People who thrive in their careers beyond their 40s usually adopt these 9 work habits according to psychology

Some people hit their 40s and start coasting, settling into routine, playing it safe.

Others?

They’re just getting started—thriving, evolving, and proving that success isn’t about when you peak but how you keep growing.

What makes the difference?

It’s not luck or even raw talent. It’s the habits they build, the small but powerful choices that keep them sharp, adaptable, and ahead of the game.

Psychology shows that those who continue to thrive in their careers past 40 don’t just work hard—they work smart.

If you’re looking to stay relevant, competitive, and fulfilled in your work, these nine habits could be the game-changers you need.

1) Embrace lifelong learning

The world never stops evolving, and neither should we.

This is a fundamental belief held by those who remain flourishing in their careers beyond their 40s.

Embracing lifelong learning isn’t just about expanding knowledge in your chosen field. It’s about being open to new ideas and perspectives, continually honing skills, and being adaptable to change.

Psychology supports this habit. Studies suggest that continuous learning stimulates brain health and promotes mental agility. It keeps you competitive in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing work environment.

So, if you want to thrive in your career, consider adopting a mindset of lifelong learning. It’s not just about adding more qualifications to your resume, but about fostering curiosity and a passion for knowledge.

2) Prioritize balance

I’ve often found that those who excel in their careers past their 40s are those who have mastered the art of balance.

For instance, I vividly recall a time in my early career when I was working round the clock, trying to climb the corporate ladder.

I was successful to some extent, but I was also constantly stressed, fatigued, and barely had time for anything else.

As I entered my 40s, I realized that this pace was unsustainable. I needed to find a balance.

So, I started scheduling time for relaxation and hobbies. Rather than always bringing work home, I left it at the office.

I began to engage more with family and friends, and took up hobbies like cycling and painting.

To my surprise, this didn’t hamper my career progression – it enhanced it! I was less stressed, more creative, and began to enjoy my work more.

Psychology agrees with this approach. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance doesn’t just improve your mental wellbeing; it also boosts productivity and enhances job satisfaction.

So while hard work is important, it’s equally crucial to find time for yourself and for the things you love outside your job.

After all, true success isn’t just about professional achievement – it’s also about personal fulfillment.

3) Cultivate resilience

Resilience – the ability to bounce back from adversity – is a common trait among those who thrive in their careers beyond their 40s.

In the workplace, setbacks are inevitable. Projects may fail, promotions might be missed, or there could be unexpected changes that disrupt your plans.

But rather than letting these events derail their progress, successful individuals use them as stepping stones. They learn from their failures and use the experience to grow stronger.

Interestingly, the American Psychological Association refers to resilience as “the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress.”

It’s not about avoiding challenges but learning how to deal with them effectively.

Resilience isn’t something you’re born with – it’s a habit you can cultivate.

By fostering a positive mindset, practicing stress management techniques and maintaining a strong support network, you can build resilience and set yourself up for long-term career success.

4) Nurture relationships

One key habit that successful people in their 40s and beyond cultivate is the nurturing of professional relationships.

It’s not just about networking or building a list of contacts. It’s about creating meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships with colleagues, clients, managers, and even competitors.

These relationships can provide support in challenging times, open up opportunities, and enhance your reputation in the workplace.

Regular communication, being reliable, showing empathy, and offering help when possible are all ways to nurture these relationships. It’s about showing genuine interest in others and their success.

Remember that these relationships are not a one-way street.

It’s important to reciprocate and be there for others too. This mutual give-and-take can lead to a stronger bond and a more fruitful professional relationship.

5) Set clear goals

People who make significant strides in their careers past their 40s tend to set clear, achievable goals.

They understand where they want to go and have a roadmap to get there.

Goal setting isn’t about wishful thinking. It’s about defining what you want to achieve, creating a plan to reach that destination, and then following through with determination.

These goals can be short-term or long-term, but they should always be clear and specific. Instead of saying “I want to be successful,” you might say “I want to be promoted to a managerial position in the next two years.”

Be realistic with your goals, but don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Remember, the aim is not just to set goals, but to achieve them.

And don’t forget to celebrate your successes along the way. Every accomplished goal is a step closer to your ultimate career objectives.

6) Stay true to your values

Throughout my career, I’ve learned that staying true to your values is a cornerstone of lasting success.

People who thrive in their careers beyond their 40s don’t just focus on achievements and accolades; they stay aligned with their core principles.

Our values are our compass; they guide our actions and decisions. They define who we are and what we stand for. When our career choices align with these values, we find greater satisfaction and purpose in what we do.

I’ve seen individuals compromise their values for short-term gains, but it often leads to dissatisfaction and regret down the line.

On the other hand, those who stick to their values, even when it’s tough, tend to have careers they’re proud of.

So, take some time to reflect on your values. What truly matters to you?

Integrity? Honesty? Creativity? Teamwork?

Then strive to let these values guide your career path. It’s not always the easiest route, but it’s often the most fulfilling one.

7) Embrace change

Change can be scary.

I know because I’ve been there. When I was asked to lead a team for the first time, I was terrified. I had always been a doer, not a leader. But the company was growing, and I had to step up.

Embracing change is a common trait among those who continue to thrive in their careers beyond their 40s. They understand that change is constant and necessary for growth.

Instead of resisting new technologies, new methods, or new roles, they adapt and learn. They see change as an opportunity to evolve and improve rather than as a threat.

So, the next time a change comes your way, don’t shy away from it. Embrace it.

You never know where it might lead. In my case, it led to one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

8) Take care of your health

Taking care of your health is another critical habit of people who thrive in their careers beyond their 40s.

It’s hard to perform at your best if you’re not feeling your best.

This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular check-ups. These habits not only keep you physically healthy but also contribute to mental well-being.

It also means taking mental breaks when needed. Don’t ignore signs of burnout or stress.

Instead, address them head-on. This might mean taking a vacation, practicing mindfulness, or seeking professional help if necessary.

Your health is your most valuable asset. Without it, achieving and maintaining career success becomes even more challenging.

9) Keep the passion alive

Above all, those who find lasting success in their careers past their 40s are those who keep the passion for their work alive.

They don’t see their jobs as just a means to an end, but as a source of fulfillment and joy.

Your career is a significant part of your life, and it’s essential to find meaning and purpose in what you do. If you love your job, you’re more likely to put in the extra effort, overcome challenges, and stay motivated.

So seek out opportunities that align with your interests and passions. Always strive to find joy in your work.

Because when work feels less like a chore and more like a passion, success becomes a natural byproduct.

It’s all about growth

The journey of career success, especially beyond our 40s, is deeply intertwined with our personal growth and development.

Each of these habits – lifelong learning, balancing work and life, building resilience, nurturing relationships, setting clear goals, adhering to one’s values, embracing change, maintaining health, and keeping the passion alive – all point to a single overarching theme: Growth.

Whether it’s growing your skills, your network, your resilience, or your passion for your work – the key to thriving in your career lies in continuous growth.

So as we reflect on these habits and how they can propel our careers forward, let us remember that seeking growth, both personally and professionally, is perhaps the most vital habit of all.

It’s the one habit that ties all others together.

In the end, it’s not just about thriving in our careers but thriving as individuals. The two are inseparable. And that’s something worth striving for.

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Justin Brown

Justin Brown is an entrepreneur and thought leader in personal development and digital media, with a foundation in education from The London School of Economics and The Australian National University. His deep insights are shared on his YouTube channel, JustinBrownVids, offering a rich blend of guidance on living a meaningful and purposeful life.

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