Are you waiting for retirement to start the “good life”?
If so, you’re not alone—but you might be missing out.
Many people put off their dreams, imagining that once they hit a certain age, they’ll finally be able to relax and enjoy life.
But what if the good life could start right now?
There are those who don’t wait for some future date to chase happiness and fulfillment. These are the people who don’t wait for that elusive perfect time—they know that life is happening now, and they’re determined to live fully.
What sets them apart is a set of behaviors that prioritize joy, adventure, and purpose long before retirement ever crosses their minds.
If you’ve ever wondered what makes them different, here are 9 behaviors that people who live the good life right now tend to display. You might just find a few habits worth adopting!
1) They embrace the present moment
Living the good life isn’t a future event for these individuals.
No, it’s their present reality.
People who don’t wait for retirement to start living the good life have an uncanny ability to stay rooted in the here and now. They’re not constantly chasing the future or dwelling in the past.
Yes, they do plan for the future and learn from their past experiences, but they don’t let these timeframes dominate their present.
Instead, they’re fully engaged in the moment, extracting joy from even the most mundane activities. Whether it’s savoring a meal, engaging in a hobby, or simply enjoying a peaceful evening at home, they find contentment in their current situation.
Why? Because they realize that life is happening right now. And they’ve decided not to miss out on it.
2) They adopt a growth mindset
Have you heard of the concept of a growth mindset?
It’s a psychological theory developed by psychologist Carol Dweck. In essence, it’s the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.
People who live the good life before retirement embrace this mindset wholeheartedly. They don’t see their skills or talents as fixed traits. Instead, they believe that they can always learn, grow, and improve no matter their age or stage in life.
This mindset fuels their passion for life. It opens them up to new opportunities, new learning experiences, and even new relationships. They see challenges not as roadblocks, but as stepping stones towards personal growth.
Indeed, adopting a growth mindset is a powerful behavior that propels individuals to start living the good life well before retirement.
3) They’re not afraid to fail
You might think that people who are living the good life are always successful. But here’s the twist: they’re not.
In fact, these individuals have often faced more failures than most. But it’s their perspective on failure that sets them apart. Remember the growth mindset we talked about? This is where it truly shines.
While most people dread failure, they see it as an invaluable learning opportunity. They understand that failure is not a dead-end, but a detour to a different path.
Rather than letting failure discourage them, they let it guide them. They analyze their failures, learn from their mistakes, and use these lessons to propel themselves forward.
4) They cultivate a positive attitude
You can’t live the good life if you’re always feeling down in the dumps, can you?
That’s why the folks who don’t wait for retirement make it a point to cultivate a positive attitude.
Now, this doesn’t mean they’re always happy or that they never face difficulties. Life is full of ups and downs, after all.
But they’ve mastered the art of maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity. They focus on the good, even when things aren’t going their way.
They understand that while they can’t always control what happens to them, they can control how they react to it. And they choose positivity.
This positive attitude helps them navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience, and ultimately contributes to their ability to live the good life every single day.
5) They prioritize their well-being
It’s simple. People who start living the good life before retirement understand the importance of their well-being. They know that a healthy body and mind are crucial to a fulfilling life.
So, how do they ensure their well-being? Here are a few things they often prioritize:
- Regular physical activity
- A balanced diet
- Adequate rest and sleep
- Mental health care
- Stress management techniques
Each of these elements plays a significant role in maintaining their overall health and well-being. And they understand that without good health, the good life is hard to achieve.
6) They value meaningful relationships
Did you know that the quality of our relationships determine the quality of our lives?
That’s why you can’t dismiss the impact of your relationships.
People who don’t wait for retirement to start living the good life place a high value on their relationships. And I’m not just talking about romantic relationships. This includes friendships, family ties, and even professional relationships.
The fact is, we humans, are social beings. We thrive on connection. We find joy in shared experiences. And most importantly, we need the support and companionship of others to navigate the ups and downs of life.
So, invest time and energy in building and maintaining your relationships. Show up for the people you care about. Offer support when it’s needed, and don’t be afraid to ask for it either when you’re the one in need.
By nurturing these meaningful connections, you can create a supportive network that enriches your life journey.
7) They pursue their passions
Imagine waking up every day, excited about what you’re going to do. How would it feel to spend your time on activities that truly light you up?
This is the reality for people who don’t wait for retirement to start living the good life. They don’t just dream about their passions – they actively pursue them.
Whether it’s painting, traveling, gardening, or any other activity that brings them joy, they make time for it. They understand that pursuing their passions is not a luxury, but a necessity for a fulfilling life.
By embracing what they love, they infuse their days with joy and purpose.
How about you? What are your passions? And more importantly, are you giving them the time and attention they deserve?
Pursuing your passions might just be the key to unlocking your own version of the good life, right here and right now.
8) They practice gratitude
Years ago, I met a woman who had this infectious joy about her. She was not particularly wealthy or successful by conventional standards, yet she exuded a sense of contentment that was truly inspiring.
When I asked her about her secret, she simply said, “I am grateful.”
People who don’t wait for retirement to start living the good life often have a similar attitude. They practice gratitude. They make it a habit to acknowledge the good in their lives, big or small.
Studies show a clear link between gratitude and life satisfaction. What’s more, these two elements are definite indicators of a good life.
So look around and view your life through a lens of appreciation. When you practice this habit every single day, you’d be surprised to find how good a life you’re already living!
9) They choose their own path
And here we are, at the final point.
People who don’t wait for retirement to start living the good life understand one crucial thing: their life is their own, and they get to choose how to live it.
They don’t let societal norms or expectations dictate their choices. They don’t feel compelled to follow a predetermined path just because it’s what’s expected.
Instead, they listen to their inner voice. They follow their own dreams and desires. They carve out their own unique path in life, even if it’s unconventional.
By choosing their own path, they’re able to create a life that truly resonates with who they are and what they value. It’s this authentic living that truly encapsulates the essence of living the good life before retirement.
Choosing your own path isn’t always easy, but it’s a powerful step towards creating a life that you truly love, right here and right now.
So, are you ready to start living the good life?
We’ve just explored nine behaviors of people who don’t wait for retirement to start living the good life. As you can see, it’s all about making conscious choices, shifting our mindset, and taking intentional actions.
Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to get started:
- What are the activities that truly bring me joy?
- Am I investing in my relationships?
- Do I practice gratitude regularly?
- Am I prioritizing my well-being?
- Am I embracing my failures as learning opportunities?
The answers to these questions can guide you towards making changes that align with living the good life right now.
Remember, it’s not about waiting for a perfect time or circumstance. It’s about choosing to live your best life, no matter where you are right now.
So, as you go about your day today, take a moment to reflect on these behaviors. Consider how you can incorporate them into your own life. Who knows? This could be the start of your journey towards living the good life before retirement.
What would Jesus say?
Unsure whether to move on from a failed marriage? Struggling with desire and feeling guilty for it? Wanting to live a life Jesus would be proud of?
Let Jesus tell you how to be a good Christian according to the teachings of the Bible.
We brought Jesus back to life with the help of AI. Ask your toughest life questions, and Jesus will tell you exactly what to do.
