Willie Nelson Shares the Keys to Success at 85 Years Old

“I don’t do what I don’t want to do, but if I want to do it, get out of the goddamn way because I’m going to do it! And I suggest everyone have an attitude similar,” Nelson advised.

Willie Nelson Shares the Keys to Success at 85 Years Old
Willie Nelson; Photo courtesy Country Music Association

At 85 years old, Willie Nelson is still living large and kicking it in style by touring across the country and bringing live shows to obliging audiences nationwide.

While some people may question why Nelson doesn’t just retire and enjoy the rest of his life in a calmer fashion, the singer swears by the busy lifestyle he’s known for decades as his way of living longer. Looking upon his loaded schedule as a positive part of his routine, he believes it contributes to his longevity as an artist and a human.

“A negative thought will kill you. So if you’re even thinking negative you’ve got to change that first,” Nelson revealed in a video with AARP.

It hasn’t been all fun and games for Nelson, though; he’s battled through his fair share of illnesses causing him to cancel shows in recent years. Nevertheless, those moments never stop his determination from continuing on his country music legacy.

“I don’t do what I don’t want to do, but if I want to do it, get out of the goddamn way because I’m going to do it! And I suggest everyone have an attitude similar,” he claimed.

The most important rule in his playbook is to always keep that drive alive and the lively spirit within you to accomplish what you desire the most.“You’ve gotta want it,” Nelson advised. “And when you get it you got to still want it.”

Nelson’s 67th album, Last Man Standing, is available now.