If you want your 70s to feel genuinely happy, say goodbye to these 7 behaviors - Smallbiztechnology.com

There’s a real difference between simply living in your 70s and truly enjoying this golden period of life.

This difference lies in our habits. Some behaviors that we’ve held onto for years may not serve us well anymore. In fact, they might be the very things holding us back from genuine happiness.

To make your 70s truly joyful, there are certain habits you need to let go. And wise individuals know that there are specific behaviors they need to bid adieu to.

So, if you’re ready to embrace a happier version of your life in your 70s, here are seven behaviors you might want to say goodbye to.

1) Holding onto grudges

There aren’t many things that can drain our happiness more than holding onto past hurts.

In the golden years of our 70s, this becomes even more apparent. Our time is too precious to waste on grudges and resentment.

The power of forgiveness is immense. Not only does it free us from the burden of negative feelings, but it also allows us to move forward in life with a lighter heart.

Consider this. It’s often easier to hold onto a grudge than to let it go. But that doesn’t mean it’s the healthier choice.

When confronted with past hurts, the choice to forgive and let go can be challenging. But remember, forgiveness isn’t about the other person – it’s about you and your own peace of mind.

2) Neglecting physical health

The importance of maintaining physical health cannot be underestimated, especially as we age.

I’ll share a personal example with you. My grandmother was an incredibly vibrant woman in her 70s. She loved gardening, cooking, and was often the life of family gatherings. But she had a habit of neglecting her physical health.

She would often skip her regular check-ups and ignore minor health issues, thinking they were just part of getting older. Unfortunately, this led to a major health problem that could have been managed better if caught earlier.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson. Our physical health plays a key role in our overall happiness and quality of life. Neglecting it is like ignoring a small leak in your home – it might seem insignificant at first, but over time it can lead to serious damage.

Regular check-ups, staying active, eating healthy – these might seem like small things but trust me, they make a big difference in the long run.

3) Living in the past or future

As we get older, it’s easy to get stuck in the past, dwelling on what we could have done differently, or worrying about the future. But this way of thinking can rob us of our present happiness.

Mindfulness is a powerful tool to combat this. It’s about being fully present and engaged in the here and now. And let me tell you, it can transform your life in your 70s and beyond.

In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I delve into practical ways to incorporate mindfulness into daily life. It’s about small shifts that can make a big impact on our sense of calm and happiness.

By practicing mindfulness, you can learn to appreciate each moment as it comes, and stop letting past regrets or future anxieties cloud your present. This is especially crucial in our 70s when every moment is truly precious.

4) Being scared of change

Change can be intimidating. It disrupts our routine and forces us out of our comfort zone. But resisting change can limit our growth and happiness, especially as we step into our 70s.

There was a time when a major change shook my life – I had to move to a new city due to work. The thought of leaving my comfort zone, my friends, and the familiarity of my neighborhood was terrifying.

But as I navigated through this change, I discovered new things about myself, made new friends, and explored different aspects of life that I wouldn’t have otherwise.

Just like me, you might be facing changes in your 70s – maybe it’s retirement, moving to a smaller home, or even the loss of loved ones. But remember, change also brings opportunities for growth and new experiences.

5) Pursuing happiness directly

Now, this might sound counter-intuitive, but hear me out. The pursuit of happiness as a goal in itself can actually take us further away from it.

When we pin our happiness on achieving certain things or reaching specific milestones, we set ourselves up for disappointment. Because the truth is, life is unpredictable and things don’t always go as planned.

Instead of chasing happiness directly, focus on living a fulfilling and meaningful life. Engage in activities that you love, build strong relationships, express gratitude, give back to the community. These are the things that naturally lead to a feeling of joy and contentment.

In your 70s, this becomes even more crucial. You’ve earned this time to enjoy life and all its little pleasures. So instead of chasing happiness, let it find you by living a life filled with purpose and passion.

6) Comparing yourself to others

As we age, it’s easy to start comparing our life to those of others. Maybe you see your friends traveling the world, while you’re at home. Or perhaps your old high school buddy seems to be in better health than you are.

But remember, comparison is the thief of joy. Everyone’s journey is unique, and comparing yours to someone else’s only serves to breed dissatisfaction and discontent.

In your 70s, it’s more important than ever to focus on your own path. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Appreciate the unique experiences and wisdom that your years have brought you.

Instead of comparing yourself to others, try comparing yourself to who you were yesterday. Strive for personal growth and self-improvement, and let that be the benchmark of your success.

7) Neglecting relationships

At the end of the day, our relationships are what truly enrich our lives. They provide support, love, and a sense of belonging. Neglecting these relationships, especially as we age, can lead to loneliness and unhappiness.

It’s essential to nurture your relationships, be it with family, friends, or even new acquaintances. These connections add a layer of richness to our lives that nothing else can.

The bond you share with others can be a great source of joy and comfort in your 70s. So make it a point to invest time and energy into your relationships. They are, after all, the heart of a genuinely happy life.

Final thoughts: The power lies within you

The journey towards genuine happiness in our 70s is deeply personal and unique to each one of us. It’s about letting go of certain behaviors and embracing some new ones.

One key factor in this journey is our mindset. It’s all about how we perceive our life and the world around us.

As I’ve explored in my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, mindfulness can play a pivotal role here. It encourages us to live in the present moment, to accept changes, and to appreciate life as it unfolds.

Whether it’s forgiving past hurts, letting go of comparisons, or nurturing your relationships, each step brings you closer to a more joyful and fulfilling life in your 70s.

Remember, it’s never too late to make changes for a happier life. The power to shape your golden years lies within you. So as you navigate this beautiful decade, keep these behaviors in mind, bid adieu to what doesn’t serve you, and embrace what enriches your life.