Happiness and meaning in retirement

Finding a way to measure success is important, at work it can be done numerous ways, some may have measured success by their professional achievements, some by the number of friends gained at work. Once you leave the workplace, you may need to find meaning to measure your success.

Viktor Frankl knew a lot about looking for meaning in life. In his book Man’s Search for Meaning, Frankl wrote, “Happiness cannot be pursued, it must ensue. One must have a reason to be happy.”

Frankl believed that the very pursuit of happiness is what thwarts happiness, but once you have a reason to be happy – i.e., a meaning – happiness comes automatically.

Happiness is about looking inward. It’s about satisfying your needs and wants. Happiness without meaning results in a shallow, self-absorbed life. When things go well, when your needs and desires are satisfied, you’re happy. When things get difficult, watch out.

Meaning is different. It’s focused outwards, on others. It’s about taking care of others and contributing to your community or society as a whole. When we see our purpose as larger than ourselves, we no longer need to pursue happiness. It comes naturally, even in the face of temporary setbacks and discomforts.

The problem is that many people spend more time planning a vacation than they do planning their retirement. Chances are your career provided a lot of your life’s meaning over the last 40+ years.

So how do you find a replacement for that fulfillment once you’re no longer punching the proverbial time clock?

1.  Read

2.  Try a Mindfulness App

3.  Meet With a Life Coach

4.  Take Care of Your Finances

5.  Identify What Gives Your Life Meaning and Purpose AND Makes      You Happy

6.  Identify Your Ikigai

a.  The Japanese define purpose with the concept of “ikigai.”  Ikigai is the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs and for what you can get paid.