Many of us after 50 and 60 are continuing to look to make changes in our lives. We might want to do the thing we always wanted to do but never got around to. Maybe we want to retire and spend more time with grandchildren or traveling. For many of us, we are looking to change a life role in some way – which can be a major life redefinition.

There are also many of us in this demographic who are perfectly happy with where we are in terms of our major life roles. We like our job or our retirement life. We see our kids and grands the perfect amount. We travel the perfect amount (when there is no global pandemic, anyway).

But maybe we have a habit we’d like to change or create in our lives. And we are afraid that we’re too old or have been doing what we’re doing for so long that it will be impossible to change.

As a career behavior analyst, I can tell you that’s incorrect. Any person can change any behavior at any time. It’s a matter of using a few tools and techniques and knowing that “slow and steady wins the race.” When we jump in too quickly, we become overwhelmed and then we throw in the towel.

Where to Start?

Typically, we have an idea of what the general habit is that we want to create. We might want to exercise more, eat better, start journaling, keep better in touch with our friends – the list is endless.

The first step is to take your general habit change idea and turn it into a very specific and measurable goal. Some examples would be:

• Instead of saying, “I’m going to exercise more” you might create a goal such as, “I’m going to walk for 45 minutes each day and do strength training 3 times per week.”
• Instead of saying, “I’m going to start eating better” you might say, “For lunch and dinner each day, ¾ of my meal will be plant-based.”
• Instead of saying, “I want to start journaling,” you can create the goal of, “I will set the timer each morning for 20 minutes and journal with my coffee before I look at ANY screen.”

It’s always important to phrase your habit and goals in the positive. State what you WANT to do, rather than what you don’t want to do.For example, instead of saying “I’m going to stop eating junk food,” you might say, “I’m going to eat 5 fruits or vegetables every day.”

Next – Break Your Goal Down into Manageable Chunks

It is important when creating a new habit to do it every day. So, when breaking it down into chunks, do it daily and slowly build up the time.

For example, if you’re wanting to walk for 45 minutes each day and do strength training 3 times a week, start off by setting the goal of walking for 20 minutes each day. Do this for three weeks, then increase it to 25 minutes each day with once per week of strength training.

Three more weeks, then 30 minutes each day and twice per week of strength training. By this time, you will have been walking every day for 9 weeks. The walking itself will be an ingrained habit.

Most Importantly – Reinforce Yourself Frequently and Consistently

This is the key to behavior change. Reinforcement. When you start pairing the habit change with something that you look forward to, you will be much more successful.

The reinforcement at the outset must be frequent. Telling yourself when you first embark on your habit change journey that after you exercise for a month you can get a new pair of shoes will be setting yourself up for failure. A month is too far in the future.

Sit down and make a list of everything that is reinforcing to you – from the smallest to the most extravagant. Once you’ve done that, go through your list and number the top 10 from the easiest and least expensive to the hardest to obtain and most expensive.

Each and every time that you successfully complete your daily goal, immediately reinforce yourself with the small thing. So, after your walk each day, treat yourself to a delicious sparkling water. Or, while you’re journaling each morning, buy yourself a yummy creamer to put in your coffee.

These are things you ONLY get when you are working on your habit. That way, in your brain, they will become paired with your new habit.

Increase the reinforcer as you continue your habit with time. So, if you’ve successfully journaled each morning for 3 weeks for 10 minutes, treat yourself to a pretty new journal. But continue with your yummy coffee and creamer.

If you’ve walked every day for 15 minutes for 3 weeks, treat yourself to a new pair of yoga pants but continue with your refreshing sparkling water after each walk.

Last Couple of Tips

Work on only one habit at a time. Do not decide that you’re going to exercise, eat differently, drink 64 ounces of water a day, and journal all at the same time. This will not allow you to effectively use the goal setting and reinforcement tools without becoming completely overwhelmed.

