People who thrive in their retirement usually adopt these 8 habits

Retirement can be a time to relax or an opportunity to thrive, it all depends on your approach. Those who really flourish in their retirement years tend to share some common habits.

These habits aren’t rocket science, but they do make a world of difference in how you experience life after work.

With advancements in the science of longevity, many of us are living longer than ever before—making retirement a phase that could last 20 or 30 years or even more. 

Let’s dive into these 8 habits adopted by people who thrive in their retirement. Why not make them the best years of your life?

1) Embrace inner navigation

The world of retirement can be a challenging one, filled with choices and decisions that can feel overwhelming. But thriving retirees know the importance of inner navigation.

This concept, drawn from my experiences entering the world of retirement, is all about understanding that life brings many challenges to us all and underneath our external circumstances, it is how we are inside that counts. The way we navigate our inner world of thoughts and feelings drives everything that matters in our lives.

One practical tip to this is developing a regular mindfulness practice. It could be as simple as setting aside ten minutes each day for quiet reflection or practicing yoga.

Let me share an example from my own life. When I first entered retirement, I found myself confronting a lot of unknowns and challenges. From career burnout to feeling directionless after leaving my high-stress job, I experienced the emotional rollercoaster retirement can bring. But through reflection and intentional planning, I was able to navigate the uncertainties with calm and clarity.

I’ve shared my personal journey and the lessons I learned in my YouTube video, Career Burnout to Epic Retirement: My Unexpected Journey. You can watch it here for deeper insights into navigating this powerful transition: Watch the video here.

Remember, it’s not just about reacting to what life throws at us – it’s about how we internally process and respond to these situations that truly count.

2) Steer your own ship

Retirement can often feel like a sea of endless possibilities, and it’s easy to feel adrift. But the key to thriving during these golden years is to take the helm and steer your own ship.

There’s a raw, honest truth here: we all have untapped potential within us. It’s easy to let others or circumstances dictate our lives, especially when we retire. But true empowerment comes from taking full responsibility for our own lives.

This isn’t about pushing against the tide or resisting change. Instead, it’s about charting a course that aligns with our values and aspirations. It’s about making decisions that reflect who we are and what we want from this stage of life.

Taking control doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone, though. Reach out to others for support, seek advice when needed, but remember – you’re in the driver’s seat.

So embrace your potential, take charge of your retirement, and remember – you’re not just drifting along with the current. You’re steering your life in the direction you want it to go.

3) Become your own coach

Life changes, like retirement, can be daunting. But there’s a raw, honest skill that can make all the difference: becoming your own coach.

You see, I truly believe that every one of us has the capacity to develop this skill. To ask ourselves the tough questions, to listen to our inner voice, to guide ourselves towards happier and more fulfilling paths.

Becoming your own coach means acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses, setting personal goals, and making a commitment to achieve them. It’s about self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-guidance.

In the context of retirement, being your own coach can look like defining what a fulfilling retirement means to you. It could be travelling, spending time with family, picking up a new hobby or giving back to the community.

The key here is that you’re not just letting retirement happen to you. You’re actively shaping it according to your desires and aspirations.

So remember, in this game of life and especially in retirement, you’re not just a player – you have the potential to be the coach too.

4) Embrace self-compassion

Retirement is a significant life transition, and like all transitions, it comes with its share of ups and downs. An essential habit of those who thrive in retirement is practicing self-compassion.

As Dr. Kristin Neff, a leading researcher in the field of self-compassion, once said, “With self-compassion, we give ourselves the same kindness and care we’d give to a good friend.” This is particularly relevant during the retirement phase.

When we encounter setbacks, it’s easy to be hard on ourselves. But self-compassion encourages us to be kind to ourselves in these moments. It’s about recognizing that everyone has difficulties and treating ourselves with understanding rather than harsh judgment.

In retirement, self-compassion could mean not blaming yourself if you feel lonely or bored. It encourages you to seek out social activities or new hobbies. It’s about understanding the difference between being alone and being lonely.

So, as you navigate your retirement, remember to be your own best friend. Show yourself the same kindness you would extend to others. Embrace self-compassion as one of your guiding principles.

5) Cultivate a growth mindset

In a world where change and disruption are the norm, those who thrive in retirement understand the importance of cultivating a growth mindset. This is essentially seeing challenges as opportunities and having the curiosity to learn and grow from them.

Retirement can be a significant disruption, but it’s also an opportunity for growth. It’s a chance to learn new skills, develop new hobbies, and pursue new interests.

Cultivating a growth mindset also means seeing failure as our best teacher. Maybe you tried to pick up painting in retirement and realized your first few attempts look nothing like the masterpiece you envisioned. That’s okay. Every failure is an opportunity to learn, adjust, and grow.

Stepping out of your comfort zone is where real growth happens. It could be trying a new activity, meeting new people or traveling to unfamiliar places. Yes, it might be uncomfortable at first, but that discomfort is a sign of growth.

So remember, retirement isn’t just about winding down, it’s about growing and expanding in new and exciting directions.

6) Cultivate strong relationships

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my own journey into retirement, it’s that relationships matter more than ever during this phase of life.

The people who thrive in retirement are those who cultivate strong relationships with family, friends, and their community. These connections provide emotional support, a sense of belonging, and even opportunities to learn and grow.

So, make time for your loved ones. Join clubs or groups that interest you and build new friendships. Reach out to others – it’s surprising how many people are just waiting for someone to make the first move.

7) Prioritize health and wellness

As we age, maintaining our health becomes even more critical. The retirees I’ve seen thriving are those who make their physical and mental wellness a priority.

They understand that good health isn’t just about avoiding illness. It’s about maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, and finding ways to manage stress. They recognize that their health directly impacts the quality of their retirement years.

So, take care of your body and mind. It’s the only place you have to live in.

8) Remain open to new experiences

Finally, thriving retirees remain open to new experiences. They see retirement as an opportunity to explore, learn, and experience things they didn’t have the time for during their working years.

Maybe it’s learning a new language or deciding to travel solo for the first time. It could be taking up a new hobby or even going back to school. Whatever it is, they embrace the newness with excitement and curiosity.

Remember, retirement is not the end of the road; it’s just the beginning of an open highway. So go ahead, rev up your engines and explore what lies ahead.

Retirement is indeed a significant transition, but it’s also an exciting stage of life filled with opportunities for growth and self-discovery. These habits of thriving retirees are not just about making the most of your retirement years but also about leading a happier, more fulfilling life.

Retirement isn’t about closing a chapter; it’s about turning the page to start a new one. So go ahead and write a captivating story for yourself. You deserve it.

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Jeanette Brown

I have been in Education as a teacher, career coach and executive manager over many years. I'm also an experienced coach who is passionate about people achieving their goals, whether it be in the workplace or in their personal lives.
Journey with Jeanette Brown

Embrace change, Redefine your future: Navigate your way to a fulfilling life

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