If you really want to make your retirement years count, say goodbye to these 9 behaviors

You’ve spent years working toward retirement, so why let old habits steal your joy now?

The truth is, certain behaviors that seemed harmless before can quietly sabotage your golden years.

The difference between a retirement that feels stagnant and one that feels purposeful often comes down to habits.

And the good news? You have full control over them.

In this article, we’ll unpack the most common habits that hold retirees back — and, more importantly, how to break free from them.

If you want this next stage of life to be your most rewarding, it’s time to make a few changes that count.

1) Letting fear dictate your choices

Retirement can be a daunting prospect.

The idea of leaving the security of a regular paycheck, coupled with the uncertainty of how to spend your newfound free time, can be a breeding ground for fear.

And fear, unfortunately, can be a powerful deterrent to living your retirement years to the fullest.

The danger with fear is that it often leads us to play it safe.

We stick to what we know, avoiding new experiences and opportunities for growth. This can result in a stagnant and unfulfilling retirement.

But remember that retirement is an opportunity, not a sentence.

It’s your chance to explore hobbies you’ve always been interested in, travel to places you’ve always wanted to go, and experience things you never had time for during your working years.

So if you want to make the most of your retirement, let go of fear.

Instead, embrace the unknown with curiosity and a sense of adventure. It’s better to look back on life with memories rather than regrets.

2) Neglecting your health

I remember when my father retired, he suddenly had all this free time on his hands.

But instead of using it to take care of himself, he fell into a routine of sitting on the couch, watching TV, and snacking on junk food.

His health quickly started to deteriorate. Before long, he was dealing with high blood pressure, cholesterol issues, and a significant weight gain.

Seeing my dad’s health decline was a wake-up call for me.

I realized that retirement isn’t just about taking a break from work – it’s about making the most of the time you have left.

And that’s hard to do when you’re not in good health.

If you want to truly enjoy your retirement years, don’t neglect your health.

Make regular exercise a part of your routine. Eat wholesome, nutritious foods.

Regularly check in with your doctor.

Say goodbye to neglecting your health and start making it a priority.

Trust me, your future self will thank you for it.

3) Being resistant to change

Retirement means a lot of changes. It’s not just about leaving work, it’s about adjusting to a whole new lifestyle. And that can be tough.

Sometimes, it feels easier to resist change than to embrace it.

You might feel inclined to stick to your old routines and habits, even though they no longer serve you in your retired life.

But resisting change can keep you stuck in the past and prevent you from fully enjoying your retirement years.

Embrace the changes that retirement brings.

Try out new hobbies, go on spontaneous trips, meet new people.

Remember, retirement is an opportunity for growth and expansion, not just relaxation.

Welcome the new opportunities that come with this life stage with open arms.

It’s a chance to redefine yourself and live life on your own terms.

4) Living in the past or future, but not the present

Retirement can often bring about a lot of reflection.

You could find yourself dwelling on past decisions or worrying about the future.

While it’s natural to think about these things, it’s important not to let them consume you.

Mindfulness is the practice of focusing your attention on the present moment.

It’s about accepting and experiencing what’s happening right now, without judgment or distraction.

In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”, I discuss the many benefits of mindfulness, including reduced stress, improved mental clarity and a greater sense of peace and contentment.

These benefits can greatly improve your retirement experience.

Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, try to focus on what’s happening right now.

Take in your surroundings, enjoy your activities and appreciate the people in your life.

Embrace mindfulness and start truly experiencing your retirement years.

5) Over-scheduling your time

It might seem counter-intuitive, but one of the biggest mistakes retirees make is over-scheduling their time.

After years of working 9 to 5, you might feel compelled to fill every moment of your day with activities and appointments.

But retirement is your chance to break free from the rigidity of a full-time work schedule.

It’s a time to relax, unwind and do things at your own pace.

Over-scheduling can lead to stress and burnout – the last things you want in your retirement years.

Instead, aim for a balance between scheduled activities and downtime.

Give yourself permission to have days with no plans at all.

Take a spontaneous walk in the park, read a book, or just enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee in the morning.

It’s okay (and even healthy!) to have some free time in your calendar.

Retirement is about freedom and flexibility – so make sure you’re enjoying it.

6) Putting off happiness

There’s a common misconception that happiness is something we’ll achieve once we reach certain milestones – once we retire, once we travel the world, once we move to that beach house.

But the truth is, happiness isn’t something that happens in the future.

It’s something you can choose right now, regardless of your circumstances.

In retirement, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking “I’ll be happy when…”

But this mindset only leads to perpetual dissatisfaction. The key to a fulfilling retirement is finding joy in the present moment.

Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, enjoying a hobby, or simply taking in a beautiful sunset, find happiness in the everyday moments of your retirement years.

Choose to be happy now, and make every moment of your retirement count.

7) Avoiding new technology

I’ll admit, technology can be intimidating.

New gadgets and platforms are constantly emerging, and it can feel overwhelming trying to keep up. But avoiding new technology can limit your experiences in retirement.

Technology can keep you connected with loved ones, open up new learning opportunities, and even simplify everyday tasks.

I’ve found that using apps for everything from grocery delivery to online classes has greatly enriched my own life.

Of course, there’s a learning curve.

But most platforms are designed to be user-friendly, and there are plenty of resources available to help you get started.

Plus, learning new skills, including tech skills, can keep your mind sharp.

Embrace the digital age and make the most of the opportunities it offers. Trust me, it’s worth it.

8) Isolating yourself

Retirement can sometimes feel lonely.

You may miss the social interaction that came with your job or find yourself living far from family and friends.

But isolating yourself can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression.

Staying connected with others is crucial for your mental well-being in retirement.

This can mean maintaining regular contact with family and friends, joining clubs or groups that interest you, or even volunteering in your community.

Human beings are social creatures.

We thrive on connection and interaction.

So reach out to others, make new friends, and stay involved in your community.

Start building and maintaining meaningful relationships, and enrich your retirement years with the joy of companionship.

9) Not planning for the longevity of retirement

Retirement can last for decades, and failing to plan for the longevity of this phase can lead to financial stress and a lack of purpose.

It’s essential to take a long-term view of retirement, considering both your financial needs and how you want to spend your time.

A financial advisor can help you with monetary planning.

But equally important is to plan for how you’ll stay engaged and find fulfillment.

This could involve travel, hobbies, part-time work, volunteering or continuing education.

So say goodbye to not planning for the longevity of retirement.

Start preparing now for a retirement that’s not just about surviving, but thriving.

Final thoughts: It’s about choice

Your retirement years are ultimately shaped by your choices.

The behaviors you choose to embrace or let go of can have a profound impact on this stage of your life.

One such choice could be to cultivate mindfulness – a state of active, open attention on the present.

By focusing on the here and now, you can truly savor each moment of your retirement.

In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”, I delve into the process of cultivating mindfulness and how it can enrich your life, including your retirement years.

Retirement is not merely an end to work—it’s a beginning to a new chapter filled with possibilities.

It’s an opportunity to redefine yourself and live life on your own terms. And it all starts with the choices you make today.

So as you ponder on these points, remember that the power to make your retirement years count lies within you. Choose wisely.