If you want to feel more cultured and aware of the world as you get older, say goodbye to these 6 behaviors

Ever feel like the older you get, the harder it is to stay truly connected to the world around you?

It’s easy to fall into familiar routines, stick to what you know, and let the world pass by.

But if you want to feel more cultured and aware — the kind of person who can hold their own in any conversation — it takes a little more intention.

The good news? It’s not about mastering obscure trivia or jet-setting around the globe. It’s about unlearning a few common habits that quietly keep you stuck.

Some of these behaviors might seem harmless at first, but over time, they limit your perspective and make life feel smaller than it really is.

By letting them go, you open yourself up to new ideas, richer conversations, and a deeper understanding of the world.

Here are 6 key behaviors that could be holding you back from becoming a more cultured, well-rounded version of yourself.

1) Close-mindedness

We all have our own comfort zones, right? Those cozy little bubbles of familiarity that keep us cocooned from the unknown.

But here’s the thing: being cultured and aware isn’t about staying nestled within those bubbles.

If you’re always sticking to what you know, always choosing the same types of books, movies, music, or even travel destinations, you’re limiting your exposure to the vast richness of the world.

You’re holding yourself back from learning about different perspectives, cultures, ideas, and experiences.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s not about forcing yourself into uncomfortable situations just for the sake of it. It’s more about welcoming new experiences with an open mind and a genuine curiosity.

So if you find yourself instinctively saying ‘no’ to anything unfamiliar or uncomfortable, it’s time to rethink that habit. Embrace the unfamiliar; let it challenge you and broaden your horizons.

2) Fear of judgment

This is a big one, isn’t it? The fear of what others will think or say. It’s a behavior that can be deeply ingrained in us and can hold us back in more ways than we realize.

I remember this one time when I was invited to an art exhibition. It was a showcase of abstract art, something I had little knowledge or understanding of.

I remember feeling apprehensive, thinking “What will I talk about? What if I say something stupid and everyone thinks I’m uncultured or ignorant?”

But then I realized, this fear of judgment was stopping me from experiencing something new. It was holding me back from learning and growing. So, I decided to go.

And you know what? I didn’t understand everything I saw that day, but it sparked an interest in me. It opened up a whole new world that I hadn’t explored before.

And it taught me that it’s alright not to know everything. It’s alright to ask questions, to learn, and to grow.

So if you find yourself holding back because of what others might think, remember that everyone starts somewhere.

Everyone has their first encounter with a new culture or a fresh idea. Don’t let the fear of judgment stop you from broadening your horizons.

3) Living in the past

The past can be a comforting place to retreat to. It’s familiar, predictable, and safe. But if we spend too much time looking back, we miss out on the present and the future.

Here’s the thing: the world is always moving forward. Cultures evolve, societies progress, technologies advance.

If we’re stuck in the past, we’re missing out on these developments.

Living in the past prevents us from being aware of the world as it is now. It stops us from understanding different cultures as they are today, not as they were decades ago.

So if you want to feel more cultured and aware as you get older, it’s time to say goodbye to living in the past.

Embrace the present and look forward to the future. Keep up with changes in society and culture, and let yourself be part of that change.

4) Neglecting self-education

We spend a good chunk of our early lives in school, learning about the world around us.

But once the cap and gown come off, many of us put our education on the back burner. We get wrapped up in work, family, and the hustle and bustle of life, forgetting that learning is a lifelong journey.

Sure, formal education has its place, but self-education is where the magic really happens.

It’s where we get to choose what we want to learn about, explore our interests and passions, and broaden our understanding of the world.

When we neglect self-education, we’re missing out on so many opportunities to become more cultured and aware. We’re denying ourselves the chance to:

• Discover new ideas
• Understand different cultures
• Gain fresh perspectives

So if you want to feel more cultured and aware as you get older, make self-education a priority. As they say, knowledge is power.

Dive into books about different cultures, take online courses on topics that interest you, watch documentaries about world history – the options are endless.

5) Ignoring the opinions of others

We all have our own beliefs, values, and opinions. And that’s a good thing. It’s what makes us unique, what gives us our individuality.

But if we’re not careful, it can also become a barrier to growth and understanding.

If we only ever listen to our own thoughts and opinions, we’re missing out on a whole world of perspectives.

We’re closing ourselves off from the chance to learn something new, to challenge our own viewpoints and perhaps even change them.

Imagine how much richer your understanding of the world could be if you actively sought out the opinions of others.

Even if you don’t agree with them, just the act of listening can broaden your horizons and deepen your cultural awareness.

So next time you find yourself dismissing someone else’s opinion without really considering it, stop and take a moment to listen.

Welcoming diversity of thought will help you become so much more cultured and aware of the world around you.

This brings me to the next point…

6) Not embracing diversity

This world is a beautiful mosaic of diverse cultures, traditions, and people. Each one unique, each one valuable.

But often, instead of embracing this diversity, we tend to shy away from it. We stick to what we know, what’s similar to us.

But the beauty of our world lies in its diversity. It’s in the differences that we truly learn and grow. It’s in the understanding and celebration of these differences that we become more cultured and aware.

As the team at Steps4Change put it, “Diversity is an awesome way for us to explore our inner curiosities. It gives us the opportunity to live outside of our comfort zone, enhance our learning, and develop an overall sense of personal growth.”

Think about it. Every time you interact with someone from a different culture or background, you get an opportunity to learn something new. You get a chance to expand your understanding and view the world from a different lens.

So if you want to feel more cultured and aware as you get older, it’s time to say goodbye to not embracing diversity.

Make an effort to learn about different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. Celebrate the differences that make our world so incredibly rich and diverse.

Remember, the more we understand and embrace diversity, the more cultured and aware we become. And isn’t that a beautiful thing?