Getting older doesn’t mean losing the spark in your mind—it just means learning how to keep it alive.
Hi, I’m Jeanette Brown, and as a Life Transition coach and author of A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World, I’ve seen firsthand how the smallest changes can lead to big breakthroughs.
But let me tell you, keeping your mind sharp isn’t about fancy tricks or impossible routines—it’s about letting go of what’s dragging you down and embracing habits that truly nourish your brain.
In this article, I’ll walk you through 8 behaviors that could be quietly dulling your mental edge—and more importantly, how to leave them behind.
1) Resistance to change
As we age, we can sometimes develop a resistance to change.
It’s comfortable to stick with what we know, right?
But here’s the thing. Our world is constantly evolving, and so are we.
Change isn’t just inevitable; it’s essential for growth.
In my experience as a Life Transition coach, I’ve encountered many people who initially resist change.
But once they open their minds and hearts to new possibilities, they often find their lives becoming more fulfilling.
So if you’re keen on maintaining mental sharpness as you get older, it’s time to say goodbye to your resistance to change.
Embrace the unknown.
Navigate your way through new experiences and ideas.
This not only keeps your mind active but also paves the way for a more satisfying life.
A flexible mind is a keen and perceptive mind.
And that’s what we’re aiming for here.
2) Ignoring self-awareness
Another behavior that can hinder our mental sharpness is ignoring self-awareness.
It’s crucial to understand who we are at our core, along with our values, beliefs, and desires.
As Oscar Wilde wisely said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
This quote always resonates with me, as it highlights the importance of truly understanding and embracing our unique selves.
In my eBook, “A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World”, I delve into strategies for cultivating self-awareness.
It’s about acknowledging your strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between.
If we want to keep our minds sharp as we age, it’s essential to understand ourselves fully.
When we are in tune with ourselves, we can better adapt to changes and challenges that come our way.
This not only helps us navigate life more effectively but also stimulates our minds, keeping them flexible and sharp.
3) Lack of meaningful goals
Let’s get real here.
If we’re coasting through life without any solid goals, our minds are likely to become complacent.
It’s like trying to navigate through a journey without a destination—you end up going in circles.
Setting meaningful goals provides a sense of direction.
They challenge us, motivate us, and keep our minds active and engaged.
But here’s the catch—the goals need to be meaningful to you.
Research indicates that setting meaningful goals aligned with personal values can enhance cognitive function and maintain mental sharpness as we age.
You see, when we set goals that truly resonate with our passions and values, we’re more motivated to reach them.
Our minds become fired up with purpose and determination.
This mental stimulation can be a powerful tool in maintaining our mental sharpness as we age.
4) Surrendering control
Here’s a hard truth—sometimes, we unwittingly surrender control of our lives.
We let others’ opinions or external circumstances dictate our actions, decisions, and even our self-worth.
This passive approach can lead to a mental stagnation.
We become less proactive, less engaged and gradually, our mental acuity can start to dull.
Taking back the reins of your life means making conscious choices about your actions and reactions.
It’s about steering the direction of your life rather than being a passenger.
When we actively participate in shaping our lives, we’re mentally present and engaged.
This involvement keeps our minds sharp, curious, and adaptable.
5) Neglecting self-reflection
One of the habits that often falls by the wayside as we get older is journaling, a powerful tool for self-reflection.
I cannot stress enough how crucial this practice can be in maintaining a keen and perceptive mind.
Journaling allows us to gain clarity about our thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
It’s like having a conversation with ourselves, helping us understand our lives better.
This process of internal exploration can significantly contribute to keeping our minds sharp.
In my eBook, “A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World”, I delve into the importance of journaling and how it can lead to profound self-discovery.
Believe me; it’s more than just writing—it’s an intimate journey into the depths of your mind.
So let’s bid farewell to neglecting self-reflection.
Grab a pen and your favorite notebook, and start journaling today.
6) Giving up on habit change
Change can be challenging, especially when it comes to our habits.
But here’s the thing—giving up on habit change can seriously dampen our mental agility.
Our habits shape our lives.
If we’re stuck in a rut with unfulfilling or harmful habits, we’re essentially keeping our minds in a constant loop of familiarity.
There’s no challenge, no growth.
On the other hand, successfully changing a habit means stepping out of our comfort zone.
It requires mental effort, flexibility, and determination—all of which contribute to keeping our minds sharp.
A study by Trinity College Dublin describes a new approach to making habit change achievable and lasting, highlighting the role of cognitive effort and adaptability in this process.
7) Living without purpose
I’m going to be brutally honest here—living without a sense of purpose can dull our minds.
Purpose gives our lives meaning, direction, and motivation.
Without it, we’re like ships adrift at sea.
Mark Twain said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
This quote highlights the transformative power of discovering your purpose.
Finding your purpose isn’t always easy, but it’s worth the effort.
It keeps your mind engaged, curious, and driven.
It gives you a reason to wake up every morning with enthusiasm and a zest for life.
I’ve created a YouTube video titled “Tips for finding your purpose in life” that delves into how you can discover your own unique purpose. You can watch it below.
It’s a journey that can truly reinvigorate your mind.
8) Faking authenticity
Here’s a counterintuitive one—faking authenticity.
Yes, we often slip into the habit of portraying a version of ourselves that’s not entirely true.
We do it to fit in, to be liked, or simply because we’re afraid to show our real selves.
Research indicates that living authentically, by aligning one’s actions with personal beliefs and values, enhances mental well-being and cognitive function.
But here’s the catch—living an inauthentic life can hinder our mental sharpness.
Our minds are constantly juggling between our true selves and the facade we’ve created, which can be mentally exhausting and unfulfilling.
On the other hand, embracing authenticity means aligning our actions with our beliefs and values.
It means accepting ourselves, flaws and all, and expressing our true selves in all aspects of life.
This alignment keeps our minds engaged, vibrant, and sharp.
So let’s say goodbye to faking authenticity.
Let’s start living authentically, embracing our uniqueness, and expressing our true selves.
After all, an authentic mind is a sharp mind!
There you have it—the 8 behaviors to bid farewell to if you want to maintain a keen and perceptive mind as you age.
It’s not an exhaustive list, but it’s a significant start towards a more vibrant and fulfilling life.
Remember, the journey to mental sharpness is not a sprint; it’s a marathon.
Each small change you make can lead to big transformations in your life and your mind.
If you’re looking for more guidance on this journey, I invite you to check out my course, “A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World”.
It’s packed with practical strategies and insights to help you navigate life’s transitions and create a life that truly resonates with you.
Here’s to maintaining a sharp mind and living our best lives—authentically and vibrantly!
