We often associate youth with achievement, success, and peak productivity. We believe that once we hit a certain age, our ability to achieve and accomplish diminishes.
However, many people have proven this notion wrong by achieving more in their 60s and beyond than they ever did in their youth.
So how do they do it? What’s the secret?
They typically adhere to 8 daily habits that keep them inspired, motivated, and productive. These habits don’t require superhuman strength or an Einstein-level IQ. They are simple, practical routines that anyone can adopt to become more successful later in life.
Whether you’re already enjoying your golden years or you’re still a few decades away, it’s never too early or too late to start practicing these habits.
Read on to discover the eight daily habits of people who achieve more in their 60s and beyond than they ever did in their youth.
1. Lifelong Learning
People who thrive in their later years have a common trait: They never stop learning. They understand that learning is a lifelong process, not just something that ends when you graduate from school.
They continually educate themselves, stay updated with the latest trends, and constantly seek new knowledge.
This habit keeps their minds sharp, opens up new opportunities, and helps them adapt to change easily.
Embracing lifelong learning doesn’t mean you have to go back to school or get another degree. It can be as simple as reading a book, taking an online course, or attending a workshop in an area of interest. The key is to keep your mind active and curious.
Practical Tip: Start by dedicating at least 20 minutes each day to learning something new. This could be reading a chapter of a book, listening to a podcast, or watching an educational video. Over time, this small daily investment will accumulate into a wealth of knowledge and skills.
2. Healthy Living
There’s a saying that goes, “Health is wealth,” and those who are successful in their 60s and beyond know this all too well. They understand the importance of taking care of their health and make it a priority. They eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and ensure they get enough sleep.
This not only keeps them physically fit but also enhances their mental wellbeing, allowing them to stay focused and productive.
Personally, I’ve witnessed friends in their golden years running marathons, starting new businesses, and travelling around the world. And they attribute their vigor and vitality to their healthy lifestyle.
Practical Tip: Incorporate at least 30 minutes of physical activity into your daily routine. It could be a brisk walk, a yoga class, or even dancing to your favorite music. Pair that with mindful eating – choose whole foods over processed ones and hydrate adequately.
And don’t forget to prioritize rest – aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. If you’re struggling to make these changes all at once, start small. Pick one area to focus on first and gradually build up from there.
3. Embracing Failure
Many people fear failure, but those who achieve more in their 60s and beyond view it differently. They see failure not as a dead-end, but as a learning opportunity. They understand that it’s an integral part of the journey to success.
Instead of letting failure discourage them, they use it as fuel to keep going and strive harder.
I’ll be honest here, this isn’t an easy habit to cultivate. It requires courage and resilience. But once you start viewing failure as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block, you’ll find that it becomes a powerful motivator.
Practical Tip: The next time you face a setback or make a mistake, instead of beating yourself up about it, ask yourself these questions: What can I learn from this? How can I use this experience to grow? Write down your answers, then use them as a guide to improve and move forward.
Every successful person has faced failure at some point. It’s how they respond to it that makes all the difference.
4. Prioritizing ‘Me’ Time
In a world that glorifies busyness and hustle, taking time for oneself can seem counterproductive.
But those who reach new heights of success in their later years understand the value of ‘me’ time.
They know that to give their best to their endeavors, they must first take care of themselves.
They set aside time each day for self-reflection, relaxation, or pursuing a hobby. This helps them recharge, maintain balance, and boosts their overall productivity.
Practical Tip: Start by setting aside at least 15 minutes each day for yourself. Use this time to do something you enjoy, like reading a book, gardening, or meditating.
You could also use this time for self-reflection – journaling your thoughts and feelings can provide valuable insights into your goals and motivations.
Remember, ‘me’ time isn’t about being selfish; it’s about nurturing your well-being so you can be your best self in all other areas of your life.
5. Building Strong Relationships
People who accomplish more in their 60s and beyond understand the importance of strong relationships. They invest time and energy in nurturing connections with family, friends, and colleagues. They know that having a supportive network not only enriches their lives but also opens doors to new opportunities.
I’ve noticed in my own life how valuable relationships can be. Whether it’s a friend who offered a fresh perspective when I was stuck on a problem, or a family member who provided emotional support during tough times – these connections have played a crucial role in my journey.
Practical Tip: Make it a point to connect with someone in your network each day. It could be as simple as a phone call to check in on a friend, a coffee date with a colleague, or spending quality time with your family. And remember, building strong relationships is not just about taking, but also giving.
Be there for others in their time of need. You’ll find that the love and support you give comes back to you manifold.
6. Taking Action
Dreaming big is great, but without action, dreams remain just that – dreams. People who achieve more in their later years are doers. They don’t just sit around waiting for things to happen; they make things happen.
They understand that success doesn’t come from what you plan to do or what you say you’ll do. It comes from what you actually do.
Here’s the brutal truth: Action is hard. It’s often easier to dream, plan, or talk about what we want to do. But at the end of the day, it’s action that moves us forward. It’s action that turns our dreams into reality.
Practical Tip: Start with small actions. If you have a big goal, break it down into manageable tasks and start tackling them one by one. Don’t wait for motivation to strike or for conditions to be perfect. Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can.
7. Cultivating Positivity
Those who achieve more in their 60s and beyond have a knack for maintaining a positive outlook on life. They choose to focus on the good, even in difficult situations. They understand that their attitude greatly influences their actions and outcomes.
As Winston Churchill once said, “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”
Cultivating positivity doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about acknowledging the difficulties but choosing to focus on potential solutions and positive outcomes.
Practical Tip: Practice gratitude daily. Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for – it could be something as simple as a good cup of coffee or a call from a friend.
This simple practice can shift your focus from what’s wrong in your life to what’s right, helping you cultivate a more positive outlook.
8. Consistency
The final habit of people who achieve more in their 60s and beyond is consistency. They understand that success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, but what you do consistently. They stick to their routines and commitments, even when they don’t feel like it. They know that consistency is the key to making progress and achieving their goals.
From my own experience, I can attest to the power of consistency. Whether it’s maintaining a regular exercise routine, sticking to healthy eating habits, or dedicating time each day for learning – the results have come not from sporadic bursts of effort, but from consistent daily actions.
Practical Tip: Start small and create a routine that’s manageable for you. Consistency isn’t about making huge leaps; it’s about taking small, steady steps day after day.
So whether it’s exercising for 15 minutes a day or reading for 20 minutes before bed – start with something achievable and stick to it. Remember, the key to consistency is progress, not perfection.
Conclusion
Achieving more in your 60s and beyond isn’t about possessing extraordinary talents or abilities. It’s about cultivating simple, yet powerful daily habits like lifelong learning, healthy living, embracing failure, prioritizing ‘me’ time, building strong relationships, taking action, cultivating positivity, and being consistent.
These habits may seem mundane or even ordinary. But it’s often the ordinary things done consistently that lead to extraordinary results. So no matter where you are in life, remember that it’s never too late to start. You have the power to shape your future and achieve more than you ever did in your youth.
After all, age is just a number. And as the saying goes, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” So why not start dancing now?
