Seniors, We Know Changing Habits Is Hard
The Steve Approach Knows You Got This!
Seniors, We Know Changing Habits Is Hard — But You’ve Got This
Listen up, my experienced friends. Sticking to new, healthier routines as we age is one of life’s more frustrating battles. Our minds and bodies are frankly working against us in ways that make adopting fresh habits a colossal pain in the rear. And when those vices, indulgences, and familiar patterns are so entrenched after so many decades, giving them up can feel downright impossible some days.
But before you start using “I’m too old to change” as your go-to excuse for staying stuck, let’s get one thing straight — you absolutely can still transform your lifestyle, no matter your age or how ingrained those bad habits may be. Difficult? You betcha. A smooth journey? Hardly. Worth every ounce of hard-fought effort? Absolutely.
Look, we get it — the aging brain is a formidable force working to preserve the way things are. Those neural pathways and comfort zones become more rigid and hardwired the older we get. Mustering the mental plasticity to rewire new routines takes grit and commitment. And for habits rooted in your youth’s environment and generational norms, the unlearning can feel like shedding an old identity.
So, what’s the solution for elders looking to glow up and live their best, healthiest lives? Putting in the work sustainably and strategically and drawing strength from our deepest “whys.” Here’s how:
Start small, but start period. Tiny habits built over time are proven to spark significant transformations. Take daily 10-minute walks, swap one unhealthy snack, or wake up 30 minutes earlier — action beats inaction. Build up from there.
You can get yourself an accountability crew. Having to answer to others provides enormous habit-sticking power. Enlist loved ones, find groups with similar goals, or hire supportive coaches. We’re more likely to show up for others than just ourselves.
Tap into your powerful “Why.” Changing surface habits alone is hard; connecting changes to core values like relationships, longevity, or legacy provides unshakeable motivation. Get granular with the “whys” that deeply resonate.
None of this is about feeling ashamed for struggling — our human biology and psychology ensure that habit change gets more challenging as we age. It’s science, not something to beat yourself up over. But it’s also not an excuse to resign yourself to the status quo, either.
You’ve overcome incredible adversities and pivoted through numerous life phases to arrive at this season. Having the wisdom and self-awareness to recognize the challenges of habit change as a senior while refusing to let that reality limit your growth mindset? That’s what real strength looks like.
With strategic tiny habits, accountability partners, and core “whys” pulling you forward, your ability to transform is still within reach.
Change is always tricky, but take it from the wisest among us — the effort of adopting new routines is always worth it for a healthier, fuller life ahead. You’ve got this.
© Stephen G. Arrowsmith 2024
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