Stop Comparing Yourself to Your 20s and Embrace the Strength of Your 40s
Do you ever catch yourself reminiscing about your 20? the energy, the metabolism that let you eat whatever you wanted, the ease of staying fit with minimal effort?
It’s tempting to hold those younger days as the gold standard for fitness.
But here’s the truth: you’re not in your 20s anymore, and that’s not a bad thing.
What’s Unhealthy About Comparing Yourself to Your 20s?
1. Unrealistic Expectations
In your 20s, your body was naturally more forgiving. You could skip workouts, recover faster, and push through fatigue without much consequence. But life has changed, and so has your body.
🔑Expecting it to behave like it did two decades ago isn’t fair or realistic. So it’s time to stop comparing your current body to that one.
2. Self-Criticism
Constantly comparing your current self to your younger self can lead to feelings of failure or inadequacy. Instead of focusing on what your body can do now, you might fixate on what it used to do, which can dampen motivation.
3. Ignoring Your Unique Journey
Your 20s were a different chapter of life. Likely with fewer responsibilities, more free time, and less wear and tear. Comparing your current body to a time when life was simpler ignores the incredible things you’ve achieved since, like building a career, raising a family, or navigating life’s challenges.
What’s Healthy About Looking Back?
1. Celebrating Your Journey
Reflecting on your 20s can remind you of how far you’ve come. Maybe back then, you worked out because it was trendy or to look good. Now, your focus might be on longevity, mobility, or setting an example for your kids.
2. Rekindling Old Passions
Looking back can reignite hobbies or activities you loved in your 20s. Maybe you enjoyed running, surfing, or playing team sports. There’s no reason you can’t rediscover those passions now, with some modifications to suit your current fitness level.
3. Motivation to Evolve
If you were fitter or more active in your 20s, use that as a reminder of what’s possibl. Not as a standard you’re failing to meet. The goal isn’t to turn back the clock; it’s to build a version of yourself that works for today.
Why Your 40s Are Better Than Your 20s (and How to Stop Comparing)
1. Smarter, Not Harder
In your 20s, you may have trained without much thought to proper form, recovery, or injury prevention. Now, you’re wiser. You know the importance of warming up, stretching, and listening to your body. This makes your workouts more effective and sustainable.
2. Strength Over Vanity
In your 20s, fitness might have been about aesthetics. In your 40s, it’s about functionality—building strength to carry groceries, play with your kids ( you might even have grandkids by now 🤯) or hike that trail. This shift in mindset makes fitness more meaningful and rewarding.
3. Resilience and Discipline
In your 40s, you’ve likely faced challenges like injuries, setbacks, or busy schedules. Overcoming these has built resilience, and you’ve developed the discipline to stick to a routine even when life gets hectic.
4. A Better Relationship with Your Body
Your 20s might have been marked by insecurity or a desire to meet societal standards. In your 40s, you’re more likely to appreciate your body for what it does rather than just how it looks. This perspective fosters gratitude and self-compassion.
How to Embrace Your 40s and Move Forward
1. Shift Your Mindset
Instead of seeing your 40s as a decline, stop comparing yourself and view it as an opportunity to build a stronger, healthier, and more capable version of yourself.
🔑Fitness isn’t about chasing the past; it’s about creating your future.
2. Set Realistic Goals
Focus on goals that suit your current life stage. Maybe it’s completing a 5k run, mastering a few unassisted pull-ups, or improving your flexibility. Small, achievable wins build momentum.
3. Celebrate Your Wins
Don’t discount the progress you’re making now. Whether it’s lifting a heavier weight, feeling more energetic, or simply enjoying movement, celebrate the victories along the way.
4. Reframe Your “Why”
In your 20s, your “why” might have been looking good for a night out. In your 40s, your why could be staying healthy for your family, preventing injuries, or being active enough to explore Australia’s natural wonders.
Using the Best of Both Decades
If your 20s taught you to enjoy movement and stay active, use those lessons to inspire your 40s. If your 40s have taught you to be mindful, resilient, and goal-oriented, let that wisdom guide you.
This is your chance to combine youthful energy with hard-earned experience, a powerful combination that makes you unstoppable!
Final Thoughts
Your 40s are not your 20s, and that’s a good thing. You’re stronger, smarter, and more focused on what truly matters. Instead of chasing an old version of yourself, celebrate who you are now and what your body can still achieve.
So, the next time you catch yourself comparing, remind yourself: your 20s might have been fun, but your 40s are about building the future you deserve.
Go out there and crush it!
Author: Will Douglas
References:
•Australian Government Department of Health: Healthy Ageing
•Beyond Blue: Body Image and Self-Esteem
•Sports Medicine Australia: Injury Prevention and Recovery
