Finding Happiness

While speaking at seminars about preparing for retirement I’ve often heard people saying things like “I’ll be happy when I retire” and “when I give up work I’ll be happy”.  Unfortunately if they don’t think they’ll be happy until they retire, they’ll probably be disappointed as well as unhappy.  The unfortunate reality is that if a person is miserable during their working life, they’ll probably be miserable in retirement.  Happiness is not something that just happens when we stop working. 

One of the most common questions raised at retirement planning seminars is “How can I be happy in retirement”.  If we are to achieve long term happiness it’s necessary to get a number of things right.  Here are five of the most important issues to consider.

1. Have mainly positive thoughts and emotions

If the voice in our heads is constantly giving us negative messages, it’s difficult to have a positive attitude.  However we have the ability to control our thoughts and we can work at thinking in a more positive and optimistic fashion.

2. Be engaged

People who are engaged in activities that they enjoy are usually happier.  One of the benefits of being retired is that it gives us more time to be involved with friends, and the community.

3. Relationships

Satisfying social contacts with family and friends are important if we wish to be happy.  The relationship with our partner can come under strain as a result of being together 24/7 and it may require some special attention.

4. Purpose

Retirement is a time when many people grapple with their purpose in life.  It’s hard to be happy if we have no purpose or meaning in our lives.  It’s never too late to start looking for some.

5. A sense of achievement

We’ll be happier if we have a positive self-image.

Our book titled “How to stay Healthy, Active & Sharp in Retirement” has lots of good advice on finding lasting happiness.  You can buy it on this web site.  Just go to the home page and click on the picture of this book

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