Have you ever met someone who seemed to bloom in their retirement years—achieving more, living fuller, and discovering more new passions than they ever did during their working life?
What’s their secret?
Well, through reading, conversations, and observing remarkable individuals who’ve achieved incredible things in retirement, I’ve discovered something interesting: it’s not about luck or wealth (though those things can help).
The truth is, there are specific habits and attitudes that these people share—behaviors that ignite their second act and allow them to thrive in ways they never did before.
Today, we’re diving into seven of these behaviors. Whether retirement is on the horizon or far off, adopting these can be a game-changer.
Let’s get into ‘em!
1) Lifelong learning
Achieving more in retirement than during working years isn’t a fluke – it’s often the result of a never-ending thirst for knowledge. These folks consistently seek out new knowledge and experiences, not allowing their age or retired status to limit them.
Retirement is the perfect time to dive into areas you’ve always been interested in, but never had the time to explore.
Whether it’s learning a new language, taking up a musical instrument, or finally reading all those books you’ve collected over the years, this habit of constant learning keeps the mind sharp and opens up new opportunities.
But it’s not just about accumulating knowledge. These successful retirees also apply what they learn to new ventures, hobbies, or community projects.
2) They embrace change
One of the things I’ve noticed about the most successful retirees I know is how well they adapt to change.
Take my friend, John, for example. After a 30-year career as a lawyer, he retired and decided to pursue his passion for painting. Despite having no formal art training, he embraced the change and threw himself into his new hobby.
Not everyone was supportive at first. Some of his friends thought he was wasting his time, but John didn’t let that deter him. He started taking painting classes, practicing daily, and even set up a small studio in his home.
Fast forward five years and John’s art is now exhibited in local galleries. He even sold a few pieces!
His story taught me that embracing change isn’t just about being open to new experiences. It’s also about ignoring the naysayers and following your passions, no matter how unconventional they may seem.
So if you want to achieve more in your retirement years than you ever did during your working days, don’t be afraid of change. Embrace it with open arms and see where it leads you.
3) Keeping active
Here’s one you probably expected, right?
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Retirement offers an abundance of free time, and while it might be tempting to spend it all in leisure, the most successful retirees know that physical activity is essential for maintaining health and vitality.
This is backed up by experts too. For instance, Dr. Linda Fried, dean of Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, has said, “Exercise is the closest thing we’ve found to a magic pill for combating the effects of aging,”
Whether it’s regular walks in the park, yoga classes, or even more strenuous activities like cycling or hiking, these folks make it a point to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine.
Not only does this keep them fit and healthy, but physical activity also contributes to mental well-being. It helps to stave off feelings of loneliness or depression and promotes a positive outlook on life.
Trust me on this one. A healthy body supports a healthy mind – and both are needed if you want to make the most out of your retirement years.
4) They give back
There’s a certain warmth that comes from helping others, a joy that’s hard to describe.
Many successful retirees understand this sentiment intimately. They use their wisdom, skills, and free time to give back to their communities.
This could be through volunteering at local charities, mentoring younger generations, or even starting initiatives to tackle issues they care about.
What makes this act even more special is that it’s not about gaining recognition or rewards. It’s about the satisfaction of making a difference, of knowing that their actions are making the world a better place – even if it’s just their small corner of it.
Giving back not only enriches the lives of those they help but also adds purpose and meaning to their own. It’s a heartfelt practice that brings fulfillment beyond material success and contributes significantly to achieving more in retirement.
5) They cultivate positive relationships
This is one I know all too well. That is to say that I’ve learned the hard way that life’s too short to surround yourself with negativity.
In my early years, I often found myself in the company of individuals who were always complaining or dwelling on the negative side of things. It took me a while to realize the toll it was taking on my own perspective and happiness.
Fast forward to today, I make a conscious effort to surround myself with positive, uplifting people. And I’ve noticed a similar pattern among successful retirees.
They cultivate relationships that enrich their lives and provide mutual support. Whether it’s maintaining old friendships, creating new ones, or spending quality time with family, they know the value of positive social connections.
These positive relationships provide a sense of belonging and emotional support, which are both crucial for mental well-being and happiness in retirement. It’s about surrounding yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you, and celebrate your victories – big or small.
6) They set goals
Retirement doesn’t mean you stop setting goals. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
Successful retirees understand the importance of having something to strive for. They set both short-term and long-term goals that help them maintain focus and purpose in their post-working years.
These goals could range from mastering a new hobby, traveling to a certain number of countries, writing a book, or even running a marathon. What matters is the process of striving towards these objectives, which provides a sense of accomplishment and personal growth.
Having clear goals not only gives direction but also serves as a motivation to keep going, to keep learning, and to keep growing. It’s this goal-oriented mindset that sets high-achieving retirees apart from the rest.
7) They embrace self-care
Perhaps, the most important behavior displayed by successful retirees is a commitment to self-care. They understand that in order to achieve more, they need to take care of their physical, mental, and emotional health first.
This can mean different things for different people. For some, it’s eating a balanced diet and maintaining regular sleep patterns. For others, it’s practicing mindfulness or indulging in hobbies that bring joy.
Whatever form it takes, self-care is not viewed as a luxury but a necessity. It’s the foundation that allows them to pursue their passions, meet their goals, and enjoy their retirement years to the fullest. It’s not just about living longer but living better.
Reflecting on the journey
Retirement is often seen as the end of one chapter, but as we’ve explored today, it can also be the beginning of an exciting new one.
The behaviors we’ve covered—lifelong learning, embracing change, staying active, giving back, cultivating relationships, setting goals, and prioritizing self-care—aren’t just habits; they’re the keys to unlocking a richer, more fulfilling life after work.
What’s truly inspiring is that these habits aren’t limited to those already in retirement. You can start incorporating them into your life right now, no matter your age or stage.
Here’s to making the most of every chapter of life. Your best years might just be ahead of you!
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