Over 35? As men, we often think hitting our mid-30s marks the beginning of the end. We buy into the lie that our best days are behind us, and it’s all downhill from here. But let me tell you something, gentlemen – that’s a load of bull.

I’m here to share with you the seven things you need to ditch after 35 to level up your life and become the man you were meant to be. Trust me, I’ve been there, and I’ve learned these lessons the hard way.

Stop Wearing Stress Like a Badge of Honor

Remember when we thought being busy equaled being important? Yeah, it’s time to drop that nonsense. Stress isn’t a flex; it’s a killer. It’s linked to heart disease, anxiety, depression, and accelerated aging. Not exactly the recipe for a thriving life, is it?

Instead of overloading yourself to prove you’re productive, focus on efficiency. Work smarter, not harder. I know it’s cliché, but it’s true. Solid planning and better energy management are your new best friends.

Over 35? Stop Saying Yes to Things You Secretly Hate

We’ve all been there – saying yes out of guilt or obligation. But here’s the thing: learning to say no is a superpower. It’s the ultimate hack to gaining your life back.

Take a page from Richard Branson’s book. The man only says yes to things that directly move him towards his two or three big goals for the year. Everything else? It’s a no. You don’t need to be a billionaire to protect your time. It’s one of the few things you’ll never get more of, so guard it fiercely.

Stop Trying to Please Everybody

If you’re still trying to make everyone happy at 35, you’re fighting a losing battle. It’s not only impossible, but it’s also crushing you in the process.

I had a buddy, Dave, who was always the nice guy, trying to make everyone happy. You know what happened? People walked all over him, and he was miserable. Don’t be Dave.

Remember, in marketing, you can’t sell to everyone. The same is true in life. You can’t please everyone, so stop trying. The only person you really need to please is yourself.

Stop Obsessing Over What Other People Think Especially Over 35

We live in a world of Instagram and TikTok, where likes and follows seem to dictate our worth. But let me tell you a secret: nobody cares. Well, nobody who matters, anyway.

As a former personal trainer, I saw this all the time in the gym. People worried about being judged, but the truth is, everyone’s too focused on their own workout to care about yours. The same applies to life.

The only people who will try to knock you down are those who are jealous or envious. So shake off this obsession with others’ opinions. It’s holding you back from being your true self.

Over 35? Stop Ignoring Your Health

You might have gotten away with abusing your body in your 20s, but after 35, you’re fighting an uphill battle. It’s always easier to maintain than to rebuild, so start taking care of yourself now.

Find exercise and movement that you enjoy. Maybe it’s weightlifting, cycling, or obstacle course racing like my friend Dave. Whatever it is, just get moving. Your future self will thank you.

Stop Hanging Out with Toxic People

You’ve heard the saying, “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Well, it’s pretty accurate. The crowd you hang out with can predict your future.

If you’re surrounded by negative people, you’ll have a more negative outlook. But if you hang out with positive, goal-oriented individuals, you’ll see life through a happier, more ambitious lens.

It might be tough, but it’s time to create some distance from those toxic influences. Surround yourself with people who want to see you win and who are going in the same direction you want to go.

Stop Playing Small

By the time you hit 35, you’ve put in a lot of work, learned a lot of lessons, and done a lot of prep. So why are you still playing small?

As Yusuf Marshall (aka Mr. U) said, “The richest place in the world is the graveyard. Books, poems, inventions, stories, ideas – they rest there because they weren’t ever walked out, they weren’t ever lived out.”

Don’t let your dreams die with you. The world needs you to be the man you’ve always wanted to be. It needs you to realize those dreams and chase them.

The Biggest Lie: It’s Too Late

If there’s one thing you take away from this, let it be this: it’s not too late. This is perhaps the biggest lie we tell ourselves after 35.

History is full of examples of people who achieved greatness well into their later years. Warren Buffett didn’t become wealthy until after 50. Morgan Freeman was in his 50s when he started acting. Colonel Sanders was in his 60s before he started KFC.

At 45, I feel like I’m just getting started. The world is still opening up to me, and I’m charging forward hard. You can too.

Gentlemen, this is your roadmap for shedding the weight that’s been holding you back. Pick one of these things right now and commit to quitting it today. Small changes compound into colossal wins.

Remember that big goal you thought about at the beginning of this post? Imagine how much easier it will be to achieve once you’ve shed all this baggage. It’s time to stop merely living and start truly thriving.

Your best chapters are waiting to be written. It’s not too late. In fact, you’re just getting started.

Over 35 TL:DR

7 Toxic Mindsets Men Need to Ditch Over 35

1. Stop Wearing Stress Like a Badge of Honor

Work smarter, not harder. Prioritize efficiency over overwork.

2. Stop Saying Yes to Things You Secretly Hate

Learn to say no and protect your time fiercely.

3. Stop Trying to Please Everybody

You can’t please everyone, so focus on pleasing yourself.

4. Stop Obsessing Over What Other People Think

Shake off the need for external validation.

5. Stop Ignoring Your Health

Invest in your physical and mental well-being.

6. Stop Hanging Out with Toxic People

Surround yourself with positive, goal-oriented individuals.

7. Stop Playing Small

Realize your dreams and chase them fearlessly.

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