Life moves fast, doesn’t it? One day you’re fresh out of school, exploring your first job or startup, and the next thing you know, you’re looking at how to craft a life that’ll still feel good decades from now.
It’s wild to think about, but some of the habits you build in your 20s or 30s can have a massive impact on your happiness, health, and sense of purpose when you hit your 60s.
I’ve noticed this pattern across the board: certain people glide into their 60s with a sense of deep fulfillment, while others flounder and feel like they missed the memo. Often, the difference can be traced to daily routines and mindsets they adopted much earlier.
Today, I’m breaking down seven of these “joyful habits” that seem to set the foundation for a life well-lived.
Remember, it’s never too soon—or too late—to start building good habits. Let’s jump right into it.
1. Make health a non-negotiable
One of my mentors used to say, “Treat your body well, and it’ll treat you well.”
Sounds obvious, but if you’ve ever juggled a startup or a jam-packed job, you know how easy it is to let healthy habits slide.
It’s tempting to grind away, fueled by caffeine and convenience meals. But the payoff for investing in your well-being now is massive when you look 20 or 30 years down the line.
I’m not just talking about hitting the gym or going for a run. Sleep, diet, and mental health all play a role in a sustainable routine.
As James Clear has said, “Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.” In other words, those small, daily actions really do add up.
By prioritizing wellness early, you’re essentially ensuring that you’ll have the energy and mobility to enjoy life’s possibilities later.
2. Focus on building genuine connections
Ever notice how the happiest older folks always seem to have a close-knit circle of friends and family? Sure, they might not have thousands of acquaintances, but they do have quality relationships they’ve nurtured for years.
This didn’t happen overnight.
They made deliberate choices to keep in touch, to show up for important moments, to offer a helping hand when needed, and to celebrate milestones.
When I first started my own business, I fell into the trap of letting my relationships take a back seat. I was hustling, traveling for work, and working odd hours.
It took me a while to realize that if I kept going at that pace, I’d end up hitting my 60s with a solid bank account but zero meaningful connections.
Consciously investing time in people—loved ones, colleagues, mentors, and even online communities— helps you build a strong support system for your future self.
Think of it like gardening: you sow seeds of trust, empathy, and mutual respect. Over time, those seeds grow into sturdy friendships that help you weather any storm.
3. Cultivate a sense of purpose beyond work
If your entire identity is wrapped up in your job title, retirement or major career shifts can feel like an existential crisis.
I’m all for ambition—trust me, I’ve founded startups and I still dream big—but tying your self-worth solely to professional success can be risky.
When people in their 60s talk about feeling “fulfilled,” they’re usually referencing more than just career achievements.
That’s why it’s so crucial to start exploring passions and curiosities early on. Maybe it’s volunteering for a cause you believe in, picking up photography on the weekends, or mentoring younger folks in your field.
Studies show that having a strong sense of purpose can improve health outcomes and even longevity. When you ground your life in something bigger than your paycheck or professional status, you create a reservoir of meaning that helps you stay resilient and motivated—no matter what life throws at you.
4. Embrace lifelong learning
Think about the older people you know who always have a spark in their eyes. Nine times out of ten, they’re the ones who never stopped learning.
It could be formal education like courses and certifications, or it could be informal exploration like reading new books, attending webinars, or diving into online tutorials.
The key is constant curiosity.
I was inspired to read more after discovering that Warren Buffett devotes about 80% of his day to reading and learning. Granted, not everyone can manage that much, but the principle stands.
Keeping your mind engaged keeps you adaptable. Whether you’re sifting through business articles to stay on top of market shifts or learning how to do home renovations via YouTube, you’re feeding that curiosity muscle.
By the time you hit your 60s, you won’t just be relevant in a rapidly changing world—you’ll also have a storehouse of knowledge to share with others.
5. Commit to financial mindfulness
There’s a quote by Greg McKeown: “If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.” I find this rings especially true for finances.
Stress about money is one of the top reasons people in their 60s don’t feel as free or happy as they could.
The good news? You can start building healthy financial habits early so you’re not scrambling later.
This doesn’t mean you have to master every nuance of the stock market or start hoarding cash under your mattress. It’s about being aware of where your money is going and creating a sensible plan for your future.
That might mean automating your savings, setting up a modest investment strategy, or simply cutting back on unnecessary splurges.
Whether you’re bootstrapping a business or working a 9-to-5, consistent, mindful money management frees you from the anxiety of last-minute financial crises.
By the time you reach your 60s, you can put those worries aside and focus on the stuff that truly matters—like family, passion projects, or that dream travel destination.
6. Practice emotional resilience
No one gets through life without setbacks. Startups fail, relationships end, and unexpected health scares can derail our plans.
The difference between those who sail through tough times and those who sink often comes down to emotional resilience.
Practicing self-compassion and learning how to process emotions productively helps you build your capacity to bounce back from adversity.
By the time you’re older, you’re not just older—you’re wiser. You’ve cultivated the mental fortitude to adapt to new realities with grace.
7. Strengthen your creativity
We often think of creativity as something reserved for artists or musicians. But in reality, creativity is about problem-solving, out-of-the-box thinking, and exploring new perspectives.
I’ve seen tech entrepreneurs use creativity to pivot business models, and I’ve watched parents use it to make everyday chores fun for their kids. It’s a powerful tool in every aspect of life.
When you consistently flex your creative muscles—whether through painting, writing, coding, or simply brainstorming innovative ideas at work—you’re training your brain to see possibilities rather than limitations.
This can add a spark of joy to your daily routine and feed a sense of wonder you’ll carry well into your later years.
People who remain playful, curious, and open to new ideas in their 60s are rarely bored; they’re eager to keep exploring, growing, and adding color to their world.
Wrapping up
The habits we cultivate in our earlier decades tend to stay with us for life.
If you’ve read this far, you’re already showing a willingness to invest in your future self. So take stock: which of these habits resonate with you? What steps can you take today to implement them?
Remember, living a deeply fulfilled life doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a mix of deliberate actions—staying curious, prioritizing health, fostering supportive relationships, and nurturing a strong sense of purpose.
All these things, when done consistently, can make a massive impact down the road.
The best time to start is now. Even tiny shifts in your daily behavior can yield huge returns over decades. And you never know—you might look back in your 60s and realize these little habits were the real game-changers for a life filled with joy and fulfillment.
Until next time, friends.
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