Are you over 60 and feeling stuck? You’re not alone. Many people hit a flat spot in life as they reach their later years, struggling to find new motivation or a path ahead. But you don’t have to stay in that rut. Today, I’m going to share 7 habits you need to stop doing after 60 so you can start making real progress toward a more fulfilling life.
These are the exact strategies that helped me, even in my 50s and 60s, to make significant changes like switching careers, earning a diploma in counseling, and going back to school for a degree. So, if you want a roadmap to staying unstuck, keep reading.
Negative Self-Talk
Negative self-talk is a huge roadblock for many. That little voice in your head telling you all kinds of lies: I’m not good enough, I always fail, or I don’t deserve better. This mental habit can really take its toll on your self-esteem, especially in your midlife years. Research from Psychology and Aging shows that self-esteem tends to dip around this time, which just adds fuel to the fire of self-doubt.
Here’s how I tackled it: I started paying attention to that negative chatter going on in my head. I asked myself, What false story am I believing about myself? When I recognized the stories weren’t true, I changed the narrative. Doing this was a game-changer for me and gave me the confidence to move forward.
It can be as simple for you too. Challenge your negative thoughts and replace them with the truth about your abilities and strengths. And if it feels overwhelming, don’t be afraid to talk with a mental health professional for extra support.
The Comparison Trap
Comparing yourself to others is a trap—especially as you hit midlife. The habit of looking at someone else’s success and feeling like we don’t measure up can sneak up on us.
According to The Gerontologist, social comparisons become more frequent as we age. But trust me, comparing yourself to others will only leave you feeling less accomplished. The more meaningful way to measure progress? Look at where you were in the past and compare it to where you are today.
For example, in my 50s, I decided I wanted to change careers. I wanted to earn a diploma in counseling along with several certifications. Then at 58, I went back to university and earned a degree. I wasn’t focused on what others were doing—I made it about my personal journey. Measuring your progress this way will help skyrocket your self-esteem and keep you focused on your own goals.
Toxic Relationships
We all know how much energy toxic relationships can drain. These relationships can involve a negative family member. They can include a toxic friend. Or, it could even be a colleague that sucks the life out of you. These relationships can make us miserable.
In midlife, many of us start reevaluating our relationships. In fact, a study from the Journal of Marriage and Family shows that people in their 50s and 60s often experience a major shift. People in their 50s and 60s often experience this shift. This shift affects how they see their relationships. Cutting out those negative influences can do wonders for your mental health.
I’ve had to do the hard work of setting boundaries, too. It wasn’t easy—some people had to be cut out of my life entirely. But the result? My life became more peaceful and I had more energy to pursue my personal goals. Sometimes, you have to put your own well-being first.
Procrastination
Procrastinating is something we’re all guilty of. But as we get older, it can get even worse. The Journal of Adult Development points out that procrastination can be especially tricky in midlife. Responsibilities and stress pile up.
I struggled with procrastination—big time. But I found a way around it. I started by focusing on the most difficult tasks first. Then I built momentum by tackling smaller, easy tasks early in the morning. That kickstarted my day and gave me the motivation to keep going.
Ask yourself, Why do I keep putting things off? Maybe it’s fear of failure or just exhaustion. Whatever the reason, once you find it, you can find a routine that helps you break that cycle.
Overcommitment
Saying yes to everything is a fast track to burnout. Trust me on this. A study in Occupational Health Psychology highlighted that overcommitment is a widespread issue for people in their 50s and 60s. This overcommitment leads to constant stress and diminishes the quality of your work.
Often, saying yes to too many things means you’re overloading yourself. You end up neglecting what truly matters—your personal goals, health, and family time. I had to learn how to really think before I committed to anything. When I got selective about where my time and energy went, my life became more intentional and fulfilling.
Learn to focus on what’s important and drop what isn’t.
Resisting Change
Change can be scary for many. But, resisting change can hold you back from some of the most rewarding experiences in your life. Whether it’s trying new things, meeting new people, or exploring new opportunities, embracing change is crucial for growth.
I grew up constantly dealing with change. My dad was in the military and later worked for an airline. Moving was a regular part of life. By the time I hit my teens, I was taught to approach new situations with curiosity instead of fear.
The trick is to open your mind to what’s new. Try asking yourself, What can I learn from this change? and approach it with curiosity—you will be surprised by the personal growth that follows.
Dwelling on Regrets
It’s easy to get stuck in the loop of what if and if only. Research shows that in midlife, it’s common to look back on life and focus on regrets.
But here’s the truth: the past is behind you, and you can’t change it. So stop dwelling on it. What’s more important is focusing on the here-and-now and the opportunities that are in front of you right now.
I used to replay my past mistakes endlessly. But once I realized there’s no going back, my life began to open up. New people entered my life, and new experiences came along that I never expected. So acknowledge your regrets, learn from them—but focus on what you can control: the here and now.
Conclusion
These 7 habits not only slow you down but keep you stuck in a place of frustration and regret. It’s time to break free from the things that are holding you back. Whether it’s cutting off toxic relationships, learning to say no, or kicking procrastination to the curb, you can start today. Life after 60 can be just as fulfilling and vibrant as it ever was. You just need to stop doing these habits and embrace positive changes.
Looking for more advice? Check out this free career change checklist! [https://tlwalters.com/the-essential-midlife-career-change-checklist/]
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