If you want to be mentally tougher as you get older, say goodbye to these 7 habits

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to grow mentally sharper and more resilient with age, while others struggle to keep up?

I’ve been thinking a lot about this recently—what it means to age not just gracefully, but powerfully.

The more I’ve read and reflected, the clearer it’s become: mental toughness isn’t just about adding positive habits to your life. It’s also about recognizing and releasing the habits that weigh you down.

Today, we’re exploring seven such habits. If your goal is to stay sharp and strong as the years go by, saying goodbye to these could make all the difference.

1) Procrastination

We all procrastinate to some extent. But as we grow older, this habit can become a major roadblock in building mental resilience.

You see, procrastination often leads to stress and anxiety which can chip away at your mental strength. It’s a vicious cycle. The more you procrastinate, the more tasks pile up, leading to more stress and anxiety.

What’s the solution?

Start breaking down your tasks into manageable chunks and tackle them one by one. Small victories lead to big wins over time.

It’s about progress, not perfection.

2) Neglecting physical health

Let me share a personal story with you. A few years ago, I found myself struggling with my mental strength. I was feeling mentally drained and couldn’t understand why.

Then it hit me: I’d been neglecting my physical health. I wasn’t exercising regularly, my diet was poor and my sleep patterns were all over the place.

I realized that my physical health was directly linked to my mental toughness. When I started taking care of my body, I noticed a significant improvement in my mental strength.

Little did I know at the time that this is well-acknowledged by experts in their field. For instance, the folks at VHI have noted:

“All kinds of exercise will cause your body to pump more blood and oxygen to your brain, resulting in better mental resilience”

Want to be mentally stronger? Start prioritizing your physical health today. It could be as simple as a daily walk or swapping out that sugary snack for something healthier.

Your body and mind are interconnected. Treat one well, and the other will thank you for it.

3) Avoiding discomfort

As humans, we’re wired to avoid discomfort. But here’s the thing: growth often comes from stepping out of our comfort zones.

Psychologists have long emphasized the importance of experiencing and overcoming discomfort in building mental toughness. It’s about facing our fears, taking on challenges, and pushing past our perceived limitations.

As we age, we often fall into the trap of seeking comfort and stability, avoiding any form of discomfort. But this habit can hinder our mental growth and resilience.

Start by taking small steps outside your comfort zone. It could be trying a new hobby, speaking up in a meeting, or simply changing your daily routine.

Discomfort isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it’s often a sign that you’re growing and evolving.

4) Striving for perfection

Now, this might sound counter-intuitive, but striving for perfection can actually hamper your mental toughness.

Why? Well, because perfectionism often leads to self-criticism and decreased self-esteem when you inevitably fall short of your unrealistic standards.

As we age, it’s crucial to shift our mindset from perfection to progress. Instead of focusing on achieving the perfect result, focus on making consistent progress and celebrating small victories along the way.

Doing so not only reduces stress and anxiety but also fosters a growth mindset that’s key to mental toughness.

5) Ignoring emotions

This is big one that’s often overlooked.

Many of us have a habit of ignoring or suppressing our emotions, especially the negative ones. We often believe that showing emotions is a sign of weakness.

However, ignoring your emotions can actually weaken your mental resilience. Emotions are a part of our human experience and are not something to be feared or avoided.

The key is to acknowledge and understand your emotions without letting them control you. This emotional intelligence is crucial for mental toughness, especially as we age and face various challenges in life.

As famous psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” Start accepting and understanding your emotions today, and you’ll find yourself becoming mentally tougher with each passing day.

6) Isolating yourself

Human beings are social creatures, and maintaining meaningful connections is essential for mental well-being.

Yet, as we age, it’s not uncommon to start isolating ourselves—whether due to busy schedules, physical limitations, or the mistaken belief that we’re better off handling things alone.

This habit, however, can take a serious toll on mental toughness. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted that social isolation is linked to depression and anxiety, both of which can weaken resilience over time.

It’s not just about having people around; it’s about fostering connections that provide emotional support, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. Start by reaching out to old friends, joining a community group, or even just making small talk with your neighbors.

The more you engage with others, the more you’ll find your mental strength reinforced through shared experiences and mutual encouragement.

7) Fear of change

As we age, changes can seem even more daunting. But clinging onto the past or resisting change only stifles our mental growth and resilience.

Instead, try embracing change as an opportunity for growth. Each change brings with it new experiences, learnings, and chances to improve our mental toughness.

It’s not the strongest or the most intelligent who survive, but those most responsive to change. So let go of your fear and embrace the change. It’s a step forward towards building greater mental toughness.

Final thoughts

Building mental toughness as you age isn’t about making drastic changes overnight—it’s about recognizing the habits that no longer serve you and taking small, consistent steps to replace them with healthier ones.

By letting go of these habits, you’re not just setting yourself up for a sharper, more resilient mind—you’re paving the way for a life that’s full of growth, connection, and strength, no matter your age.

Here’s to aging powerfully and embracing the journey ahead.