Written by Hi, it’s Dre Griggs with Obsidian Wisdom. Today, we’re discussing five misconceptions about happiness I had to let go of. In your retirement, it’s very important that you’re enjoying yourself—not only with what you’re doing, where you’re going, but also with the people you’re with, the relationships you build, and the experiences you have.
Balancing Act in Retirement
When we think about retirement, we’re often trying to balance the idea of wanting to do something different than what we’ve been doing and not being 100% sure of what that something is. When I retired from Corporate America, I knew there was something more for me, something I really desired and wanted to do. I wanted to help with entrepreneurship, but I wasn’t sure how that would look.
I started by making positive videos about any and everything because I knew I wanted to help but wasn’t sure how. In retirement, you might find yourself in a similar situation—sometimes running away from pain, but ideally, running towards pleasure. As humans, we’re always doing one of those two things.
Misconception 1: My Happiness Depends on Others
This misconception reminds me of the African proverb that says, “When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.” It’s a reminder that our happiness often depends more on our inner state than external circumstances. Yes, having more time to allocate towards our goals and dreams can enhance our happiness, but it’s not the sole factor.
If we’re working on the right things and allocating our time wisely, we can find happiness even while still working. Happiness is about aligning our actions with our core values and what matters most to us. As soon as you start doing that, whether you’re retired or not, you’ll be much happier.
Misconception 2: You Have to Be Perfect to Be Happy
Many people believe that happiness is only attainable if they are perfect and never make mistakes. However, the reality is that mistakes are part of life and learning. I’ve made plenty of mistakes, but they don’t exclude me from enjoying life and finding happiness.
The key is to learn from those mistakes and keep moving forward. Success often comes from persistence. As the story of the man who earned his black belt despite not being the most talented illustrates, consistency and not giving up are crucial. The African proverb, “However long the night, the dawn will break,” reminds us that tough times are temporary and better days are ahead.
Misconception 3: You Need a Reason to Be Happy
We don’t really need a specific reason to be happy. Just waking up each day can be a reason. Studies show that even after significant negative events, people can eventually find a new normal and be happy again.
Think back to any negative event in your life and you’ll realize that things got better with time. Even tough situations can eventually be remembered with a smile as we focus on the positive aspects and lessons learned. The African proverb, “A bird will use another bird’s feathers to feather its own nest,” is a reminder that we can find happiness in the simple things around us and make the best out of any situation.
Misconception 4: Happiness is a Constant State
Happiness isn’t a constant state; it’s normal to have ups and downs. Successful people often are those who can recover quickly from setbacks. Just like quarterbacks who must forget an interception and keep playing, we need to reset ourselves quickly.
It’s okay to have bad days, but the goal is to minimize their impact and frequency. For me, I strive not to have two bad days in a row. By making different choices the next day, we can maintain a more consistent level of happiness. The African proverb, “A happy man marries the girl he loves, a happier man loves the girl he marries,” from Ethiopia, reminds us that happiness is found in the choices we make every day.
Misconception 5: Money Buys Happiness
Many believe that having a lot of money will automatically make them happy. While money can provide opportunities and security, it isn’t the key to happiness. True happiness comes from spending time on things that bring pleasure and purpose.
If health, family, or personal fulfillment is important to you, no amount of money can replace those. It’s about balancing your financial goals with your personal values and relationships. Remember, money should enhance your life, not control it. The African proverb, “If money were found up in the trees, most people would be married to monkeys,” is a reminder that prioritizing money over everything else can lead to poor decisions.
Final Thoughts
Understanding these misconceptions about happiness can help you create a more fulfilling and joyful retirement. Align your actions with your values, focus on personal growth, and remember that happiness comes from within. If you found value in this post, I simply ask you to subscribe so you can continue receiving valuable insights on how to create your own wealthy retirement system. Until next time, stay safe and enjoy life.
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