7 Things To Stop Doing After 40 (If You Want a Better Life)

I remember approaching my 40th birthday with dread, believing that things were all downhill from here.

I thought that as I transitioned from my 30s to my 40s, I would see the world turn its back on me. 

I thought I’d be sidelined for opportunities and unable to keep up with the younger generations. I convinced myself I was about to fade into the background.

But when I actually hit 40, I discovered this wasn’t the case at all.

Instead of feeling like the end, it felt like the beginning of freedom.

Why?

Because your 40s come with a hell of a lot of life experience. This is the decade where you realize the expectations, pressure, and bad habits aren’t serving you anymore.

And with age comes confidence. In your 40s, you can finally start living life on your terms. You know, doing what YOU want, not what others expect from you.

Whether you’re approaching your 40s or are already there, here are 7 things to stop doing after 40—things that are holding you back from the life you deserve!

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1. Saying Yes to Things You Secretly Hate

If you struggle to say no to people, you’re not alone. A recent YouGov survey found that half of Americans identify as people-pleasers, and women are significantly more likely to have people-pleasing tendencies than men.

It’s not surprising, really, considering women are conditioned to care for others, putting their family’s needs above their own throughout their 20s and 30s.

But when you reach your 40s, it’s time to start saying no. 

Saying yes to everything not only shows others that they can walk over you, but it’s also detrimental to your health. Psychologists state that people-pleasing is linked to higher stress, depression, resentment, and even burnout. 

Your time and energy are valuable, and this is the decade to protect them. So stop saying yes to things out of guilt, obligation, or because you don’t want to disappoint someone.

2. Obsessing Over What Other People Think

Did you know that our brains are wired to assume people are thinking about us far more than they are?

This phenomenon, known as the “spotlight effect,” determines our choices and actions and can even hold us back from doing the things we want to do.

But the truth is, most people are too busy worrying about THEMSELVES to analyze, let alone even notice, your every move.

So essentially, you’re wasting your energy changing yourself and filtering your choices for no reason.

Instead, you could be embracing your authentic self and unapologetically stepping into your potential.

Doesn’t that sound much better than keeping yourself small? 

Exactly! So stop living your life for the approval of people who aren’t even paying attention.

3. Wearing Stress Like a Badge of Honor

For years, people have prided themselves on how busy they are, making it seem like if you’re not exhausted, you’re not doing enough.

Slowly, we are starting to see that this is not only wrong but also incredibly unhealthy. 

If you still view busyness as productivity, it’s time to change that perspective now.

Stress isn’t a status symbol; it’s a killer. Many studies have found strong connections between chronic stress and heart disease, anxiety, depression, and accelerated aging.

So, instead of overloading yourself to look ‘productive,’ focus on efficiency. In other words, work smarter, not harder. 

In doing so, you’ll protect your peace and health, which brings us to number 4…

4. Ignoring Your Health

Remember in your 20s when you could stay out drinking all night, sleep for a couple of hours, and tackle a full day’s work like it was nothing?

When you reach 40, you can no longer do that. Gone are the days that you can get away with eating fast food every night, skipping the gym, and skimping on sleep.

If you try to live that way in your 40s, you’ll quickly see some pushback as your body screams “no.”

Ignoring your health in your 40s is a fast track to accelerated aging and chronic health problems. 

We cannot deny the fact that our physical bodies age. For example, muscle mass decreases approximately 3 – 8% per decade from age 30!

Now, I’m not saying you must completely overhaul your entire life, start working out every day, or never eat a chocolate bar again.

But, when you reach your 40s, you should start to implement some small, daily health habits, such as:

• Gentle movement each day (this could even be a short walk)
• Ensuring you get 7-8 hours of sleep every night
• Prioritizing whole foods over junk food.

5. Hanging Onto Toxic People

A well-known 75-year Harvard study on happiness found that the biggest predictor of long-term well-being isn’t money or success; it’s the quality of your relationships.

When you reach your 40s, you shouldn’t still be dealing with toxic friends and energy vampires.

Instead, you should be curating your circle, ensuring the people around you uplift you rather than bring you down.

Start now by thinking about the people you spend your time with. Do they increase your energy or drain it? 

6. Playing Small

How many years have you spent doubting yourself and making excuses for why you’re not ready to go after your dreams?

Likely too many. And if you’re approaching 40, it’s time to change that. Because the truth is you ARE ready to take the next step.

There is nothing to hold you back, except your own limitations. And one thing that certainly shouldn’t hold you back is your age.

Many of the world’s most successful, inspiring people didn’t get started until their 40s.

• Vera Wang didn’t design her first dress until she was 40. 
• Morgan Freeman didn’t get his big Hollywood break until his 50s. 
• Julia Child didn’t publish her first cookbook until she was 49.

Your 40s are not the time to shrink. They’re the decade to EXPAND, which brings me to this final mistake…

7. Believing It’s Too Late

It is never too late to change careers, start over, move to a new city, fall in love, or completely reinvent yourself.

Sure, you might not have as much energy or free time as you did in your 20s. But if you’re still breathing, you have time.

Interestingly, a study by Yale University found that people with a positive perception of aging live, on average, 7.5 years longer.

So you see, your age only holds you back if you let it!

Final Thoughts

To learn more about why letting go of these 7 things in your 40s is an ABSOLUTE MUST for creating a life that excites you, watch the full video episode:

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If you need help mapping out what you want from life in your 40s and beyond, grab a copy of my printable planner, The WellPlanned Method.

Lastly, if this article has inspired you to live your best life in your 40s, leave a comment below and tell me which of these seven things you will let go of first!

And if you’re looking for ways to increase your income, download my FREE guide: 50 Ways To Create Multiple Streams Of Income.

I’d love to know which of these habits you will start today. Drop a comment below and let me know!

Resources:

• My FREE Time Saving Blueprint: 10 Hacks To Reclaim Your Day
• My Goal-Setting Planner – The WellPlanned Method™
• My Free Class for Health Coaches: How To Build A 6-Figure Health Coaching Business Using One Signature Program
• Dr. Kim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkimfoster/

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