Rituals to Keep Your 8-Year-Old Alive and Make Your 80-Year-Old Proud

How do I keep the 8 year old alive and make the 80 year old proud?

"There are two versions of you that truly matter. The 8-year-old you, wide-eyed with wonder, filled with dreams that had no limits. The one who believed they could be an astronaut, an artist, a hero - who didn’t just dream of possibilities but lived in them every day.

And then there’s the 80-year-old you, looking back at a life filled with choices, experiences, and relationships. The one who doesn’t care about trophies or titles but cherishes the laughter, the risks taken and the moments spent with the people who mattered most.

Both of them are watching you now.

The question is... What are you doing today to make them proud?"

I read this piece this week and it truly challenged me to think about where the answer lies, my daughter sent me this picture and it brought it into sharper focus.

2b Limitless we would see the answer lies in rituals - 'the small, intentional actions that anchor us in what truly matters' - The things that drive 'Great Weeks'.

Because in the end, a great life isn’t about what you achieve, but how you live.

Rituals That Keep the 8-Year-Old Alive in You

1. Stay Curious and Play Often

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” - George Bernard Shaw

Life is meant to be explored, not endured. The 8-year-old you didn’t wake up dreading the day; they woke up excited for it.

? Try new things. Research shows that novelty and play stimulate brain plasticity, keeping you mentally agile. A 2013 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that engaging in play improves problem-solving, adaptability, and creativity.

? Make room for unstructured time - whether it’s a hobby, sport, or simply messing around with ideas.

? Laugh more. Play more. Studies in positive psychology confirm that humor and playfulness improve emotional resilience and overall well-being.

2. Be Fearless in Pursuing What Excites You

“Children are not afraid to fail; they are afraid of not being allowed to try.” — Unknown

Children don’t ask for permission to dream. They just dream.

? A 2020 study published in the Journal of Research in Personality found that individuals who pursue personally meaningful goals (This is why our 2b Limitless Accountability Document is such a 'core part' of our coaching process.) - Rather than externally imposed ones experience greater life satisfaction.

? What was something you loved as a kid? Music, writing, building things? Bring it back.

? Take small risks. ( 2b Limitless we see risk and recklessness as two different things... They are separated by the quality of your plan) Say yes to things that excite you, even if they scare you. Fear of looking foolish kills more dreams than failure ever will.

"It turns out that at the end of your life it is not the risks you take that you end up regretting!" - Stephen Covey

3. Surround Yourself with People Who Bring Joy

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” - Jim Rohn

Kids don’t overthink friendships they just gravitate toward people who make them happy.

? A Harvard study on adult development Dr. Robert Waldinger, (What makes a great life?) (one of the longest-running studies on happiness) found that the quality of our relationships is the greatest predictor of our overall life satisfaction and longevity.

? Find and nurture relationships that energize you.

? Let go of relationships that drain you—your future self will thank you.

Rituals That Make Your 80-Year-Old Self Proud

1. Slow Down and Be Present

“Be where you are; otherwise, you will miss your life.” - Buddha

When you’re 80, you won’t remember the emails you sent or the meetings you attended. You’ll remember the moments when you were truly there.

? Research from Mindfulness and Health Psychology shows that practicing mindfulness enhances emotional regulation, reduces stress, and increases life satisfaction.

? Start your mornings without rushing - give yourself space to reflect.

? Have real conversations. Put your phone away. Listen deeply.

2. Take Care of Your Body and Mind

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” - Jim Rohn

Your 80-year-old self will thank you for the small decisions you make today.

? The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health conducted a long-term study that found individuals who maintain a healthy lifestyle - through regular exercise, balanced diet and social engagement live an average of 12-14 years longer than those who don’t.

? Move daily, not for aesthetics but for longevity.

? Prioritize mental health meditate, journal, or simply take a walk to clear your mind.

"It is the space between the notes that makes the music!" - Wayne Dyer

3. Love and Express Gratitude Often

“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” - Buddha

At the end of life, all that truly matters is how well you loved.

