Aging gracefully isn’t just about skincare and health; it’s also about fine-tuning our attitudes. And let’s face it, we all have those little ticks and tendencies that don’t exactly scream ‘nice’.
If you’re looking to grow kinder as you get older, you might need to kick some old habits to the curb.
Whether it’s snapping too quickly or holding grudges, some behaviors can tarnish our golden years.
Ready to be the kind of person who makes other people feel warm and comfortable? Here are seven habits to drop for that transformation to happen.
1) Letting negativity take over
It’s a part of life – things go wrong.
Unexpected mishaps, disappointments, and setbacks are all part and parcel of this journey we’re on. But how we react to these is what truly matters.
People who age into kinder beings don’t let negativity consume them. They don’t hold grudges or dwell on past misfortunes.
Instead, they choose to see the silver lining, to learn from their experiences, and move forward with grace and positivity.
Breaking free from the habit of negative thinking is your first leap towards becoming a nicer person as you grow older.
2) Shunning vulnerability
We often see vulnerability as a weakness, something to be hidden away.
I recall a time when I had a disagreement with a close friend. I was in the wrong, but my pride stopped me from admitting it. The thought of revealing my mistake, of showing my vulnerability, seemed too much.
But as time passed, I realized that holding onto my pride wasn’t making me a better person. In fact, it was pushing me further away from being nice and understanding.
Once I let down my guard, apologized, and opened myself up to making mistakes, things changed. Our friendship strengthened and my personal growth skyrocketed.
The truth is, without vulnerability, there can be no connection.
As Mark Manson said, “If you put in the work—if you have the difficult conversations, if you express yourself honestly even when it’s risky to do so, if you tell the world ‘this is who I am and I refuse to be anything else’—you’ll find new depth in your relationships. All of your relationships.”
3) Ignoring self-care
When we’re busy looking after others, it’s easy to forget about our own needs.
However, studies have shown that people who practice regular self-care are more likely to exhibit kindness and empathy towards others. It seems that by taking care of ourselves, we’re better equipped to take care of those around us.
Disconnecting from the habit of neglecting self-care is your third step towards becoming a kinder person as you grow older.
4) Avoiding apologies
Avoiding apologies is a common roadblock on the path to becoming a nicer, more approachable person. We all make mistakes—that’s just part of being human.
But not everyone is quick to embrace the humility it takes to admit them. It’s tempting to sidestep accountability and ignore the opportunity to utter a heartfelt “I’m sorry.”
This avoidance can create a barrier between us and those we care about or work with, making it harder to build trust and respect.
On the flip side, when we openly acknowledge our slip-ups and apologize, it does more than just clear the air.
It shows that we value our relationships more than our pride. Apologizing can disarm conflicts, foster forgiveness, and set a powerful example for others.
Plus, owning our mistakes and learning from them is a big part of personal growth. It’s about being honest with ourselves and kind to others—two essential qualities of a genuinely nicer person.
5) Holding on to control
I’ve learned over the years that life is unpredictable and trying to control everything is a recipe for stress and disappointment.
I used to micromanage every aspect of my life, from my work schedule to my free time. I thought it would make me more efficient, more successful. But all it did was make me rigid and intolerant.
When I decided to let go and allow things to happen naturally, I found myself becoming more patient, more understanding – in short, nicer.
This newfound openness has not only improved my own well-being but has also enriched my relationships with others.
6) Resisting change
Change is inevitable. But often, we resist it because it takes us out of our comfort zones and into the unknown.
However, being open to change allows us to grow and evolve. It makes us more adaptable, more understanding, and yes, nicer.
By embracing change, we learn to see things from different perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of those around us.
7) Forgetting to practice kindness
In the hustle and bustle of life, we often forget the most straightforward habit – practicing kindness.
Kindness doesn’t cost a thing but can make a world of difference to those around us. It’s the very essence of being a nicer person.
So, your ultimate step is to make a habit of practicing kindness, every day, in every way possible.
Powerful in its simplicity, isn’t it?
Embracing the journey towards kindness
Growing older offers us a precious opportunity to refine who we are. We learn to smooth out our rough edges and expand our capacity for understanding, patience, and genuine connection.
Each day provides a new chance to shed habits that cloud our kindness and embrace practices that enhance it.
As we learn to navigate life with grace and goodwill, we not only improve our own lives but also enrich the lives of those around us.
And the most beautiful part is, kindness has a ripple effect. The kinder we are to others, the kinder they’ll be to others, and so on. It’s like a chain reaction of positivity.
