keen observer of mindfulness and Buddhism. And I’ve noticed something fascinating. Those who continue to advance in life as they age often have a set of daily habits that they adhere to religiously.
These habits aren’t complex or time-consuming. In fact, they’re simple practices anybody can incorporate into their daily routine. And they have the power to transform how you age, keeping you moving forward, growing and learning every day.
Let’s delve into these 10 daily habits that people who keep moving forward in life as they get older usually practice.
1) They cultivate mindfulness
There’s a reason why mindfulness is often spoken of in the same breath as personal growth and development. And it’s not just because I, Lachlan Brown, have a special interest in it.
As we age, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of life, losing sight of our goals and aspirations. And that’s where mindfulness comes in.
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, aware of our thoughts, feelings, and the world around us. It’s about not getting lost in the past or future, but living fully in the present.
Think about it: how can we move forward if we’re always looking back or too far ahead? By being mindful, we are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges, make better decisions, and ultimately keep progressing.
People who continue to grow as they age tend to practice mindfulness daily. This could be through meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on their breath.
Life is a journey that unfolds in the present moment. By cultivating mindfulness, we can fully participate in that journey and continue moving forward no matter how old we get.
2) They embrace change
A common trait I’ve noticed among those who keep moving forward in life as they age is their ability to embrace change. As a student of Buddhism, I’ve learned that one of the core teachings is the concept of impermanence, which suggests that everything in life is transient and ever-changing.
The resistance to change is a natural human tendency. It’s comfortable to stick to what we know, to remain in our comfort zones. But life is in a constant state of flux and refusing to adapt can leave us stagnant.
As the renowned mindfulness expert, Jon Kabat-Zinn, once said: “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”
Those who continue to grow with age understand this. They don’t shy away from change. Instead, they see it as an opportunity for growth and development. Whether it’s a new job, a move to another city, or a significant life event, they welcome these changes and ride the waves of life with grace and resilience.
By doing so, they’re not just surviving; they’re thriving, continually learning and evolving as they journey through life.
3) They practice humility
Humility is a virtue that’s often overlooked in our modern, achievement-oriented society. Yet, it’s a trait that’s commonly found among those who keep moving forward as they age.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into the importance of humility in leading a fulfilling, impactful life.
Humility is not about downplaying our achievements or being self-deprecating. Rather, it’s about recognizing our place in the grand scheme of things, acknowledging that we don’t know everything and that there’s always room for growth and learning.
Those who age gracefully understand this. They’re not afraid to admit when they’re wrong or ask for help when they need it. They’re open to new ideas, different perspectives, and continuously seek wisdom.
This humble approach to life keeps them grounded, yet always striving for improvement. It’s a powerful habit that can lead to personal growth, better relationships, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around us.
I invite you to explore this concept further in my book and see how humility can be a stepping stone to a life of progression and fulfillment.
4) They maintain a positive mindset
“Your mind is a powerful thing. When you fill it with positive thoughts, your life will start to change.” This quote, often attributed to Buddha, rings true for those who keep moving forward as they age.
A positive mindset doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges or painting everything with a rosy hue. Instead, it’s about adopting a hopeful and optimistic outlook, believing in your ability to overcome obstacles and make the most of life’s opportunities.
Those who age gracefully do not let temporary setbacks define their reality. They understand that tough times are just that – temporary. They keep their eyes on their goals and maintain a positive perspective, knowing that every experience is an opportunity for growth.
So how can you cultivate a positive mindset? Start by monitoring your thoughts. Notice when negativity seeps in and make a conscious effort to shift your perspective. Surround yourself with positivity – whether it’s uplifting people, inspiring books, or activities that bring you joy.
A positive mind leads to a positive life. And this is a key habit of those who continue to progress as they get older.
5) They understand their core values
Understanding our core values is like having a compass that guides us through life. It provides a sense of direction and helps us make decisions that align with who we truly are. This is something I’ve found to be true in my own journey and in the lives of those who continue to move forward as they age.
Our values represent what is most important to us. They shape our character and influence our actions. When our actions are in sync with our values, we experience a sense of fulfillment and contentment. But when they’re at odds, we often feel restless and dissatisfied.
Life Transition coach Jeanette Brown has developed an insightful Defining Your Values Exercise that can help you identify your core values. This exercise can be a powerful tool in understanding yourself better and making choices that resonate with your true self.
Those who age gracefully understand their core values and use them as a guiding light. They realize that external factors may change, but their values remain constant, providing a steady anchor in the ebb and flow of life.
This understanding empowers them to stay true to themselves as they navigate the journey of aging and personal growth.
