Lifehack the wisdom of changing your mind (even about aging)

From: Leon from LifeHack - Wednesday Apr 30, 2025 02:06 pm

why it’s smart to change your mind

Hi there,

Here’s something you don’t see every day: doctors who spent decades advising others about how to age well completely revised their views—once they got older themselves. The very experts who wrote the rules found, firsthand, how much their hard-earned opinions still needed updating.

It’s a reminder that changing your mind, even about big topics like aging or career, doesn’t mean you got it wrong. It just means you’re still learning, which is the whole point.

“Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.”

— James Cash Penney

why it’s smart to change your mind

A few things stand out from the research (and the doctors’ own stories):

Growth means evolving—even when it’s uncomfortable. When your perspective shifts because of new information or experiences, that’s a good sign. Old advice like “slow down and accept limitations” often gets replaced by “try something unfamiliar, just to see what happens.” Many older adults who adjust their goals or routines find more satisfaction than those who cling tightly to old beliefs.
Flexibility outperforms certainty. People who embrace new hobbies or roles later in life—whether it’s volunteering, learning the piano, or finally writing that memoir—report higher levels of happiness and resilience. Adaptability is worth more than knowing all the answers.
Staying a ‘beginner’ keeps you sharp. There’s a certain freedom in saying, “I might look foolish, but I’m willing to try.” Whether you’re 28 or 88, letting yourself be clumsy at something new builds confidence, not to mention patience for yourself and others.

Try this: Identify a belief you’ve held about aging, work, or learning—something you’ve treated as fact. Spend a week intentionally challenging it. For example, if you think you “can’t” pick up a new skill past a certain age, try a short online module or start a simple project. Notice how your mindset shifts.