Life is a journey filled with milestones, and everyone’s journey looks a bit different. But there are certain achievements, certain “wins,” that can make you feel like you’re really acing this whole life thing.
By the age of 60, you’ve hopefully ticked off a few of these. But what if I told you there were seven specific accomplishments that could truly signify you’re winning at life?
In this article, I’m going to share these seven things. And remember, it’s never too late to start ticking off these life wins. After all, life is a game that never ends until it ends. Are you ready to see how well you’re really doing?
1) Financial stability
One of the most common stressors in life revolves around money. It’s a topic that can cause sleepless nights and endless worry.
By the time you hit 60, one of the key signs that you’re winning at life is achieving financial stability. This doesn’t necessarily mean being a millionaire or owning multiple properties.
Instead, financial stability in this context refers to being able to comfortably meet your basic needs without constantly worrying about your next paycheck. It’s about having a steady income source, whether that’s from a pension, investments, or continuing to work because you love what you do, not because you have to.
Achieving this level of comfort with your finances signifies a win because it allows you to enjoy the fruits of your labor without the constant stress of financial insecurity.
Remember, everyone’s financial journey is different. But if you’ve reached a point where money isn’t a constant source of worry, then you’re definitely doing something right.
2) Healthy relationships
Another crucial component of a well-lived life is the quality of your relationships. And I can personally attest to the importance of this one.
When I turned 60, I took a long, hard look at my own relationships. Friends, family, even acquaintances – I examined each one. What I found was that the healthiest relationships were those where there was mutual respect, love, and understanding.
For instance, my relationship with my son has always been a source of pride for me. We’ve had our fair share of disagreements over the years, as all parents and children do. But we’ve always managed to talk things out and come to a consensus.
Seeing how our relationship has evolved over the years, from a parent-child dynamic to more of a friendship now that he’s an adult, has been incredibly rewarding. It’s one of the things that makes me feel like I’m truly winning at life.
So take stock of your relationships. Are they healthy? Are they fulfilling? If the answer is yes, then you’re definitely on the right track.
3) Giving back
By the time you’re 60, you’ve likely accumulated a wealth of knowledge, experience, and possibly even resources. One of the most fulfilling ways to use these is to give back to your community or to causes you care about.
Research shows that volunteering or giving back in some way not only benefits the recipients but also has profound effects on the giver. It can increase happiness levels, reduce stress, and even contribute to a longer life.
Whether it’s mentoring young people in your field, volunteering at an animal shelter, or donating to a charity you believe in, giving back is a sure sign that you’re winning at life. It shows that you’ve reached a point where you can look beyond your own needs and wants and contribute something meaningful to others.
4) Personal fulfillment
In your 60 years, you’ve probably spent a lot of time doing things for others – be it your job, raising a family, or helping friends. But achieving personal fulfillment is an essential marker of a life well-lived.
Personal fulfillment is about pursuing your passions and interests. It could be anything from painting, gardening, to learning a new language.
The key here is that these activities bring you joy and satisfaction, separate from any external validation or financial gain. They’re things you do purely because they make you feel alive and content.
If by 60, you’ve found and pursued activities that provide this sense of fulfillment, then you’re certainly winning at life.
5) Acceptance of self
This one’s a bit tricky, and truth be told, it took me a long time to get there. Acceptance of self is all about embracing who you are, warts and all. It’s about acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses and being okay with them.
I remember when I was younger, I used to beat myself up over my shortcomings. I was always too hard on myself, always striving for perfection. As I grew older, I realized that nobody’s perfect, and that’s perfectly okay.
Learning to accept myself, flaws and all, has brought me peace of mind. It’s not about settling or not striving to improve, but rather recognizing that nobody is perfect. And you know what? That’s perfectly okay.
If by 60, you’ve learned to embrace yourself fully, with all your quirks and idiosyncrasies, then you’re definitely winning at life.
6) Maintaining physical health
Let’s face it, as we age, our bodies change and it becomes more important than ever to keep our health in check. But it’s not just about avoiding illness or disease. It’s about maintaining a level of fitness that allows you to enjoy life to its fullest.
This means taking care of your body through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and regular check-ups. It’s about making sure you’re not just alive, but also feeling good and able to do the things you enjoy.
If by 60, you’ve prioritized your physical health and are reaping the benefits of that commitment, then you’re definitely winning at life. It’s a clear sign that you value yourself and are invested in living your best life for as long as possible.
7) Inner peace
At the end of the day, perhaps the most significant sign that you’re winning at life is if you’ve found a sense of inner peace. This is a state of being content with your life, feeling at ease with your past, present, and future.
Inner peace comes from a place of acceptance – acceptance of oneself, acceptance of others, and acceptance of life as it is, not as we wish it to be.
If you’ve reached a point where you can sit quietly with yourself and feel content, not restless or wanting, then you’ve truly mastered the art of living. You’ve won at life.
Reflection: What truly matters
Life is a complex and beautiful journey, filled with highs and lows, achievements and setbacks. But the real measure of a life well-lived isn’t found in material possessions or an impressive resume.
It lies in the intangibles – the peace of mind that comes from accepting oneself, the joy found in relationships nurtured and cherished, the satisfaction derived from personal fulfillment, the pride associated with giving back.
These indicators of a life well-lived are not externally imposed milestones but deeply personal accomplishments. They are not tied to societal measures of success but are unique to each individual’s journey.
As poet Maya Angelou once aptly said, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
If by 60, you have achieved these seven things – financial stability, healthy relationships, giving back, personal fulfillment, acceptance of self, physical health, and inner peace – then rest assured, you are winning at life.
But remember, it’s never too late to start working towards these areas. As long as there’s life, there’s the opportunity for growth and improvement. So here’s to living our best lives – at 60 and beyond.
