Choosing Your Own Path in Retirement: Why It Matters

Last summer, I found myself in an unexpected situation while playing in a charity golf tournament. My teammates were quite competitive and knew that I had recently reached the age of retirement, thereby allowing me the distinct privilege of moving up from where I could hit my ball, often referred to as the green tees. To briefly explain, green tees are often associated with senior golfers, typically those aged 65 and older. The primary goal of using green tees is to provide a more enjoyable and manageable experience by reducing the course’s length and difficulty, which can help maintain a good pace of play and enhance the overall enjoyment of the game. Playing from the green tees was a decision that didn’t sit well with me. While my friends wanted to gain the best advantage to win, I was not in favor of accepting that option. This experience got me thinking about the broader implications of retirement and the importance of choosing a path that aligns with our own desires, rather than conforming to what others expect.

This experience also reminded me of a book I read last fall and gave to our team at Christmas. In “Build the Life You Want,” Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey share three key reasons it is crucial for retirees to carve out their own unique retirement journey.

1. Personal Fulfillment and Happiness

First, emphasize the importance of emotional self-management and the pursuit of happiness. The authors argue that true happiness comes from aligning our lives with our personal values and desires. For retirees, this means choosing activities and lifestyles that bring joy and satisfaction, rather than adhering to traditional or familial expectations. Whether it’s traveling, volunteering, or picking up a new hobby, the key is to engage in activities that resonate with your own sense of fulfillment.

Reflecting on my own experience, I realized that playing from the green tees felt like a restriction on my enjoyment of the game. I love the challenge and excitement of playing from the same tees as my friends, and this small change made a big difference in my overall experience. It reminded me that in retirement, it is essential to pursue what truly makes us happy, even if it goes against the norm.

2. Embracing Change and Growth

Retirement is a significant life transition and an opportunity to embrace change and personal growth. Brooks and Winfrey highlight the importance of turning life’s challenges into opportunities for growth. This perspective is particularly relevant for retirees who may feel pressured to follow a conventional path. By choosing a retirement that reflects your own aspirations, you open yourself up to new experiences and personal development. This could mean starting a new business, pursuing further education, or simply exploring new interests.

For me, not hitting the ball as far as I may have in the past is a reminder that change is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be limiting. Instead, it can be an opportunity to explore new aspects of ourselves. Many of you have commented on how much you have enjoyed our production of “From the Orange Couch” videos. My nature is not extemporaneous, but following the encouragement of members of our team, I embraced the opportunity to share my experience and insight. Doing this has brought a new dimension of joy and creativity into my life.

3. Building Stronger Relationships

One of the pillars of happiness discussed in “Build the Life You Want” is the importance of strong relationships. Retirement can be a time to strengthen existing relationships and build new ones, but this is best achieved when you are living a life that feels authentic to you. When you choose a retirement path that aligns with your true self, you are more likely to connect with like-minded individuals and foster meaningful relationships. This can lead to a more supportive and enriching social network, which is essential for overall well-being.

Skiing has always been my favorite sport although the seasonal opportunity is limited. Because of this, I am intentionally planning an annual ski trip with my adult children to make memories with them. For more than 25 years, my wife Cathy and I have risen early to attend a 6:30 a.m. aerobics class. The participants have become like family and the upspoken secret is that class is more about getting together rather than exercising. Recently, we moved into a different neighborhood, which is encouraging me to connect with new people and experiences that enrich my social life and provide a sense of community.

Read Also: Exploring Retirement Living Options

Conclusion

Retirement is not something I want for myself right now — just like choosing to play from the green tees is not for me. Of course, this may change, which is perfectly fine. May I encourage you to accept the freedom to design a lifestyle that truly reflects who you are and what you want to do. As Brooks and Winfrey suggest, the journey to happiness and fulfillment is deeply personal and should be guided by your own values and desires. By choosing a retirement that is tailored to your own aspirations, you not only enhance your own well-being but also set an example for others to follow their own paths. So, whether it’s playing golf from the tees you prefer or embarking on a new adventure, remember that this is your time to build the life you want.

If you have any questions about retirement planning or would like to explore your options further, please reach out to us at (757) 436-1122 to schedule a free consultation—we’re here to help guide you toward a secure and fulfilling retirement!