Attitude important to a successful retirement

Many studies on successful retirement show that the attitude one takes into retirement years determines to a great extent the perceived happiness obtained.

Let me offer you a glimpse of some of the attitudes obtained from individuals who were asked, "What does retirement mean to you?" Let's first look at the responses to this question from those who were six months to a year away from retirement.

1. Retirement means sleeping as late as I want to, wearing whatever I want to, having no schedule to meet, and having to please no one but myself. I know that the days will be as full as I want them to be and I know that I don't need a schedule or structure of any kind. Every day can be like a holiday.

2. Retirements means changing my pace somewhat. Focusing more on things that I have put off doing or not been able to do enough of over the years, such as hobbies. I enjoy several and plan on being with a group of friends who have similar interests in collecting and painting. Fortunately, I can budget myself and won't feel quite the pressure to produce an income, to meet quotas, or to work by the clock.

3. Retirements means have to please no one but myself. My life has been spent raising my kids and now it is payback time for them. My children and grandchildren are everything and the only thing and now I can see them a lot more after I retire. I believe the only persons you can really rely on for trust and true friendship anyway are those in your family. I won't have to worry about cultivating friendships or even maintaining some that don't mean a lot to me. I will just concentrate on family and I know that they will come through for me.

4. I have never really been happy unless I am busy. And believe me, I am going to busy in retirement. I'll do much of the same things I did when I worked, except now I'll be a volunteer. I will be able to pick and choose more the how and what I want to do including the hours I spend doing these things. I'll probably have more or less the same type schedule in many ways as I will get up in the morning and go to bed at the same hour in the evening. Retirement for me won't mean folding my tent. Instead, it will be a change of direction. I am looking forward to learning some new things and meeting some new people.

It doesn't take a psychologist to figure out the responses in #1 and #3 are loaded with pitfalls. One can easily see potential disappointment, unhealthy expectations, or even risks for disaster.
The responses found in #2 and #4, on the other hand, are more likely to correlate with a perception of retirement as being fulfilling, successful, and happy.

So attitude does play a big part in a happy retirement and those with definite plans have a new purpose for the future. Soon, with the attitude to move on to a new phase in life and to make it a productive time, they will probably succeed in doing just that.

Next will I will provide some responses from individuals who have been retired for years. Some have been successful and some have had difficulties. You can check their attitudes.