People say things like, “When I retire, I am going to be happy,” or
“When I don’t have to work anymore, I will be happy.” The truth is, if you
don’t think you can be happy until you retire, you won’t be.
One of the most recognizable cartoon characters is Snoopy. So much so
that I bet you knew someone from when you were young that had a bedroom that
was filled with Snoopy. Snoopy dolls, Snoopy quotes, and even Snoopy curtains.
You might have even learned how to draw Snoopy on top of his doghouse and spent
many hours in art class perfecting this skill.
Happiness is Snoopy
Some of my favorite quotes were always the “happiness is” quotes relating
to Snoopy and all the Peanuts characters: Happiness is a warm puppy. Happiness
is cookies. Happiness is a sunny day.
What is happiness to you? Does it have to depend on what stage of life
you are in and whether you are retired?
There are a number of studies about happiness in retirement. Many people
who are getting ready to retire hope that this new phase of their lives results
in happiness. In fact, a lot of retirement planning focuses on how to achieve
happiness in the golden years.
But more often, if you are miserable now, you most likely will be
miserable in retirement. Happiness does not just happen when you stop working.
Five Keys to Authentic Happiness
In studies conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, researchers
found that there isn’t one element in the pursuit of happiness but five. They
work together to contribute to an overall sense of peace and contentment.
At any age, including retirement age, the five keys to what lead
researcher Martin Seligman called authentic happiness are:
Positive emotion. They are, for example,
hope, enthusiasm, and warmth. A large part of positive psychology, a field of
study that seeks to understand happiness, is about enhancing these emotions.
Engagement. People who engage in activities
they enjoy are happier. Retirement does help you in this area since it frees up
your time to do things you like.
Relationships. Families, friends, and
healthy social contact are essential for happiness. You should work on
bettering your relationships before retirement begins because leaving your job
sometimes means leaving long-time friends at work.
Meaning. Retirement is the time to look at
the meaning of life. As you approach retirement, determine what you can do to
feel fulfilled. Do not wait until you retire to figure this out.
Achievement. Those with a positive self-image
are happier. If your job doesn’t give you a sense of achievement, try getting
involved in other activities that do. Volunteer work? Sports? Quilting? This is
even more important in retirement.
The ability to enjoy our golden years is the same ability to be happy at
all stages of our life.
So, what are the answers to your “happiness is?”
