If you don’t want to have regrets as you get older, say goodbye to these 10 daily habits

As we journey through life, we often get stuck in certain patterns, habits that we don’t always realize can hold us back from living our best lives.

Hey there, it’s Lachlan Brown here, founder of Hack Spirit and a firm believer in mindful living. I’ve learned that if you want to age gracefully, without a pocketful of regret, there are some daily habits you might want to reconsider.

Your habits form the backbone of your life. And trust me, some of them aren’t doing you any favors. So, let’s take a look at 10 daily habits that you should say goodbye to if you want to live a regret-free life as you get older.

Changing habits isn’t easy, but with a little mindfulness and determination, you can create a life that you’re proud to have lived.

Let’s get started.

1) Living on autopilot

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my journey with mindfulness, it’s the danger of living life on autopilot.

We all do it – go through the motions of daily life without really paying attention to what we’re doing or why we’re doing it. We eat without tasting, listen without hearing, and move without feeling.

This, my friends, is a habit that can lead to a lifetime of regret.

Mindful living means being present in every moment, savouring the taste of your morning coffee, truly listening when someone talks to you, and noticing the sensation of your feet hitting the pavement on your daily walk.

When you live on autopilot, you miss out on these small joys that make life worth living. And as you get older, you may look back and realize you’ve missed out on so much.

Free yourself from autopilot mode. Start by paying attention to what’s happening right now, in this moment. You’ll be surprised at how much richer your life can be when you’re fully present.

2) Neglecting to practice self-compassion

Another habit I’ve noticed that can lead to regret later in life is being too hard on oneself.

We all make mistakes, and that’s okay. It’s part of being human. But too often, we beat ourselves up over these mistakes, holding ourselves to impossibly high standards.

I’ve seen it time and time again – people spending their lives berating themselves for not being ‘good enough’, ‘smart enough’, or ‘successful enough’. And believe me, this self-criticism can take a heavy toll on your mental well-being.

The wisdom of Buddhism teaches us to practice self-compassion. As the revered Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.”

Let’s make an effort to be kinder to ourselves, to accept our flaws and shortcomings, and to treat ourselves with the same compassion we’d show a dear friend. This simple shift in perspective can make a world of difference in how you feel about yourself as you grow older.

3) Letting your ego run the show

This is a big one, folks.

We all have an ego. It’s the part of us that seeks recognition, validation, and control. It’s the voice in our heads that tells us we’re better than others, or that we need to be the best at everything we do.

But here’s the thing: living with an inflated ego can lead to a lot of unhappiness and regret in the long run.

I’ve spent many years studying Buddhism and mindfulness, and I’ve come to understand the importance of living with ‘maximum impact and minimum ego’.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into how taming our ego can lead to a more fulfilling life.

When we learn to let go of our need for control and validation, we open ourselves up to genuine connections with others, a deeper understanding of ourselves, and a more compassionate view of the world.

Saying goodbye to your ego-driven habits might not be easy, but trust me, it’s one of the most rewarding changes you can make for a regret-free life as you age.

4) Ignoring your health

We’ve all heard the age-old saying, “Health is wealth.” Yet, many of us fall into the habit of taking our health for granted in our younger years.

Whether it’s skipping your routine workouts, eating junk food, or not getting enough sleep, these daily habits can lead to long-term health issues and regrets as you age.

The renowned mindfulness expert, Jon Kabat-Zinn, once said, “The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little.” This quote rings especially true when it comes to our health. It’s the small daily habits that make the biggest difference over time.

So start by making small changes. Swap out that bag of chips for a piece of fruit. Go for a short walk during your lunch break. Prioritize getting a good night’s sleep. Your future self will thank you.

It’s never too late to start taking care of your health. Your body is the only place you have to live in for the rest of your life, so treat it with kindness and respect. This is one habit change that will truly pay off as you get older.

5) Living against your values

Here’s something I’ve realized over the years: one of the key components to living a regret-free life is understanding your core values and living in alignment with them.

We all have a unique set of values that guide our decisions and actions. But too often, in the hustle and bustle of life, we lose sight of these values. We end up making choices that go against what we truly believe in, leading to regret and dissatisfaction later in life.

That’s why it’s so crucial to take the time to understand what your core values are. This isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. Once you know your values, you can make decisions that align with who you truly are.

My friend, Life Transition Coach Jeanette Brown, has created an exceptional exercise to help with this: Defining Your Values Exercise. It’s a tool I’ve personally used and found incredibly helpful.

