The 9 habits of people who achieve more in their 60s+, 02 than they ever did before.
Continue from part 01
So, as you move forward for 9 habits of people who achieve more in their 60s+, 02 than ever before, remember to embrace these positive habits of Part 1 & the ones you will have in Part 02.
- They Foster strong social Connections and Networks
Psychology has long emphasized the importance of social connections and interactions for our overall well-being. The same principle applies even more to those who are thriving in their 60s and beyond. They understand the value of nurturing strong, positive relationships. This is where reviving old friendships comes in especially in alumni bonds through regular meetings and reunions.
Maintaining social connections [acquaintances, networks, contacts] provides emotional support, and combats feelings of loneliness and isolation. Feelings of loneliness and isolation can contribute to physical death. Research has shown that individuals with strong social networks tend to live longer, have lower rates of anxiety and depression, and even have stronger immune systems.
But let me not make it a quantity issue. It’s not just about quantity; quality matters too. It’s about cultivating deep, meaningful relationships that provide mutual support and positivity.
So, how can you foster these strong social connections? Start by reaching out to friends or family members regularly. Join clubs or groups that share your interests. What of alumni associations? Old boys? Old girls? Yes. Come on, join, and participate actively. Socialize and resocialize. Connect, play, and network. Volunteer in your community. Remember, it’s about creating meaningful engagements, yes, engagements, engagements with the people around you.
Again, I refer to psychologist Carl Jung once said, “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical
substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.” So, when you meet old friends, you are not just meeting, chemical reactions are taking place. Why didn’t we say this to the youth? Answer: Their cells and blood are still recreating, and renewing, yours is not so.
Don’t underestimate the transformative power of strong social connections. You don’t know what happens when a strong social connection is ignited especially when old friends meet.
- They Embrace failure Unregrettably & Unapologetically
See, this one might seem a bit counter-intuitive. After all, aren’t we supposed to avoid failure? Must we embrace negative things as failures? Well, not exactly. People who thrive in their 60s and beyond have a different perspective. They don’t fear failure as when they were young. After all, if it happens, it has happened. It is spilt milk…no need to cry over it, than to learn from it. They see failure not as a setback, but as a stepping stone towards success. They have learned many lessons. Maturity!
They understand that failure is part of the process…that it’s an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to improve. They don’t let fear of failure hold them back to their shelf; instead, they embrace it, even “love it”, knowing that it’s the nearby teacher they could ask for.
So, come on, the next time you face a setback or a failure, don’t let it discourage you. Instead, see it as a chance to learn and grow.
As Thomas Edison famously said after countless failed attempts [9,999] at inventing the light bulb: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
Embracing failure is about adopting a growth mindset – seeing every challenge as an opportunity to evolve.
- Cultivate an attitude of gratitude – Be Grateful Always
A veritable powerful habit practiced by those who thrive in their later years is cultivating an attitude of gratitude…showing gratefulness.
These individuals make it a point to acknowledge the good in their lives. They’re grateful for the big wins, sure, but they also appreciate the small things – a sunny day, a sunny side of life, a good book, a delicious meal. This habit of gratitude which wasn’t as such in their later lives enhances their overall happiness and well-being.
Please don’t just take my word for it. There’s plenty of psychological research backing this up this my position. Studies have shown that expressing gratitude can increase feelings of happiness, improve physical health, and even strengthen relationships. I didn’t mention scriptures on the power of gratitude. That only can fill a book of 5,000 pages.
So, how can you cultivate an attitude of gratitude? Start by keeping a gratitude jotter or gratitude journal, where you write down five things you’re grateful for each day. It’s a simple practice, but it can make a world of difference.
- They Find and Live Purpose and Passion
Not finding purpose and passion before now could be a waste. But in the 60s, not finding purpose and passion is a disaster. Why was I created? Why am I here? Finding one’s purpose and passion is a cornerstone of a fulfilled life, no matter the age. Period! For those thriving in their 60s and beyond, this often translates to engaging in activities that bring them joy and contribute to the greater good. Why? They have found a mission, assignment, and reason for existence, in say living.
If I ask you to reevaluate your priorities. What will you do? Will you pursue what will make you richer or happier? It should be a decision driven by a newfound purpose and passion. 
Finding your purpose doesn’t necessarily mean you have to make dramatic changes in your life. It can be as simple as spending more time on what makes you fulfilled with/without pay, what makes you happy, problems you can’t ignore to solve, or volunteering for a cause you care about. The key is to engage in activities that align with your values and bring you unspeakable joy.
- They Practice Resilience [Bounce Back]
Another habit of people who thrive and win in their 60s and beyond is the practice of resilience.
Life is unpredictable. Certain things are predictable. Challenges, setbacks, crises, adversities, and disappointments are inevitable. They are also predictable. But what sets successful individuals apart is their ability to bounce back from these hardships. Resilience means bounce back as a tennis or soccer ball does.
Resilience isn’t about avoiding difficulties or pretending they don’t hurt. No! It’s about facing them head-on, learning from them, and using the experience to grow stronger.
Resilient individuals can maintain a positive outlook and stay focused on their goals, even in the face of adversity. They see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.
You can cultivate resilience by maintaining a positive attitude, practicing self-care, setting realistic goals, and seeking support when needed.
As the famous saying goes: “It’s not about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”
Keep moving forward, no matter what life throws your way. No matter how slow; better to crawl than to be in a place. That’s the key to thriving at any age or dispensation.
Conclusion – Take Home
Practice resilience, be grateful and cultivate gratitude, foster strong social connections and networks, and never stop learning. Because no matter how old you are, every day is a new opportunity to grow, to learn, and to thrive.
After all, as Carl Jung once said: “The afternoon of life is just as full of meaning as the morning; only, its meaning and purpose are different…” So, let’s make the most out of every stage of life. Because truly, it’s never too late to live your best life.
Waoo, let me stop the 9 habits of people who achieve more in their 60s+, 02.
Mike Ihezuo is just a MOTIVATOR, an INSPIRATION to many. CONTACT him. #AgeGracefullyHQ. @MikeOIhezuo. #Spring Up O Well!
If you Did Not, Start from Part 1
