9 Habits Of Highly Successful Men and Women At Midlife

November 20, 2013

Blogpost, Positive Mindset, Your Dream

9 Habits of Highly Successful Men and Women At Midlife

Men and Women Midlife

Successful Men and Women At Midlife

There are a number of books and articles available that outlines habits that make people more or less effective. The late Stephen Covey made popular the phrase “7 Effective Habits …” from his many popular articles and books. I do believe that habits, but not just any habits – bad habits, are the main culprit that contributes to one’s ineffectiveness or failures.

These habits become the “rooster that comes home to roost” during the midlife stage of life. Men and women at midlife, are beginning to see and feel the impact of such bad habits that they have formed over the years. They are realizing that time is of an essence and the results are going to be the same or worse if change doesn’t take place. They know something has to give. They need new habits but unfortunately many do not know where to start.

I have outlined nine habits that I have found to be a common denominator in the lives of successful men and women at midlife. If you are a man at midlife or a woman at midlife who is looking to turn things around so that your future can be more successful, I would strongly suggest that you take time to look over this list and commit to begin a new journey. Begin with the ones that you know you could commit to right away and put into practice without much resistance.

9 Habits of Highly Successful Men and Women At Midlife

 1. Taking Risks

Take small steps. Start off with a risk that is low-value; one that won’t require a huge effort. It should take some effort so that you can feel slight resistance, but nothing major. Your risk-tolerance muscles will begin to get stronger.

2. Eschew (Avoid) Boredom

Find something that you are passionate about that brings value to someone. This fits into #4 below. Look or think about ways to continue to bring value. Your mind will be activated to be on the lookout to help you with this “project.”

3. Re-frame Negatives into Positives

Think of what other explanation you could give to something that you immediately label as negative. A flat tire could be seen as an opportunity to take a few minutes to be thankful for where, when and how it happened. It may also create an opportunity to provide a tire-repair man with a few dollars that day. His family depends on that.

“The best way to forget all your troubles is to wear tight shoes”

Do you have a funny line or thought on this? Leave a comment below now then continue reading.

4. Do for others

As mentioned in #2 above, find ways to do something for someone else. This might be to introduce them to someone who could be a blessing to them. It could be giving to someone less fortunate or helping someone with a problem; you may not be able to help them directly, but you might refer them to someone who could.

5. Express Gratitude

This is huge. Each day find something for which to be thankful. I have found that this attitude of gratitude is one of the most effective way to stave off depression. Gratitude reproduces gratitude and opens the door for more.

6. Imagine The Best

We have been so conditioned by our environment to think of the worst. This bad habit filters labels all incoming information as negative. It makes it hard to see the good in anything. #3 above will help in this area.

7. Take Responsibility

The buck does stop with you. Admit to your contribution for what transpires. Take responsibility for your life and your future. Stop blaming others.

8. Enjoy Life

Take time to “smell the roses.” Because of the business and demands of life, we are always in a work-work mode. Take mini-vacations or some time out to relax. Enjoy times with family and friends. The more enjoyment you find, the more energy you will have for life and the more clarity you will gain.

9. Avoid Ruminating

Let go of what you cannot control. You can spend your time nursing old wounds or get the proper help to speed up recovery. I grew up hearing this phrase: Stop crying over spilled milk. It doesn’t help. Clean it up.

If you commit to the above, you too could be among the successful men and women at midlife. This is a sure way to avoid what some have labeled Midlife Crisis or Middle Aged Crisis. Not only that, it will align you to a more preferred finish line.

It would be interesting to see, which of the action steps you found the easiest and would be able to commit yourself to or which would be the most difficult for you at this point but you do see the wisdom in taking on the challenge. Why not take a moment and leave a quick comment in the box below.

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About Kingsley Grant

I am a published author, motivational speaker, father of two, husband of one, licensed psychotherapist, certified midlife transitional coach, follower of Christ and President of Helping Families Improve, Inc.

View all posts by Kingsley Grant

2 Responses to “9 Habits Of Highly Successful Men and Women At Midlife”

  1. Caroline Gavin Says:

    Excellent list of common-denominator habits in successful men and women, Kingsley! All nine of these have borne wonderful fruit in my life and in my business; keeping a daily gratitude journal, for example, has opened my eyes and my heart to beautiful blessings and otherwise hidden miracles. May God continue to bless and inspire you on your purposeful pathway!

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