When you hit 60, you get a wake-up call. You realize time is precious and can’t be squandered on trivialities. Yes, I’ve had my share of these lightbulb moments.
Turning 60, I found myself reevaluating my priorities. I started to let go of things that were sucking the life out of me.
So, here’s the wisdom I’ve gathered over six decades: the 8 things I stopped wasting energy on after turning 60.
This isn’t a guidebook, but if you’re interested in a journey towards a more peaceful and focused life, stick around. Let’s dive in.
1) Being perfect
Perfection is a myth and I wasted so much of my precious time chasing it.
The truth surfaced after 60: Perfection is not only unattainable, but it’s also not necessary. Life is beautifully messy, filled with mistakes and missteps that help us grow.
I’ve learned to embrace my flaws and accept that I’m a work in progress. This doesn’t mean I stopped striving for improvement. Instead, I shifted my focus to progress, not perfection.
The energy once used to attain an elusive perfection is now spent on appreciating the journey, the learning, and the growth that comes with each new day.
It’s liberating, believe me. And you don’t have to wait till you’re 60 to realize this. Start now.
2) People-pleasing
For a significant part of my life, I was the consummate people-pleaser. I bent over backward to meet everyone’s expectations, often at the expense of my own happiness and well-being.
I remember a time when I would take on extra work just to keep a colleague happy, even if it meant missing out on my grandson’s soccer games. Not anymore.
After turning 60, I decided to stop this draining cycle. Today, I ensure I respect my own boundaries and put my well-being first. It’s not about being selfish; it’s about self-care.
I’ve learned that you can’t pour from an empty cup. So, I’ve stopped trying to keep everyone else happy before ensuring I’m content first. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made since turning 60.
3) Material possessions
There’s a fascinating shift that happens as you age. You start to realize that experiences hold more value than material possessions.
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The joy of a new car or the latest gadget is fleeting, but the memories from a family vacation or a heartwarming conversation with an old friend, those last a lifetime.
Did you know that research also supports this? Studies have found that experiences make people happier than possessions. So instead of filling my life with more stuff, I’ve decided to fill it with more experiences, more laughter, and more love.
It’s not about having less; it’s about making room for what truly matters. And trust me, when you make this shift, life becomes richer in ways you never imagined.
4) Holding grudges
There’s a saying that holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. I’ve learned the truth of this the hard way.
Nursing old wounds and holding onto resentment only weighs you down. It robs you of the joy of the present moment and can even affect your health.
After turning 60, I decided to let go of my past grudges. Instead of harboring resentment, I chose forgiveness. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning what happened, but it does mean making peace with it. It was a choice I made for my own peace of mind, and it’s freed me in ways I never thought possible.
5) The fear of change
Change used to scare me. I was comfortable in my routines, my patterns. Disturbing them felt like a threat.
But here’s what I realized: Change is inevitable. It’s a part of life. And more importantly, it’s often a doorway to something better.
After turning 60, I decided to embrace change instead of fighting it. It started with small steps – changing my morning routine, trying a new hobby, even moving to a new city.
I won’t lie – it was intimidating at first. But the more I embraced change, the more I realized that stepping out of my comfort zone was not as scary as I’d imagined. In fact, it brought new experiences and opportunities that I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise.
So now, I welcome change with open arms. It keeps life exciting, and me, young at heart!
6) Seeking absolute control
Here’s a paradox: the more we try to control everything, the less control we actually have.
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I used to be a control freak, always wanting things to go my way, planning every detail meticulously. But life has a funny way of throwing curveballs at our best-laid plans.
I realized that seeking total control was not only exhausting but also futile. Life is unpredictable and that’s what makes it interesting.
After 60, I started letting go of my need for absolute control. Instead, I learned to go with the flow more often, to accept that some things are simply beyond my control.
It’s not about giving up responsibility or not making plans, but about understanding that sometimes, you have to adapt and adjust. It’s about finding peace in uncertainty and enjoying the surprises life throws your way.
7) Comparing myself with others
We live in a world that constantly encourages us to compare ourselves with others. Who’s more successful? Who’s happier? Who’s doing better?
I confess, I fell into this comparison trap many times. But all it did was make me feel inadequate and unhappy.
After turning 60, I decided to stop this unhealthy habit. I realized that my journey is unique, and comparing it with someone else’s doesn’t make sense. We are all on different paths, with different strengths, challenges, and victories.
Instead of comparing myself with others, I now focus on my own growth and progress. I celebrate my wins, learn from my failures, and most importantly, appreciate my unique journey.
It’s a much healthier and rewarding way to live. Trust me on this one!
8) Worrying about the future
Worrying about the future is like trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. It’s not going to get you anywhere.
I spent years worrying about what might happen, about the ‘what ifs’. But all it did was rob me of my peace in the present moment.
I’ve learned that the future is not in my hands. Yes, I can plan and prepare, but I can’t predict or control it.
After turning 60, I decided to stop this incessant worrying. Instead, I chose to focus on the present, to enjoy the now. Because the present moment is all we truly have.
Let go of your worries about the future. Focus on making the most of your today. It’s the greatest gift you can give yourself.
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Final thoughts
As you’ve journeyed through this list with me, I hope you’ve realized that life after 60 isn’t a period of decline but a time of growth and liberation.
Letting go of these energy-draining habits is about creating a more fulfilling life, one where your energy is spent on things that truly matter.
Remember the words of Carl Jung, “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” This holds true no matter what age you are.
As we age, we have the opportunity to choose what matters most. For me, it’s been about releasing the unnecessary and embracing the now. And trust me, it’s made all the difference.
Take a moment to reflect. What are you holding onto that’s draining your energy? What will you choose to become? It’s never too late to make a change for the better. Your journey is uniquely yours. Make it count!
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