15 Things I Will Never Waste Time on Again Now That I am Over 60
I recently reached the incredible age of 60, and I have to admit that I feel better than ever. One reason why I feel like I have finally reached a good point in my life is because I stopped wasting time on these 16 things. I no longer let these things control my happiness and drain my energy. I wish I had learned to stop doing these things earlier in life and that is why I wanted to share them with you. Hopefully, you, too, will stop wasting time on these unimportant things and focus on prioritizing things that truly matter.
Pleasing Everyone
Trying to please everyone is a fruitless effort that drains energy and deprives one of inner peace. Over the years, I have experienced that no matter how much effort you put in, it is impossible to make everyone happy. Now, I focus on staying true to myself and nurturing the relationships that truly matter rather than spreading myself too thin in an attempt to gain universal approval and acceptance.
Overthinking Decisions
One of my biggest wastes of time in life has been overthinking every little decision. Caution is critical, but I have found that overthinking decisions places me in a state of anxiety and indecisiveness. Instead of worrying about what might go wrong, I follow my gut more and act quickly to make decisions even when they are difficult. Through the years, I learned that no choice is riskless and that inaction is often the worst choice.
Holding Grudges
Carrying grudges serves no good other than damaging your own mind and soul. For too long, I’ve spent time dwelling on the wrongs of others and feeling bitter about how people treated me. At this time, my thoughts around forgiveness have evolved to a point where I have come to understand that it is not an excuse for others’ ugly behavior but about freeing myself from the emotional burden. The release of those grudges has me soaring again with a lighter heart and seeing life from an entirely different point of view.
Delaying Tasks
Procrastination has slyly stolen away countless hours of my life, more than I’d like to accept. Putting off essential tasks creates unnecessary stress, often resulting in rushed, low-quality outcomes that do not meet the desired standards. As I have aged, I have learned the value of tackling tasks head-on and completing them within the specified timeframe. This approach reduces stress and leaves more time for the activities and people I genuinely enjoy.
Chasing Perfection
Perfectionism can lead you down an eternal path of despair and lost effort. In the past, I would get so caught up in doing things by the book that it almost paralyzed me from taking action. The more I contemplated, the more it dawned on me: perfection is a myth, and we often forget all the good things we’ve already accomplished. As the saying goes, “Nobody’s perfect,” now I concentrate on doing my best and being okay with imperfection.
Comparison Trap
Comparing myself to others has been a snatcher of joy and self-worth. The comparison game, be it career accomplishments, physical appearance, or material possessions, can never be won. I’ve learned that everyone’s journey is unique, and comparing myself to others only diverts me from my track. Now, I work on improving myself and recognizing my progress and achievements without measuring them against that of others.
Gossip Engage
Gossiping about others may seem harmless, but it’s a destructive habit that reflects poorly on the gossiper, showing their emptiness. I’ve wasted way too much time in negative conversations about other people. I’ve learned that this behavior only breeds negativity and can destroy relationships. Moving forward, I will join in positive, affirming talk and won’t get into the small talk or toxic conversations anymore.
Past Dwelling
Constantly reliving the past has stuck me in a cycle of regret and longing; that is, my time is spent rehashing past events that cannot be undone. Yes, it would help if you took a few lessons from those experiences, but do not obsess over them, as it is a habit that will keep you perpetually tied to regret and longing. I’ve realized that what happened before cannot be changed, and all we can do is today or in the future; by releasing the past, I’ve freed myself to live more fully in the moment.
Others Opinion
Caring too much about what others think has driven far too many of my decisions over the years. I realized that I often had chosen the options based on what other people would confirm when, in reality, it wasn’t my actual values. Now, I know the opinions of others are transient and shaded by their own experiences; my opinion is what truly matters. It has genuinely changed my life, making me more authentic and confident.
Toxic Stay-In
Staying in toxic relationships out of fear of being alone or being convinced that things would improve has been one of the greatest time-wasters of my life. Toxic relationships drain your energy, happiness, and self-worth; I now value relationships that are only mutually encouraging and nourishing. I’ve learned that it’s better to be alone than in bad company and that letting go of toxic relationships opens the door to healthier, more fulfilling connections.
Pursuing Materialism
Chasing material possessions has proven to be an empty pursuit without lasting satisfaction. I spent too much time and wealth attaining stuff I thought would bring happiness, only to find that material items rarely provide lasting fulfillment. The notions of experiences, relationships, and personal growth are far more important to me than any physical possession. By focusing on what truly matters, I have had contentment and peace beyond measure.
Neglecting Self-Care
For too long, I have put the needs of others before my own, thinking that self-care was selfish, but it is a mistake I will never make again. I have since learned that taking care of myself is essential for my overall well-being and enables me to better care for others. Whether physical health, mental wellness, or a simple relaxing ritual, self-care is now an unavoidable part of my life.
Taking Family for Granted
While I may not always get along with every member of my family, I know that they are always there for me when times get tough. Once I turned 60, I stopped taking my family for granted and assumed they would always be around. From sudden losses to family members moving away, I realized that family dynamics can suddenly change, especially if those relationships are not nurtured and cared for. Now, I prioritize my family and make sure they know how much I care for them.
Avoiding Adventure
So many people told me that once I hit 60, I needed to slow down. Sure, my body may be a little older than before, and yes, I am now on a fixed income, but that doesn’t mean I need to stop living my life. Rather than saying no to adventure and exploration, I decided to say yes! I am not afraid to try new things, go to new places, or avoid challenging situations. You, too, should stop being scared of the world around you and start seeing it in a new, positive way!
Screen Time
I admit that I have watched my fair share of TV and spent hours on social media. But now that I am over the age of 60, I realize that screen time is just a waste of time. Sure, TV can be good for a little entertainment, but your whole schedule should not revolve around a silly show. Spending time staring at your phone is also pointless and will get you nowhere in life. Turn off the screens and really start living!
Now that I am 60, it is pretty clear to me what matters and what is simply a waste of time. These things are lessons I’ve learned through experience, and they’ve shaped the way I approach life moving onward. Eliminating these time wasters has freed up space in my life for more joy, peace, and fulfillment. It’s never too late to reassess your priorities and focus on what contributes to your well-being and happiness. Years ahead are valuable, and I will value them with support, love, and purpose.