? Studies from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley confirm that gratitude enhances happiness, reduces depression, and strengthens relationships.

? Tell people how much they mean to you—now, not later. ? Be generous with kindness—it costs nothing but means everything.

The Legacy You Create Through Your Rituals If your 8-year-old self can look at you and see their hero, and your 80-year-old self can look back with peace and no regrets, then you’ve already won.

Because in the end, success isn’t about perfection it’s about alignment with 'what matters most'. About creating a life that’s rich in joy, meaning and connection.

Start small. Choose just one ritual today.

Make your younger and older self proud.

Because they’re both still inside you cheering you on.

What’s one ritual you can start today that your 8-year-old and 80-year-old self will thank you for?

Mick Todd Founder & Chairman, 2b Limitless

I asked some of my coaches for their insights...

Patrick Harrison

What is the ritual that keeps the eight year old alive?

'8 year old me was at boarding school, spending most of my time running around the playing fields in Surrey kicking a football with my mates.

No longer kicking a football with them, but having the ritual of spending time with my best childhood boarding school mates keeps that 8 year old me alive.

What is the ritual that will make the eighty year old me proud?

Morning learning using old school revision cards to test my knowledge on topics and content related to SHP, psychology and coaching.

I believe the greatest value I can provide to this world is in coaching and sharing the knowledge I gain to empower others to live more fulfilling, healthy and meaningful lives.

Testing myself each morning to solidify and consolidate in my long term memory what I listen to/ read, is absolutely key to this.'

Victoria Tipper

'Love this! So very powerful.

What is the ritual that keeps the eight year old alive?

Immediately I think of my messages with both brothers, weekly sharing funny videos and laughing.

Another one is adopting the mindset of seeing each day with fresh eyes.

I heard this from Ariana Huffington and have been using this approach to experience more awe and be more fearless.

What is the ritual that will make the eighty year old me proud?

It’s learning combined with movement in nature every morning. Always keeping my brain entertained and full of new knowledge and my body healthy.'

Jack Wolstencroft

What is the ritual that keeps the eight year old alive?

'Play the piano (8 year old, try new experience)

What is the ritual that will make the eighty year old me proud?

Read/Reflect (Chasing Daylight by Eugene O’Kelly is a book I just finished - all about ex CEO of KPMG who had terminal brain cancer and 90 days to live - it is life affirming)'

‘Because… Your world needs you at your best!’ - 2b Limitless

#strengths #engagement #performance #transformation?

#coaching #training #2bapc #2byb #2buys #2bshp #2bNextGEN #2bew

#excellence #energy #experience

2b Limitless High Performance Programs - Please contact Olivia Marshall for details on all of the below or team leads.

We create bespoke individual (coaching), team and organizational 'Strengths, Strategy and Culture' programs across the globe along with our 'Signature' 2b Limitless programs below;

2bAPC - Accredited Performance Coach - Peter Charles Turner

2bUYS - Unleash Your Strengths - All of 2b Limitless Coaches are Gallup Strengths Certified and we have led strengths-based leadership programs in over 40 countries around the world - Contact Olivia Marshall

2bshp - Sustainable High Performance - Patrick Harrison

2bew - Empower Women - Transform Your Organization - Melda Yasar Cebe and Victoria Tipper

2bLEAP - Leadership, Education and Performance - Conference and Program - Peter Charles Turner and Olivia Marshall

2bpp - Powerful Presentations and Feedback - Ian Ward and Victoria Tipper

2byb - To Be Your Best - International Goal Setting and High-Performance People Retreat

* 2byb - 'The Boat' - Mick Todd and Olivia Marshall

* 2byb - ExcelHER - Victoria Tipper and Olivia Marshall

* 2byb - Physical Challenge - Victoria Tipper and Olivia Marshall

* 2byb - NextGEN - Jack Wolstencroft and Patrick Harrison