Create affirmations around your habit – write them down and put them up where you can see them. On your fridge, on your bulletin board in your office, on your mirror. These will be constant visual reminders for you.

You got this! We are NEVER too old to start doing the thing.

Leslie has started an online book group for women over 50. If you’re interested in further information on this, feel free to email her at leslie@lifebalanceafter50.com.

Is there a habit that you’d like to change or create? What motivates or reinforces you along the way? Have you tried creating new habits? What affirmations have worked for you? Please share below!

Twice a year, Bath & Body Works pulls out all the stops and discounts holiday and everyday favorites up to 75 percent off, which new discounts throughout the week. The Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual sale for holiday 2020 is no different—actually, it might be even better. We’ve got the details on all the goods so you can game-plan your shopping trip.

Of course, deals will be online as well as in-store so if you feel safer shopping from your couch, you can still stock up on Bath & Body Works favorites. Now’s the chance to score the beloved holiday fragrances before they’re gone (until next year), as well as throwbacks including Secret Wonderland, Honeysuckle and Sensual Amber brought back just for this sale. Christmas body care will be just $4.95 and select Christmas 3-Wick Candles will be $11.95.

Source: Instagram

For the best of the best deals, you’ll want to dig for those 75 percent off products. These include body care, candles, hand soaps and tons of non-holiday items you’ll want to use all-year round. You’ll even be able to find some best-selling fall body scare scents and ones you haven’t smelled for months. It’s basically like a rummage sale where you never know exactly what you’ll find.

The sale begins Saturday, December 26. If you’re shopping in store, don’t forget your face mask and hand sanitizer and maybe even consider going on off hours to avoid the crowds. Or, there’s always delivery! As much as we want to shop and treat ourselves this year (we deserve it), we also have to stay safe too. Set your iCal and get ready to get your haul on. Then, have big New Year zoom with friends to share exactly what you got.

Ever feel like your wardrobe is in a rut? You grab the first thing you can reach and throw it on. You look… OK, but you’ve been wearing the same old outfit for years.

Sure, it’s a classic look. You really can’t go wrong with a classic. Right?

It’s true – some pieces will never go out of style – like the little black dress. But that doesn’t mean you want to – or ought to – wear the same colors, patterns and cuts over and over again. It can all get a bit dull.

Want to jazz things up a bit and mix up your wardrobe? Here’s how to add a little spice to your classic outfits and come away with a stylish masterpiece.

Fun Footwear

Always go for high quality footwear. You want to exude elegance. Nothing says it better than jazzy heels that draw the eye and get attention.

Switching up the shoes can instantly change an outfit and make a stylish statement. Here are some simple ideas:

• A pair of boots with feather trimmings or glitter can add a little fun to a casual night out.
• If comfort is important, look for block heels. They give support but still look professional.
• Slouchy boots are popular and look great with a shorter frock.

Don’t restrict yourself to a monochrome, black wardrobe. Try a bright shoe with your black dress. Or take it a step further with a bold leopard print. Shoes with beading or hint of gold also offer a unique look.

If you opt for the classic black pump, go with a closed toe with a slight point. It’s a modern, elegant look that elongates the leg and flatters your figure.

Worried about drawing too much attention to your ankles? Stay away from shoes with straps. Strapless shoes give you a more svelte look and distract from problem areas.

Play with Patterns

Your clothing is like a blank canvas. You could go all black, but would you want to look at a canvas with just one stripe of black paint? Get creative and express yourself with patterns instead.

Start with the classic black dress. Then add a bold patterned scarf or a colorful kimono sleeve cardigan that gets the attention. Try experimenting with animal prints, tie dye and batik.

Add a basic handbag in stunning red or vibrant yellow. If you want to add another subtle touch, a brooch or hair accessory can complete the look.

Try mixing up shapes, too. A flowing tie dye tunic that lets you breathe – combined with slinky black pants – is anything but boring. The contrast is eye catching and flattering. If you prefer a solid top, make it a strong contrasting color and pair it with chunky jewelry.

