If you really want to become the best version of yourself in retirement, say goodbye to these 8 habits

Retirement is a phase of life where you get the chance to really focus on yourself.

The habits you’ve held onto over the years, however, might not be serving your best interests anymore.

The key to becoming the best version of yourself in retirement is letting go of certain habits. And let me tell you, it’s easier said than done.

To help you out, I’ve listed down eight habits that you should say goodbye to. Because remember, this is about your journey towards self-improvement and enjoying your golden years to the fullest.

So, are you ready to take that leap? Let’s dive right in.

1) Neglecting physical health

Retirement is a golden opportunity to prioritize your health, both mental and physical.

A common habit that many retirees tend to fall into is neglecting their physical health. This could be due to a lack of routine, less social pressure, or simply underestimating the power of regular exercise.

Maintaining physical health in retirement isn’t about running marathons or hitting the gym for hours every day. It’s about including regular physical activity in your daily routine and making healthier food choices.

Think about it this way: your body is your vehicle for experiencing life. If it’s not in good shape, you won’t be able to enjoy all the new opportunities retirement has to offer.

Get into the habit of taking care of your body. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can go a long way in enhancing your overall well-being and helping you become the best version of yourself in retirement.

But remember, it’s not about perfection but progress. Start small and gradually build up. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel.

2) Procrastinating on personal goals

Retirement is a great time to revisit those dreams and personal goals that may have taken a backseat during your working years.

As someone who’s been there, I can assure you, procrastination is a habit you want to leave behind. Let me share a personal instance.

I’d always wanted to learn Spanish. It was one of those ‘someday’ goals I’d put on the back burner during my work life. When I retired, I found myself with ample time, but guess what? I kept putting it off, convincing myself there was always tomorrow.

Then one day, it hit me. If not now, when?

Saying goodbye to procrastination opened up a new world for me.

I started taking online Spanish classes, and let me tell you – it’s been an incredible journey. Not only have I learnt a new language, but my mind feels sharper, and I’ve made friends from different parts of the world.

So, whatever your personal goal may be, start today. Don’t let procrastination rob you of the joy of achieving your dreams in retirement.

3) Overthinking and worrying

We’ve all been guilty of overthinking at some point in our lives. Worrying about the future, fretting over the past, or getting anxious about things beyond our control.

In retirement, the habit of overthinking can act as a serious roadblock to becoming the best version of yourself. It’s like being stuck in a revolving door of negative thoughts and unnecessary stress.

Trust me, I’ve spent countless hours worrying about things that never really materialized. It’s time and energy that I could have spent on more productive pursuits.

The key is to focus on the present. Practice mindfulness, immerse in activities you love, and cultivate a positive mindset. This doesn’t mean you should ignore potential problems, but instead focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on what could go wrong.

4) Living on autopilot

One of the habits that can hold us back in retirement is living on autopilot. It’s easy to fall into a routine and stop being present in our daily lives.

Mindfulness, the practice of being present and fully engaged with whatever we’re doing at the moment, can be a game-changer in retirement. It allows us to experience life more fully, appreciate the small moments, and respond to situations with greater clarity.

In fact, this importance of mindfulness is something I delve into in my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”. It’s a practical guide filled with tips and exercises that can help you cultivate mindfulness in your everyday life.

By incorporating mindfulness into your retirement, you can break free from the autopilot mode. This means being more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, and making conscious decisions rather than just going through the motions.

Saying goodbye to living on autopilot and embracing mindfulness can truly help you become the best version of yourself in retirement. It’s about fully engaging with life and savoring each moment. After all, isn’t that what retirement should be about?

5) Holding onto past regrets

Retirement often brings with it a reflection of past choices and actions.

It’s easy to get caught up in a cycle of regret, replaying past mistakes or missed opportunities in your head.

I remember a business opportunity I passed on years ago. For a long time, I would dwell on the ‘what ifs’ and ‘if onlys’. It was a mental loop that was hard to break free from.

But here’s the thing: we can’t change the past. What we can do is learn from our experiences and use them as stepping stones to move forward.

The key is to forgive yourself, accept that you did the best you could with the knowledge and resources you had at the time, and let go of those regrets.

By doing so, you free up mental space for growth, learning, and new experiences in your retirement years. It’s a liberating feeling that paves the way for personal growth and becoming the best version of yourself.

6) Trying to stay busy all the time

In our culture, busyness is often equated with productivity and value.

We’re conditioned to think that we always need to be doing something, ticking off tasks on our to-do lists.

But here’s a counter-intuitive thought: retirement is a perfect time to break free from this habit.

Don’t get me wrong, having hobbies and activities you enjoy is great. But there’s no need to fill up every moment of your day with tasks and chores.

Instead, allow yourself the luxury of time. Embrace the stillness, the quiet moments, and the freedom that comes with having no agenda. Give yourself permission to simply be.

This might feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you’re used to a fast-paced work life. But slowing down and savoring the moment can lead to increased self-awareness, creativity, and even happiness.

So don’t rush to fill up your calendar just for the sake of being busy. Sometimes, doing nothing is exactly what you need to become the best version of yourself in retirement.

7) Resisting change

Change is a constant in life. Yet, many of us resist it, clinging to old ways and habits that are comfortable but not necessarily beneficial.

Retirement itself is a significant life change. And it often brings with it other changes – in your daily routine, in your social interactions, and even in your personal identity.

Resisting these changes can make the transition to retirement more challenging. It can keep you stuck in old patterns and prevent you from growing into the best version of yourself.

Instead, try embracing change. See it as an opportunity for growth and new experiences. Adapt and adjust your sails as needed.

After all, they say that the secret to navigating life’s changes isn’t about fighting the current but learning how to swim with it.

By letting go of the resistance to change, you open yourself up to new possibilities and adventures in your retirement years.

8) Putting others’ needs before your own

Retirement is your time. It’s the phase of life where you finally get to focus on yourself, your interests, and your dreams.

Many of us, especially those who have spent years caring for others, find it hard to prioritize our own needs. But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup.

You’ve earned these years. It’s okay to put yourself first, to pursue the hobbies you’ve always wanted to try, or to simply take a day off to do nothing.

Remember, prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish. It’s necessary for your well-being and happiness. You deserve to enjoy this time and become the best version of yourself in retirement.

The power lies within you

Retirement is a significant life transition, filled with opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

Each one of us holds the power to shape our retirement into an enriching and fulfilling phase. It all comes down to our habits, choices, and mindset.

Remember, it’s never too late to let go of old patterns that no longer serve us. It’s never too late to cultivate new habits that lead to personal growth.

In fact, this concept of personal growth and living in the moment is something I explore in my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”. It’s a guide that could potentially aid you in your journey of becoming the best version of yourself in retirement.

At the end of the day, retirement is your time to shine. It’s your chance to explore new interests, learn new skills, and make the most of your golden years.

So embrace this journey. Let go of the habits that hold you back.

And remember, the best version of yourself is waiting just around the corner. All you need to do is take that step towards it.