in your 60s

You’d think that, after 60, we wouldn’t have a reason to compare ourselves with others. After all, we’ve already led full lives, so why aren’t we comfortable in our own skin?

The truth is, the comparison game is something many of us secretly play. We may have a friend who’s skinnier than us or more successful. We may think they are intellectually superior. Even when we try to avoid it, we torture ourselves wishing to be just like someone else.

Would Have, Should Have, Could Have…

Do you ever wonder what your life would have been like if you’d done things differently? Would you be richer if you had forced yourself to get a Master’s Degree instead of dropping out to live on a hippie commune? Would your relationship be more romantic if you had married a different spouse?

We all make choices that aren’t perfect. And some of us are good at beating ourselves up over them.

Comparison Hinders You from Reaching Goals

With more of us moving from jobs to reinvented second careers, we have goals we want to achieve. Having goals, even if it has nothing to do with a career, keeps us active and engaged.

If we continue to compare ourselves with others, it’s easy to become paralyzed and give up in frustration.

There Are No Perfect People

Those you idolize may not have the perfect life you imagine they do. You can’t always tell what’s going on behind another person’s façade.

For all you know, your life may be easier than theirs ever was. They may have struggled for years to get to where they are today. Or, they may appear to be happy on the outside but are painfully depressed on the inside.

You Are Unique

Everyone has special gifts that make them who they are in the eyes of the world. What’s important is to recognize those gifts and to own them. Like snowflakes, no two persons are alike.

Look inside yourself to see what’s special about you. Then work to intensify your strengths. You may surprise yourself at where it will take you.

We Are Always Changing

Don’t think you can never change and make your life better. We are all capable of creating our own reality.

If you’re not happy with the way your life has turned out, or are jealous of other’s good fortune, you have the power to change your life for the better.


Set a goal and keep your eye on the target. Take action! Take the steps necessary to achieve that goal and you will move forward.


If you wallow in self-pity, or think it’s impossible to change your life because of your age, your own self-limitation will stop you in your tracks.

Don’t Be Defeated by Bad Experiences

There are so many people who have dealt with the worst circumstances in life, but managed to be successful and happy with themselves.

Look at Oprah Winfrey. She experienced a rough childhood and was sexually abused at the age of 9. She had a baby at 14 who died shortly after birth.

But at 16 she read the biography of Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. It transformed her entire attitude about life, and she eventually became ultra-successful.

Spend Time Taking Care of Yourself

Self-care is the best care because it helps us become a better person and friend to others. Take the time to pamper and nurture yourself even if it’s just a simple morning walk by yourself. If you do, you’ll find you’ll like yourself more and see the gifts that are within yourself.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you compare yourself with others and secretly wish you were them? Why? What are ways you’ve found to avoid making comparisons with other people? Please join the conversation.