Worried that a big pattern will make you look bigger? Many plus size women are unsure about patterns. But delicately arranged patterns can give a new look and even hide weight. Opt for big, subtle prints instead of small patterns.

It’s All in the Details

A classic look must be complete from head to toe. Details mean everything. You can’t combine a knockout dress with a cheap pair of heels.

Remember, if you don’t feel great, you don’t look great. Don’t force your body to fit a style that isn’t you. Focus on your best features and show them off.

The wonderful thing about classics is, you don’t have to have only one look. Keep on experimenting and modernizing your outfits. Change your accessories and shoes often. It will have your friends always guessing what will be your latest look.

Classic pieces with clever accessories are easy to mix and match, creating something new every day. Unlike trends that leave you in a few months, basics stay stylish.

Since these basics are your favorite pieces, you always feel comfortable in them and keep a simple, versatile wardrobe. What could be better?

If you want to try some of our plus size clothes, we are offering a 10% discount for our Sixty and Me sisters in our Etsy Shop.

How do you jazz things up a little in your wardrobe? What are your favorite colors or accessories? Please share in the comments below.

Twice a year, Bath & Body Works pulls out all the stops and discounts holiday and everyday favorites up to 75 percent off, which new discounts throughout the week. The Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual sale for holiday 2020 is no different—actually, it might be even better. We’ve got the details on all the goods so you can game-plan your shopping trip.

Of course, deals will be online as well as in-store so if you feel safer shopping from your couch, you can still stock up on Bath & Body Works favorites. Now’s the chance to score the beloved holiday fragrances before they’re gone (until next year), as well as throwbacks including Secret Wonderland, Honeysuckle and Sensual Amber brought back just for this sale. Christmas body care will be just $4.95 and select Christmas 3-Wick Candles will be $11.95.

Source: Instagram

For the best of the best deals, you’ll want to dig for those 75 percent off products. These include body care, candles, hand soaps and tons of non-holiday items you’ll want to use all-year round. You’ll even be able to find some best-selling fall body scare scents and ones you haven’t smelled for months. It’s basically like a rummage sale where you never know exactly what you’ll find.

The sale begins Saturday, December 26. If you’re shopping in store, don’t forget your face mask and hand sanitizer and maybe even consider going on off hours to avoid the crowds. Or, there’s always delivery! As much as we want to shop and treat ourselves this year (we deserve it), we also have to stay safe too. Set your iCal and get ready to get your haul on. Then, have big New Year zoom with friends to share exactly what you got.

Twice a year, Bath & Body Works pulls out all the stops and discounts holiday and everyday favorites up to 75 percent off, which new discounts throughout the week. The Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual sale for holiday 2020 is no different—actually, it might be even better. We’ve got the details on all the goods so you can game-plan your shopping trip.

Of course, deals will be online as well as in-store so if you feel safer shopping from your couch, you can still stock up on Bath & Body Works favorites. Now’s the chance to score the beloved holiday fragrances before they’re gone (until next year), as well as throwbacks including Secret Wonderland, Honeysuckle and Sensual Amber brought back just for this sale. Christmas body care will be just $4.95 and select Christmas 3-Wick Candles will be $11.95.

Source: Instagram

For the best of the best deals, you’ll want to dig for those 75 percent off products. These include body care, candles, hand soaps and tons of non-holiday items you’ll want to use all-year round. You’ll even be able to find some best-selling fall body scare scents and ones you haven’t smelled for months. It’s basically like a rummage sale where you never know exactly what you’ll find.

The sale begins Saturday, December 26. If you’re shopping in store, don’t forget your face mask and hand sanitizer and maybe even consider going on off hours to avoid the crowds. Or, there’s always delivery! As much as we want to shop and treat ourselves this year (we deserve it), we also have to stay safe too. Set your iCal and get ready to get your haul on. Then, have big New Year zoom with friends to share exactly what you got.