8 Unspoken Secrets Of People Who Thrive In Retirement

The best secrets for surviving life as you age.

Last updated on Jul 18, 2025

Person who is thriving in retirement. kate_sept2004 | Canva
Advertisement

Just about everyone who is still slaving away at the office shares the very same goal as those of us who have long since left the workplace: a happy retirement, and a happy retirement means many things to many different people. 

Retirement is a significant transition that presents an opportunity to redesign your life in a way that brings you joy, fulfillment, and purpose, and you may be surprised that none of the secrets relate to money

Here are eight unspoken secrets of people who thrive in retirement:

1. They don't take a single day for granted

couple who thrive in retirement by knowing they were already a success Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock

Life is a miracle, and getting here means you already won. As you age into retirement, any day you get is a gift. Allow the time you’re alive in the world to play, create, and thrive from a position of realized strength.

A strong sense of self-worth can empower you to adapt to any changes and challenges that might come with retirement. Research has shown that high self-esteem is a better predictor of social relationships and improved mental and physical health. 

RELATED: If You Can Master These 8 Skills In Retirement, You're Set For Life

Advertisement

2. They don't take criticism personally

woman thriving in retirement knowing criticism isn't about her Yuri A / Shutterstock

It is always a projection rooted in personal insecurity. As you age, you realize it is never about you — it's usually about them.

Learning to detach yourself from taking criticism personally can be an invaluable mindset while transitioning into retirement. Research argues that detaching helps you see yourself as separate from the opinions of others which fosters self-awareness and acceptance. 

RELATED: The 3 Psychological Shifts That Make Retirement Feel Like An Exciting New Beginning, Not An Ending

Advertisement

3. They know that mindset is a choice

retired man who knows any stress is responding to thoughts Inside Creative House / Shutterstock

The idea that something external caused your stress is a mirage. You have it within you right now to let go of the seriousness of your thoughts, to return to us, to empower yourself.

The transition into retirement is stressful and this fact can help you understand that you have the power to influence and emotional and physical experiences that you might encounter. 

RELATED: Funeral Director Shares 10 Significant Life Lessons Most People Don’t Realize Until It’s Too Late

Advertisement

4. They don't let minor setbacks faze them

woman who is thriving in retirement where vey little fazes them Ground Picture / Shutterstock

How can I use this? How does this strengthen me? What have I learned from this? How can this drive me forward with double the ferocity?’

Developing emotional resilience and practicing the necessary coping strategies can help you navigate any setbacks without letting them define you or your experience. Research has shown that practices like meditation and deep breathing can help cultivate present-moment awareness. 

RELATED: 28 Truths About Happiness You Must Face To Improve Your Life

Advertisement

5. They know that happiness is not something to wait for

retired couple thriving not waiting for happiness Ground Picture / Shutterstock

Choosing to be happy (or at least try to be happy) is a choice. You might not see it now, but if you are open to this, you will see it, and your spirits will rise.

Understanding and believing that happiness is something to actively cultivate in the present can help sustain and maintain your well-being in retirement. This can involve setting realistic expectations and finding purpose and meaning in your post-career reality.

RELATED: 5 Rare Qualities Of The People Who Always Seem To Radiate Joy

Advertisement

6. They never stop creating

woman thriving in retirement and creating everything fizkes / Shutterstock

People who thrive in retiremetn know that they are the root of this entire experience. You are composed of the same creative force driving the continual expansion of the Universe.  Your mind is a projector, not a receiver. You are connected to it all, and you create it all

Research shows that a strong sense of personal agency can help retirees set new goals and pursue them actively. This sense of self-efficacy is a strong indicator of people who are more likely to participate in activities that promote physical and mental well-being. 

RELATED: Harvard Found The Secret To Happiness And Honestly, It's So Simple

Advertisement

7. They need very few material things

couple thriving in retirement because they have everything they need bbernard / Shutterstock

People who thrive in retirement know that they will not achieve nirvana from any job, person, experience, purchase, or success. You already have everything you need. All else is a bonus. Have fun knowing you already have what you’re looking for.

This mindset emphasizes a shift from solely focusing on monetary or materialistic gain. While financial security is important, research suggests that the perception of having sufficient resources is more important to overall life satisfaction. 

RELATED: 7 Ways To Be Happy With What You Have, Even When You Want So Much More

Advertisement

8. They don't buy into idea that life should be so hard

woman in retirement with the secret that life is a struggle programming JLco Julia Amaral / Shutterstock

You can experience joy, peace, and energy right now, every day, for the rest of your life. This comes with a willingness to use pain creatively and continually let go of the idea that what’s happening is not to your liking.

This view comes from a mindset that doesn't ignore any challenges or struggles that might come up, but uses them as opportunities for learning and self-development. 

You’re not at the mercy of a victim mentality, what happened, or even your thoughts. Don’t buy into the cutesy stuff about needing more ‘self-love’ — this is unnecessary and self-absorbed. You are already made of love. You needn’t look inward, and you don’t need ‘fixing.’

People who thrive in retirement are adept at standing up straight, embodying their powerful self, and getting out there and improving someone else’s life. As you age, to forget yourself is to realize your greatest strength.

RELATED: 4 Little Skills The Most Successful People Have Quietly Mastered Without Telling People

Alex Mathers is a writer and coach who helps you build a money-making personal brand with your knowledge and skills while staying mentally resilient. He's the author of the Mastery Den newsletter, which helps people triple their productivity.

Advertisement
Loading...