8 ways you can break down your shackles and live your best life in your retirement years

Jeanette Brown by Jeanette Brown | January 18, 2025, 9:51 am

Retirement can often feel like a daunting prospect rather than the golden years we all dream about. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, feeling like you’re shackled by the constraints of age and circumstance.

But what if I told you there are ways you can break free and truly live your best life, even in your retirement years?

In this article, I’m going to share with you 8 simple but effective ways to shake off those shackles and start living the retirement life you’ve always dreamed of. It’s never too late to start.

1) Embrace your inner world

Retirement, like all stages of life, brings its share of challenges. It’s easy to focus on the external circumstances, but let me tell you, it’s what’s going on inside that truly counts.

Navigating our internal landscape of thoughts and emotions is a task we often overlook, yet it’s these internal dynamics that drive everything in our lives. They build or break our relationships, they give us joy or sorrow, they make us feel empowered or helpless.

One way to break the shackles in retirement is to truly embrace your inner world. Start by acknowledging your feelings and thoughts. If you’re feeling lonely, admit it. If you’re feeling scared of the future, acknowledge it. The first step towards change is acceptance.

A few years ago, I was struggling with a sense of loss after retiring from a job I loved. Instead of pushing these feelings away, I chose to sit with them, acknowledge them. This acceptance led me to seek out new activities that brought joy and purpose into my life again.

So my tip for you is this: take a moment each day to check in with yourself. How are you feeling? What are you thinking? Embracing your inner world can lead to profound changes in your external world, guiding you towards living your best life in retirement.

2) Take the wheel of your life

Retirement can seem like the end of an era, and it’s easy to feel like your life’s direction is now out of your hands. But let me tell you something raw and honest: this couldn’t be further from the truth.

We all have an immense untapped potential within us, waiting to be discovered. The key is realizing that you are still in control, even during retirement.

True empowerment comes not from external circumstances, but from taking full responsibility for our lives. This means deciding where you want to go and steering your life in that direction. It means not blaming others or circumstances for where you are, but recognizing that every step you take is yours alone.

So here’s the deal: start by setting clear intentions for your retirement years. If you’ve always dreamed of traveling, plan a trip. If you’ve wanted to write a book, now is the time to start. Remember, the power to live your best life in retirement is in your hands. Don’t wait for permission or perfect circumstances – take the wheel and drive towards your dreams!

3) Become your own coach

Now, this might sound a bit surprising, but hear me out. I truly believe that we can all develop the skills to become our own life coach. And let me tell you, this is a game-changer when it comes to navigating major life changes like retirement.

Becoming your own coach involves developing self-awareness, understanding your strengths and weaknesses, and being able to set and achieve goals. It’s about being able to motivate yourself, keep yourself accountable, and navigate through setbacks.

Imagine being able to guide yourself through any challenge that comes your way, armed with the knowledge that you have the skills and resilience to handle it. This is what being your own coach can do for you.

So how do you do this? Start by setting aside time each day for reflection. Ask yourself questions like: What went well today? What could I have done differently? What’s one thing I learned? This regular introspection can help you understand yourself better and guide your actions towards leading a happier, more fulfilling life in your retirement years.

4) Learn to practice self-compassion

Retirement can bring up all sorts of emotions – from excitement and joy to anxiety and fear. It’s during these times that practicing self-compassion becomes crucial.

As renowned psychologist Kristen Neff said, “Self-compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others.”

But often, we are our own worst critics. We beat ourselves up over mistakes or perceived failures, amplifying our stress and anxiety. But what if we could treat ourselves with the same kindness and understanding that we extend to a friend during tough times?

Self-compassion is about acknowledging our suffering, recognizing that everyone makes mistakes, and being kind to ourselves. When we do this, we allow ourselves to heal and grow.

So the next time you’re feeling down or confronting a challenge in your retirement years, remember to show yourself some kindness. It’s okay not to have all the answers right away. It’s okay to struggle sometimes. Be patient with yourself, because you’re doing the best you can. And that’s more than enough.

5) Cultivate a growth mindset

In a world where change is the only constant, cultivating a growth mindset becomes crucial, especially during your retirement years.

A growth mindset is all about embracing challenges, seeing failure as a learning opportunity, and understanding that our abilities and intelligence can be developed. It’s about stepping out of our comfort zones and recognizing that this is where real growth happens.

Retirement presents a perfect opportunity for this. You have the time and space to explore new interests, learn new skills, and challenge yourself in ways you never could before.

So don’t be afraid to fail. Remember, failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s a stepping stone towards it. The next time you face a setback, see it as an opportunity to learn something new, to grow and become better.

Cultivate curiosity. Ask questions. Keep learning. Because with a growth mindset, retirement isn’t the end of your journey; it’s a new beginning.

6) Nurture connections

One of the most rewarding aspects of my retirement has been the opportunity to nurture and build meaningful connections. We are social beings and having a strong support network can significantly enhance our mental and emotional health.

In retirement, you have the time to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and maybe even rekindle relationships that have taken a backseat during your working years. Spend time with your loved ones, join clubs or groups that interest you, volunteer in your community. The richness of these relationships can bring immense joy and satisfaction into your life.

7) Prioritize your health

Now is the time to prioritize regular exercise, a balanced diet, and regular medical check-ups. Mental health is equally important – consider practices like meditation, mindfulness, or yoga that can help maintain a positive mindset. Remember, taking care of your body and mind can drastically improve the quality of your life during retirement.

8) Find your purpose

Lastly, finding a sense of purpose in retirement has been the key to living my best life. Purpose gives us direction, motivates us, and contributes to our overall happiness.

Your purpose in retirement could be anything from spending more time with your grandchildren to starting a small business or volunteering. The beauty of it is that it’s entirely up to you.

Remember this journey to find purpose is personal and unique. Take your time, explore different avenues, and listen to what resonates with you. Once you find it, hold onto it. It might just be the key to unlocking the best years of your life.

In conclusion, breaking free of your shackles and living your best life in retirement isn’t a distant dream, but an achievable reality. Each of these steps – embracing your inner world, taking control of your life, becoming your own coach, practicing self-compassion, cultivating a growth mindset, nurturing connections, prioritizing your health, and finding your purpose – are all stepping stones to a more fulfilling and happier retirement.

Remember, retirement isn’t the end. It’s a beautiful new chapter filled with opportunities for growth and discovery.

If you’re looking for further guidance on how to navigate this important life stage, my  new online course, Coach Yourself to an Epic Retirement, will come out soon on The Vessel.  You can sign up to the newsletter here to find out when the course is launched. 

At the end of the day, it’s not just about living longer but living better. So let’s make the most of these golden years together.