It may be the futuristic year of 2021, but unfortunately, ageism is alive and well. Old age stereotypes lurk around every corner in both private and public institutions. From the water cooler to the webpage, negative bias surrounding age is frustratingly prevalent.
For many older individuals, this reality can be particularly grating. However, the first step toward self-empowerment is recognizing these difficulties. Those who take this step are more likely to make their later years more productive and more purposeful than those you fall into the trap of believing these supposed limitations.
Tips for Getting Rid of Your Ageist Mindset
Ageism is an issue that people face on a global level, but the truth is, it’s a societal stigma that humans have imposed upon themselves. Now is the time to say goodbye to ageism. Here are four practical tips for ridding yourself of your ageist mindset.
Start Working on a Mindset Shift
Before you can begin changing your mindset on ageing, you must first assess and recognize whether you are living with a fixed mindset or a growth mindset.
If you are living with a fixed mindset, then you’re likely focusing only on limitations. Over time, this can limit your ability to grow, seek out new experiences, and take on new challenges. In order to live a fulfilling life, it is imperative that you strip yourself of ingrained behaviors and pave the way for a growth mindset.
A growth mindset not only allows you to learn new things, but it also allows you to push yourself to new heights you never thought possible, giving you the opportunity to take control of your life in a more direct manner.
Don’t Focus on Age
It’s human nature to categorize ourselves into little boxes characterized by restrictions and influenced by our own biases. However, it’s important to remember that this is a choice, not a law. Cliche though it may be, age is just a number.
In reality, there are no limitations on what you can or cannot do at any point of adulthood; all you need is the desire to do something and the willpower to not allow your fears to stand in the way.
Have you been dreaming of traveling the world since your teens? Are you thinking about getting a tattoo at 50? Are you eager to learn a new skill in your 70s? Go for it! The trick is to empower yourself by embracing these changes in a positive way.
Be Inspired By Others
The next time you find yourself using the “I’m too old for this” excuse as a crutch, take some time researching the lives of people in your age bracket from all over the world and all throughout history. Look at the accomplishments they achieved, take note of the age these people were when they finally achieved their dreams.
For example, fashion mogul Vera Wang was 40 years old when she opened her first bridal store. Henry Ford didn’t invent the Model T until he was 45. Julia Child was 50 years old when she published her first cookbook. J.R.R. Tolkien didn’t complete his famed Lord of the Rings trilogy until he was 63 years old.
Whether its fitness, business, hobbies, dreams, skills, or trades, you have the ability to bring change to the world and inspiration to your life at any age.
Make a Plan and Stick to It
While it may be easy to fantasize about change and occasionally even experience moments of inspiration and motivation, removing ourselves from the cyclical nature of our harmful ideas and habits is another beast entirely.
If you truly want to change your mindset on aging and your status in life, you have to make a plan. Start today by mapping out a one year goal. Create an outline for what you want to accomplish each week, each month. Set small goals along the way as forms of stepping stones (there’s nothing wrong with a good sidequest!).
Over time, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to develop and grow into an even stronger, more wholesome person. Most importantly, keep at it! You have one life to live, you’d best live it to the fullest.
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