How Can I Retire Early to Pursue Happiness

I have been getting this question a lot lately.

“How can I retire early to pursue happiness?”

In this recession, everyone is feeling the squeeze whether or not they still have jobs. Many who are not laid off are doing two or three people’s jobs. It’s not hard to understand the pessimism. We start to think that happiness and work are mutually exclusive. As we constantly raise the bar on ourselves, we come to believe that happiness cannot be achieved until we have lots of money and time. Somewhere along the way, we lose sight that happiness doesn’t have to come in bulk and that it can come in small chunks.

What if you could bring meaning to what you do every day?

I have met many business professionals who devoted their money and time outside of work to social causes. So why do we stop short of bringing the same level of compassion to our workplace? Giving is gratifying because it is a testament of our ability to make a difference in someone else’ life. What if you could have the ability to impact the lives of your colleagues?

The zero-sum mentality in the corporate world holds us back from being a resource to others at work. Contrary to the thinking, those who give are generally more successful and happier, according to my recent interviews with a number of corporate executives who have a track record of helping others at work. The sense of purpose and fulfillment from helping others often become positive energy that empowers the givers to make great business impact at work.

You may feel too time-strapped and exhausted to help others because of your work load. The secret is that time is limited but energy can be re-generated. By giving and lending a hand, it rejuvenates your energy and fulfillment, which in turn support you for bigger challenges at work. You will be happier and more productive.

What if we could be present in every moment?

When we were kids, we couldn’t wait until school was out and we wanted to grow up fast. Do you ever notice how old people reminisce the past and can’t stop talking about what they used to do? As we are right in the middle of our journey, recognize that we have an opportunity to live in the moment with learning from the past to shape our future.

Celebrate small and often. Some clients came to me for coaching because they hit a road block and feared that they would not be able to achieve their goals. Once we took the time to examine their progress along the way, they gained confidence and clarity which give them the strength to move forward. Celebrating before reaching your goal is not a sin. Celebrating milestones helps you to reflect and move steadfast toward your goals.

Instead of living for the future, enjoy this moment when you are not too young to know what you want nor too old to do what you want. Why waiting for the big bulky happiness far out in retirement when you could create small happy moments throughout your work life?

What is that big happiness you are hoping for at the end of your career? Break it down and enjoy it in small chunks. Instead of guzzling down a bottle of wine, enjoy it in sips to savor its aroma and flavor. If your goal is to travel around the world after retirement, try visiting one country each year while you are still working. If you would like to do volunteer work in the future, you can find something similar in a smaller scale now. Are you waiting to try a different line of work after retirement? Sign up for a class or seminar to learn about it today.
Align your present with your future!

Instead of living for your future, choose what you have in every moment. Wouldn’t it be better to be happy early than to retire early?