Like me, you probably know all the dos and don’ts of being of a certain age – whether you believe them or apply them is another matter. All these items are key to my own learning to fly. Perhaps they can be of help to you, too?!

Nobody likes a quitter… but there are times when it’s not just OK, it’s necessary. These are the times when your gut is screaming NO, don’t do it but you feel it necessary to please somebody else. Which is the first item on this list of things you should quit doing:

Being a People Pleaser

There is a time in everybody’s life when living within the expectations of others and ignoring all those things you want, in favour of fulfilling someone else’s needs and wants, just has to stop. This is your life – not theirs.

If you don’t want pizza for dinner, don’t have pizza for dinner! You’re not being selfish or inconsiderate, you’re just being you, which may come as a shock to those around you.

Living in the Past

Dwelling on things past is simply futile. There is nothing you can do to change past events so, if necessary, find someone who can help you defuse the emotion around the event, and move on!

Putting Yourself Down

When we hit 60, it seems that our teenage insecurities come flooding in again. No surprises there, but we do need to take stock of our reality.

I hear women complaining of this or that about themselves; some to the very grave. I can’t wear that, I’m too fat… I’m too old… I’m not smart enough…

Stop putting yourself down. If you can do something about it, just do it. If you can’t, learn to appreciate how perfectly imperfect you are.

Fearing Change

A change for the positive is good… very good. It’s part of you becoming you, and as a woman who will never see 50 again (or 60, or 70), you are an Agent of Change.

Any change that helps push you on to your next aha moment or leap off a cliff (not literally of course) shapes who you are.

Sometimes though there are changes we plan for or even start which just don’t gel. Don’t force it, if it’s right and is meant to be it should flow.

We have all been in situations in which it’s just too hard. If we quit, it isn’t because we are a failure or don’t have the stamina, it’s because the change isn’t supposed to happen.

Over-Thinking

I am guilty of over-thinking everything – well, I used to be guilty! How did I quit? Cold turkey. Every time my brain started racing (and it was constant!) with unimportant, inconsequential, and even stupid thoughts, I would say If ………… happens the world won’t stop turning, or If I forget ………… the world won’t stop turning.

I started applying this strategy to everything and, after a little time, it worked! I also included a little It is what it is. Some may think this a very simple approach, but I found it a great way to start the stopping.

Understanding that all this applies not just to ourselves and our personal lifestyle, but also to our business or work, is key to our continued success. I believe this so strongly I actually wrote an article on the topic.

So, if you’re ready, it’s time to start undoing these habits that can have a really negative effect on you.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What other things would you add to this list? Do you over-think everything or have you learned to say It is what it is? Do you want your brain to control your life (it’s certainly easier!) or would you rather control your brain? Please share your thoughts with the community!