8 behaviours to drop if you want to be respected as you get older | #NwokeukwuMascot

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Growing older is inevitable, but losing respect as we age isn’t. The key lies in our behaviours. As we age, some habits that might have been acceptable when we were younger can begin to tarnish our image.

Getting rid of these behaviours can ensure that you’re admired and respected, no matter how many candles are on your birthday cake. In this article, we’ll be exploring 8 behaviours you should consider dropping if you want to keep the respect you’ve earned over the years. And trust me, it’s never too late to change for the better.

1.) Being unaccepting of change:

As we age, it’s easy to become set in our ways. We find comfort in the familiar and tend to resist change. However, life is a constant flux of change. New technologies emerge, societal norms shift and our personal circumstances evolve.

Resisting these changes can often make us seem out of touch or even stubborn. This can lead to a loss of respect from those around us, especially the younger generation.

Embracing change, on the other hand, shows that we are adaptable, open-minded and willing to learn. This not only earns us respect but also keeps us relevant and involved in the world as it moves forward.

Remember, it’s not about chasing every new trend or discarding your core values. It’s about understanding that change is a part of life and being willing to adapt and grow with it.

2.) Holding onto grudges:

We all have experienced moments of hurt and betrayal in our lives. I’m no exception.

There was this one time when a close friend of mine made a business decision that affected me negatively. I was hurt, and for a while, I harbored resentment towards him.

But as I got older, I realized that holding onto grudges was doing more harm to me than to the person who had wronged me. It was a heavy weight, constantly pulling me down and stopping me from moving forward.

When I decided to let go of that grudge and forgive my friend, it felt like a burden had been lifted. It allowed me to focus on the present and the future, rather than being stuck in the past.

Holding onto grudges as we get older can paint us as bitter and unforgiving. However, showing forgiveness and letting go of past hurts shows maturity and earns respect. So, if you’re holding onto a grudge, consider letting it go. You might be surprised at how light you’ll feel.

3.) Not listening to others:

Communication is a two-way street, and as we age, some of us start to dominate the conversation, forgetting this important fact.

Did you know that according to research from Michigan State University, good listeners are more likely to be better leaders? This is because they are more likely to understand and consider others’ perspectives, leading to better decision making.

Failing to listen can make people feel unheard and unimportant. If we want to continue to be respected as we get older, it’s crucial that we cultivate good listening habits.

Listening is a sign of respect and shows that you value other people’s opinions and ideas. So next time you’re in a conversation, try to really listen. It may earn you more respect than you realize.

4.) Neglecting self-care:

As we age, it’s easy to neglect our physical health and well-being. Maybe we think it’s too late to start a fitness routine, or perhaps we’re just too busy taking care of others.

But here’s the thing – self-care isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. Neglecting self-care can lead to a decline in physical health, mental wellness, and overall quality of life. This can affect how others perceive us and our capabilities.

On the other hand, when we take care of ourselves, we’re showing that we value our health and well-being. This not only contributes to our self-respect but also influences how others respect us.

So whether it’s adopting a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, or taking time for mental relaxation, make sure you’re taking care of you.

5.) Refusing to apologize:

We’re all human, and we all make mistakes. What sets us apart is how we handle those mistakes.

Some of us might find it hard to admit when we’re wrong. Maybe it’s pride, or perhaps we’re afraid of appearing weak. But refusing to apologize when we’ve hurt someone can damage our relationships and our reputation.

On the contrary, saying “I’m sorry” when we’ve messed up shows humility and emotional maturity. It indicates that we value our relationships more than our ego. Apologizing doesn’t make us weak. It makes us human. It shows that we understand the impact of our actions and are willing to take responsibility for them.

So the next time you make a mistake, don’t shy away from saying those two simple words – “I’m sorry”. It could mean the world to someone and earn you their respect.

6.) Playing the comparison game:

I’ve had my fair share of moments where I’ve found myself comparing my life to others. It’s incredibly easy to fall into this trap, especially in this digital age where everyone’s highlight reel is on display. I remember scrolling through social media, seeing my peers’ successes, and feeling like I was falling behind. It was a cycle that left me feeling inadequate and unhappy.

But with time, I realized that everyone is on their own unique journey. Comparing ourselves to others only breeds discontentment and steals our joy. Instead, focusing on our own growth and achievements can foster self-respect and admiration from others. Recognizing and celebrating our own progress shows that we understand our worth is not determined by others but by ourselves.

Life isn’t a race. It’s a personal journey. Learning to appreciate our own path can help us gain the respect of others as we age.

7.) Being judgmental:

We all have our opinions and beliefs. However, when we start imposing these on others or judging them for their choices, it can lead to a loss of respect.

No one likes to feel judged or criticized. It can create a barrier and make it difficult for others to connect with us. On the other hand, being open-minded and accepting of others’ differences can make us more approachable and respected. It shows that we value diversity and understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to life.

So, let’s aim to cultivate an attitude of acceptance and understanding. After all, our world is beautifully diverse, and respecting that diversity is a mark of maturity.

8.) Failing to express gratitude:

The most important behaviour to drop as we age, if we want to be respected, is failing to express gratitude. Gratitude is more than just good manners. It’s a reflection of our character.

When we express gratitude, we acknowledge the goodness in our lives and the efforts of others. It shows that we don’t take things for granted and that we value the people and experiences that enrich our lives.

A simple “thank you” can make a huge difference in how we are perceived by others. So let’s make it a habit to express our gratitude freely and frequently. It’s a small act with a big impact.

Finally, The journey of life is a beautiful process of evolution and growth. As we age, we accumulate experiences and wisdom that shape us into the person we become. This process, however, should not be passive. It requires us to constantly reflect on our behaviors and make necessary adjustments.

Consider the words of renowned poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, “I am convinced that most people do not grow up…We marry and dare to have children and call that growing up. I think what we do is mostly grow old. We carry accumulation of years in our bodies, and on our faces, but generally our real selves, the children inside, are innocent and shy as magnolias.”

Growing old is inevitable, but growing up is a choice. It’s about learning to drop behaviors that no longer serve us and adopting ones that bring respect and admiration. So as you navigate the journey of life, remember that each passing year is an opportunity to grow, evolve, and earn respect. After all, respect is not given but earned. And the beauty of it all? It’s never too late to start earning it.