6) They prioritize physical health
While a lot of personal growth and progression is tied to our mental and emotional wellbeing, we can’t overlook the importance of physical health. Those who continue to move forward as they age understand this and make their physical health a priority.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep – these basic elements of a healthy lifestyle have a profound impact on our overall wellbeing. They boost our energy levels, improve our mood, enhance our cognitive functions, and keep us agile as we age.
But prioritizing physical health doesn’t necessarily mean hitting the gym hard or following a strict diet. It’s about finding a balance that works for you. Maybe it’s a daily walk in the park, a yoga class twice a week, or swapping out processed snacks for fresh fruits and veggies.
Our bodies are the vessels that carry us through life. By taking care of our physical health, we not only add years to our life but also life to our years. And this is a key habit of those who continue to progress as they get older.
7) They practice gratitude
Being an avid practitioner of mindfulness, one habit I’ve found profoundly impactful is the practice of gratitude. And it’s a common thread among those who keep moving forward as they age.
Gratitude is much more than saying ‘thank you.’ It’s a way of perceiving and experiencing life. It’s about focusing on what’s good in our lives and acknowledging everything that we have rather than dwelling on what we lack.
Practicing gratitude can shift our mindset, bringing positivity and contentment in our everyday life. It helps us appreciate the simple joys of life and not take things for granted.
Those who age gracefully make it a point to count their blessings, not their troubles. They understand that gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s like a magnet – the more grateful they are, the more they attract positive experiences.
You too can cultivate this habit by keeping a gratitude journal or making it a daily ritual to list down things you are grateful for. Trust me, it can make a world of difference.
The attitude of gratitude is the best way to live a life of abundance, irrespective of age.
8) They never stop learning
Albert Einstein once said, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” This quote perfectly encapsulates a common habit among those who keep moving forward as they age – they never stop learning.
Lifelong learning is not just about academic pursuits. It’s about being curious, open-minded, and willing to learn from every experience. It’s about recognizing that there’s always something new to learn, a fresh perspective to consider, or a skill to master.
Those who continue to grow as they age see life as a never-ending classroom. They read books, attend workshops, or simply engage in thoughtful conversations. They’re always on the lookout for opportunities to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of the world.
In a rapidly changing world, lifelong learning is not just a nice habit – it’s a necessity. It keeps us relevant, sharpens our mind, and fuels our personal growth.
Remember to embrace the learner’s mindset. Because as long as we’re learning, we’re growing and moving forward.
9) They know when to pause
This might seem counterintuitive, but one habit that those who keep moving forward as they age have mastered is knowing when to pause. We live in a fast-paced world where slowing down is often seen as a sign of weakness or inefficiency. But I’ve learned, both through my personal journey and my exploration of mindfulness, that pausing is crucial for growth.
Taking a pause doesn’t mean being idle or procrastinating. It’s about giving ourselves the space and time to reflect, recharge, and rejuvenate. It’s about stepping back to gain perspective, evaluate our progress, and plan our next steps.
Those who age gracefully understand this. They know that life isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. They take regular breaks to tune in with themselves, listen to their body and mind, and ensure they’re moving in the right direction.
10) They keep good company
The company we keep can significantly influence our thoughts, behaviors, and overall life trajectory. Those who keep moving forward as they age understand this and consciously surround themselves with positive, like-minded individuals.
Good company can inspire us, challenge us, and support us in our journey. They can provide valuable insights, share fresh perspectives, and offer a helping hand when we stumble.
On the other hand, negative company can drain our energy, discourage us, and hold us back from achieving our potential.
So, take a moment to reflect on the people you spend most of your time with. Do they uplift you or bring you down? Do they encourage your growth or hold you back?
Remember, we’re often a reflection of the company we keep. Make sure you’re surrounded by people who inspire you to keep moving forward.
Conclusion
To conclude, the key to continuously moving forward as we age lies in the habits we cultivate. Mindfulness, embracing change, practicing humility, maintaining a positive mindset, understanding our core values, prioritizing physical health, practicing gratitude, lifelong learning, knowing when to pause, and keeping good company – these are the habits that can fuel our growth and progression at any age.
It’s important to remember that developing these habits is a journey, not a destination. It’s about striving for progress, not perfection. And it’s never too late to start.
As a starting point, I recommend trying out Jeanette Brown’s Defining Your Values Exercise. It can provide valuable insights into your core values and guide you in making decisions that align with your true self.
Remember, aging is inevitable but growing is a choice. And with the right habits, we can continue to move forward and live a fulfilling life at any age.
