Millennials and Gen Z have come of age in a time of great change. So their milestones, especially when it comes to retirement, will look different than those of older generations.
Life rarely turns out the way we expect. In my early 50s, I had to retire early after a near-death experience to take care of my health. But at age 62, feeling bored, restless and stuck, I unretired and started one. Coaching Company To help people achieve a more complete retirement than mine.
Here are four myths about retirement that more people need to talk about:
Myth #1: Life follows a linear path.
Many baby boomers believe that life has three major chapters: Get an education. get a job and get married; And retire and enjoy the downtime.
But life is more flexible than that. People in their 60s and 70s are starting new careers and new relationships all the time, and young adults can achieve a life of balance before age 65.
Don’t wait until retirement to live the life you want. Tomorrow is never guaranteed, so make time for activities you enjoy every day.
Let go of the pressure to figure everything out. At the age of 62, I started a business that I never would have imagined in my 20s or 30s.
Myth #2: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
As children, we are very curious. But I’ve noticed that in my generation, the older we get, the more we stop questioning.
The brain is a muscle that needs exercise. Learning helps us feel engaged with the world, and It is good for brain health and memory.
Dive deep into things that interest you. For example, I love learning about how our minds, personalities, and identities work. Or you can take up a hobby where there is always room for growth, such as gardening or starting a charity.
Myth #3: Your 20s and 30s are your best years.
Our consumer society has created a narrative that everything and everyone has a sell-by date.
But until half According to Stanford’s Center of Longevity, about 100 of the 5-year-olds in the U.S. today are expected to live. Young people can’t just decide to retire at age 65. They will sit for about 40 years.
The Roman philosopher Cicero wrote: “Old age is the crown of life.” Look for seniors who are active and happy. Ask them what physical, mental and social activities keep them busy. You may be surprised to learn that they actually feel ageless inside.
It won’t be long before you become a senior either, so it’s in your best interest to know what challenges you’ll face and what joys you can discover.
Myth #4: There’s no point in thinking about death.
It may seem strange to keep death on the mind, but by the age of 52, I thought I was immortal. Then my oncologist told me I had six months to live. The diagnosis was thankfully wrong, but what a wake-up call.
Benedictine monks are encouraged to “keep death before their eyes daily”, so that they can live life fully and in a detached way.
I realized that remembering death at any time would end my mindless pursuits and worries. It allowed me to be more present and do more of the things that actually mattered to me.
Plant your own garden.
My best life advice is to be kind to yourself. And whatever you do, follow your own North Star. Every person has a different beautiful and difficult journey.
Keep doing what you love, master your skills, and recognize your progress.
When you cultivate your garden—your unique skills and passions—you are always awake in your present moment.
George Georgian is the author of “Dare to discover your purpose: retire, refire, rewire.” An Emmy Award-winning producer and author of 10 books, he earned a business degree from the University of Bradford in England and a master’s degree in journalism from New York University. Follow him on Twitter. @GeorgeJerjian.
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Source by [CNBC News]
