If you want to make your retirement years some of the best of your life, say goodbye to these habits

Farley Ledgerwood by Farley Ledgerwood | January 21, 2025, 9:10 am

If you want your golden years to truly sparkle, you’ve got to ditch some of your routines.

Trust me, retirement isn’t just about having time, it’s about making that time count.

Just like how understanding human emotions isn’t always as simple as a smile or a tear, preparing for a fulfilling retirement isn’t just about saving money.

It’s a deeper game that requires introspection and change.

You may need to let go of certain habits if you want to truly enjoy your post-work life.

But don’t worry – it’s not as daunting as it sounds, especially if you’re armed with the right knowledge.

So let’s dive in and explore the habits you need to say goodbye to, to make your retirement years some of the best of your life.

1) Living beyond your means

Money can be as tricky as emotions.

It comes and goes, often without any logical pattern, and when it’s gone, there’s not much you can do to get it back instantly.

To make your retirement years some of the best of your life, you need to say goodbye to the habit of living beyond your means.

This might be a harder task for some more than others, particularly if you’re used to a certain lifestyle.

But don’t get me wrong – this isn’t about penny-pinching or denying yourself life’s pleasures.

It’s about understanding your financial boundaries and making smart choices to ensure a comfortable and stress-free retirement.

You can start by examining your current spending habits.

Are there any unnecessary expenses that you can cut back on? Are you saving enough for your future needs?

Your financial habits are your gateway to a worry-free retirement.

Sounds manageable, right?

2) Neglecting physical health

Our bodies are a bit like machines. They need regular maintenance and care to keep running smoothly.

Now, I’ll share a personal story here. A few years back, I was leading a pretty sedentary lifestyle.

Long hours at work, takeout meals, and minimal exercise was my routine. I didn’t think much about my physical health, and it took a toll on me.

One day, I found myself panting after climbing a flight of stairs, and that was a wake-up call.

I realized that if I wanted to enjoy my retirement years, I needed to make some changes.

So I kissed goodbye to my old habits and embraced a healthier lifestyle. The transition wasn’t easy, but it was definitely worth it.

Today, I feel more energetic, more active and I know that my future self will thank me for this change.

Neglecting physical health is a habit that you definitely need to say goodbye to if you want your retirement years to be some of the best of your life.

Trust me; your body will thank you for it. Doesn’t that sound like a win-win situation?

3) Ignoring mental wellbeing

Just like our bodies, our minds need regular care and attention too.

In fact, did you know that Harvard University conducted a study spanning over 80 years that found strong relationships are more influential in long-term happiness than money or fame?

If you’ve been neglecting your mental wellbeing, it’s time to say goodbye to that habit.

Start investing time in nurturing your relationships and practicing mindfulness.

This could be as simple as having regular catch-ups with friends and family, practicing yoga, meditating or even indulging in a hobby you love.

A happy mind leads to a happy life, especially during retirement.

After all, what’s the point of having all that free time if you’re not mentally at peace to enjoy it?

4) Putting off travel and adventure

There’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored.

Yet many of us spend our lives within the same four walls, sticking to the same routines, and hardly ever venturing out.

If you’ve been dreaming of seeing the Eiffel Tower, walking the Great Wall of China, or exploring the Grand Canyon, there’s no better time than your retirement years to make these dreams come true.

But, if you’re in the habit of always putting off travel and adventure due to work commitments or financial constraints, it’s time to bid that habit goodbye.

Start by setting aside a part of your savings specifically for travel.

Plan your trips well in advance and look for the best deals to ensure you get the most out of your money.

Your retirement years should be about making memories and having experiences that you’ll cherish forever.

Quit delaying that trip you’ve always wanted to take and start packing your bags!

5) Procrastinating on learning new things

One of the habits I had to say goodbye to was procrastination, especially when it came to learning new things.

I always found myself saying, “I’ll learn to play the guitar when I have more time”, or “I’ll read that book later”.

But the truth is, there’s never a perfect time for these things.

When I realized this, I decided to make a change. I started setting aside time each day specifically for learning something new.

It could be as simple as a new cooking recipe or as challenging as a foreign language.

And let me tell you, it made a world of difference. Not only did I feel more accomplished, but it also kept my mind sharp and active.

If you’re like the old me and keep pushing off learning new things, it’s time to change that habit.

Trust me, your retirement years will be much more enriching and fulfilling if you do.

Who knows, you might even discover a hidden talent or passion!

6) Sticking to what’s comfortable

Comfort zones are cozy, familiar, and safe. But they can also be a bit of a trap.

If we’re always sticking to what we know and what feels easy, we might miss out on some extraordinary experiences.

You might think retirement is all about relaxing and taking it easy, but saying goodbye to the habit of always sticking to what’s comfortable can make your golden years truly shine.

This doesn’t mean you have to go bungee jumping or run a marathon (unless you want to, of course!).

It could be as simple as trying a new cuisine, volunteering for a cause you care about or joining a local club or community.

Embracing the unknown and stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to some amazing discoveries about yourself and the world around you.

After all, life begins at the end of your comfort zone, right?

7) Neglecting personal growth

Personal growth is a lifelong journey, and retirement is no excuse to stop. In fact, it’s the perfect time to focus on it even more.

If you’ve been neglecting your personal growth, it’s time to say goodbye to that habit.

This could mean working on your communication skills, improving your emotional intelligence or even exploring spiritual practices.

Retirement is a great time to reflect on who you are as a person and who you want to be.

It’s the ideal phase to ask yourself deep questions and seek meaningful answers.

Don’t stop growing just because you’ve stopped working. Use this time to become the best version of yourself.

After all, personal growth doesn’t have an expiration date!

8) Forgetting to plan for the future

The most important habit to say goodbye to is forgetting to plan for the future. Retirement isn’t the end of the road, it’s a new beginning.

Whether it’s financial planning, healthcare arrangements, or even deciding where you want to live, every decision matters.

A well-planned retirement isn’t just about surviving your golden years.

It’s about thriving and making them some of the best years of your life. Start planning today and create the future you envision for yourself.

Embracing the golden years

If you’ve made it this far, hopefully you’ll have realized that those who truly enjoy their retirement are the ones who embrace change and let go of habits that no longer serve them.

Retirement isn’t about hanging up your boots and fading into the background.

It’s about stepping into a new phase of life with enthusiasm and eagerness.

As Carl Jung beautifully put it, “The afternoon of life is just as full of meaning as the morning; only, its meaning and purpose are different.”

Retirement is your afternoon. It’s a time to reflect, to grow, and to truly live. If you can understand that, then you’re not just ready for retirement.

You’re ready to make these years some of the best of your life.

And what’s more fulfilling than that?