By saying goodbye to the habit of living against your values and embracing a life that aligns with who you truly are, you’ll be well on your way to leading a regret-free life as you age.

6) Neglecting relationships

We’re all guilty of this habit to some degree.

In our busy lives, it’s easy to neglect our relationships with family and friends. We may cancel plans, fail to return calls, or simply not make the time to connect with the people we care about.

But as we get older, we often realize that it’s these relationships that truly enrich our lives. After all, life is about connections, shared experiences, and love.

Let’s say goodbye to the habit of neglecting our relationships. Start by reaching out to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Plan a family dinner. Write a letter to a loved one.

These simple actions can breathe life back into your relationships and fill your older years with joy and satisfaction, instead of regret.

It’s never too late to reconnect.

7) Staying stuck in the past

This is a habit I’m sure we can all relate to.

We all have a tendency to dwell on the past, replaying old conversations, reliving past mistakes, or longing for ‘the good old days’. But here’s the thing: living in the past robs us of our ability to fully experience the present moment.

Mindfulness teaches us to live in the ‘here and now’. It’s about acknowledging and accepting our past, but not letting it dictate our present or future.

I’ve learned that letting go of past regrets, disappointments, and failures is key to living a more fulfilled and regret-free life as we age. It allows us to fully embrace and appreciate the beauty of each present moment.

Let’s try to say goodbye to this habit. Whenever you find your mind drifting to the past, gently bring it back to the present. Focus on your breath, your surroundings, or the task at hand.

The past is a place of reference, not residence. Let’s live where life is happening – in the present.

8) Fearing change

Change is a part of life. It’s inevitable and constant. Yet, many of us develop a habit of fearing change, clinging to comfort and familiarity.

But as the Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “The only thing that is constant is change.” Instead of fearing it, we should embrace it.

Fear of change can hold us back from new opportunities, experiences, and growth. It can lead us to settle for less than we deserve, or keep us stuck in situations that no longer serve us.

Saying goodbye to this fear isn’t easy, but it opens up a world of possibilities. Start by stepping out of your comfort zone in small ways – try a new food, pick up a new hobby, or take a different route to work.

Over time, you’ll find that change isn’t so scary after all. And as you get older, you’ll have fewer regrets about missed opportunities and more stories of exciting adventures and growth.

9) Chasing happiness

Now, this might sound a bit counterintuitive.

After all, isn’t happiness what we all strive for? But in my personal experience, I’ve found that the constant pursuit of happiness can actually lead to more dissatisfaction and regret as we age.

When we make happiness our end goal, we’re always chasing the next big thing – the promotion, the dream house, the perfect relationship – believing that these things will finally make us happy. But once we achieve them, we often find that happiness is still elusive.

The truth is, happiness isn’t a destination, it’s a by-product of living a meaningful life, of being present and grateful for what we have right now.

Instead of chasing after happiness, focus on cultivating meaning in your life. Engage in activities you love, spend time with people who enrich your life, give back to your community.

When you stop chasing happiness and start living a life of purpose and gratitude, you’ll find that happiness comes naturally. And as you age, you’ll have fewer regrets and more joy-filled memories.

10) Not setting boundaries

Setting boundaries is a crucial aspect of maintaining healthy relationships and ensuring your own mental well-being.

Yet, many of us fall into the habit of not setting or maintaining these boundaries. We say ‘yes’ when we want to say ‘no’, we allow others to overstep our limits, and we neglect our own needs to accommodate others.

This lack of boundary setting can lead to burnout, resentment, and regret as we age.

So let’s make a conscious effort to establish and uphold our boundaries. Start by identifying what you’re comfortable with and what you’re not in your relationships and work. Practice saying ‘no’ when something doesn’t align with your values or needs.

Remember, it’s okay to put yourself first sometimes. By setting boundaries, you’re not only respecting yourself but also fostering healthier, more balanced relationships. And as you grow older, you’ll be glad you did.

Conclusion

And there you have it – 10 daily habits to say goodbye to if you want to live a regret-free life as you age.

Remember, it’s never too late to start making positive changes. Whether it’s being more mindful, treating yourself with kindness, or setting healthier boundaries, each small step you take can lead to big transformations over time.

As we journey through life, let’s strive not just to age, but to age well, filled with joy and free of regret.

I’d highly recommend checking out Jeanette Brown’s “Defining Your Values Exercise” again. It’s a great tool to help align your life with your core values.

Here’s to living each day fully and mindfully, and to growing older with grace and wisdom.

www.jeannetebrown.net