7 Life Goals to Reconsider at 60: Insights from a Retiree

Reflecting on Life Goals at 60

As we age, our perspectives on life and what we consider important often shift. This article explores the insights of a 60-year-old retiree who has taken time to reflect on his life goals and identify which ones he now considers a waste of time. His reflections offer valuable food for thought for people of all ages about what truly matters in life.

The 7 Life Goals Reconsidered

1. Having the Best Stuff

One of the first goals the retiree has reconsidered is the pursuit of having the best material possessions - cars, houses, clothes, and other things. He's come to realize that very few people actually care about or notice these things. Even if they do, their opinions shouldn't matter much.

He shares an interesting perspective: "Do you own your stuff or does your stuff own you?" This question highlights how material possessions often require significant time, effort, and money to maintain. A large house needs constant upkeep. An expensive car requires careful parking and frequent cleaning. A boat demands regular use to justify its cost.

The retiree now opts for practicality over luxury. He drives a 2012 Toyota Sienna minivan with 200,000 miles on it. He doesn't worry about small dents or scratches, which keeps his insurance costs low. His clothing choices prioritize comfort and value, often purchasing from places like Sam's Club or even secondhand stores.

The one exception he makes is for his Hoka shoes, which he considers worth the extra cost for comfort. This shows that it's not about completely avoiding nice things, but rather being selective about where you invest your money based on what truly adds value to your life.

2. Having the Most Money or Being the Most Successful

The second goal he's reconsidered is the pursuit of being the wealthiest or most successful person. He's realized that there will always be someone ahead - someone with a higher position, a bigger business, or more money.

Instead of comparing himself to others, he now focuses on personal growth. He sets goals based on where he wants to be in 10 years - in terms of health, wealth, and relationships. This approach allows him to measure progress against his own standards rather than an endless competition with others.

He emphasizes that happiness comes from progressing towards a goal, not necessarily achieving it. This mindset shift allows for ongoing satisfaction and motivation, rather than the fleeting joy of reaching a specific target.

3. Being Famous

The desire for fame is another goal he's let go of. While many people dream of being famous in their youth, he's found that the reality often doesn't live up to the fantasy.

He uses his YouTube channel as an example. With 57,000 subscribers and around 100,000 monthly viewers, it's successful by many standards. However, there are always channels with more subscribers and views. Rather than chasing those numbers, he focuses on creating content he enjoys that helps people.

He also reflects on his professional career. Despite having a high-level position at a large company, he estimates that three out of four current employees wouldn't know who he was or what he accomplished. This realization underscores how fleeting professional recognition can be.

Instead of fame, he now prioritizes being present for his family and friends. He values deep, meaningful relationships over widespread recognition.

4. Being Liked by Everyone

The fourth goal he's reconsidered is the desire to be universally liked. He's come to understand that it's impossible to please everyone, and trying to do so often leads to compromising one's own values and authenticity.

Instead, he now aims to be respected by those closest to him. He recognizes that some people may not like him, and that's okay. If someone dislikes him, he sees it as potentially their issue, not necessarily his. However, he remains open to constructive criticism and self-reflection when appropriate.

He acknowledges that his previous professional role required making tough decisions that not everyone agreed with. While he stands by those decisions as being right for the business and fair to people overall, he accepts that some individuals may personally dislike him as a result.

This shift in perspective allows him to stay true to his values and principles without the constant stress of trying to win everyone's approval.

5. Seeing the Entire World

While travel remains important to him, the goal of seeing the entire world is no longer a priority. He and his wife enjoy taking 3-5 vacations a year, typically lasting about two weeks each. This balance allows them to explore new places while still maintaining their home life and local relationships.

He emphasizes the importance of being present as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He believes in the value of quantity time, not just quality time, with loved ones. This perspective shapes his approach to travel - enjoying it in moderation rather than making it a all-consuming pursuit.

He does have a shortlist of places he'd like to visit, including:

• England, Ireland, and Scotland (as one trip)
• Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (as another trip)
• Greece
• Israel (to see the Holy Lands, though this is a longer-term plan due to current events)

He also points out the vast travel opportunities within the United States, mentioning places like Yellowstone, the coast of Maine, Florida, California, Washington State, Hawaii, and Alaska. He's visited 46 out of 50 states, with only North Dakota, Delaware, Connecticut, and Rhode Island left to explore.

This approach to travel allows him to enjoy new experiences without sacrificing the everyday moments with family and friends that he values most.

6. Getting Things Done Every Day

As a self-described Type A personality, the retiree has long found satisfaction in accomplishing tasks and reaching goals. This trait served him well in school and his career. However, he's now learning to let go of the need to be productive every single day.

He shares an example of a recent day where his only "accomplishment" was taking his 9-month-old granddaughter for a walk and making the video that inspired this article. He's learning to enjoy days without a long to-do list, appreciating the simple pleasures like good weather and time with family.

This shift hasn't been easy for him, as the sense of daily accomplishment was a source of pride for many years. However, he recognizes the value in sometimes just being present in the moment rather than always striving to check items off a list.

7. Being Right and Focusing on Perfection

The final goal he's reconsidered is the pursuit of always being right and achieving perfection. He references the Greek philosopher Socrates, who was declared the wisest man by the Oracle of Delphi. Socrates' response was that he was only wiser than others because he recognized his own ignorance - he knew that he didn't know everything.

The retiree strives to maintain this humble, inquisitive approach to life. At 60 years old, he continues to learn new things every day. He participates in a study group that explores various topics, currently focusing on the economist Milton Friedman and his book "Free to Choose."

By letting go of the need to always be right or perfect, he opens himself up to continuous learning and growth. This mindset allows him to engage with new ideas and perspectives without feeling threatened or defensive.

The Value of Reassessing Life Goals

The retiree's reflections offer valuable insights for people of all ages. By sharing his personal journey of reassessing life goals, he encourages others to do the same. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Material possessions don't define success: Focus on experiences and relationships rather than accumulating "stuff."

2. Personal growth matters more than competition: Set goals based on your own aspirations, not comparisons to others.

3. Fame is fleeting: Prioritize meaningful connections with loved ones over widespread recognition.

4. You can't please everyone: Aim for respect from those who matter most, and accept that some people may not like you.

5. Balance is key in travel and experiences: Enjoy exploring the world, but not at the expense of everyday moments with loved ones.

6. Productivity isn't everything: Learn to appreciate days without a packed schedule or list of accomplishments.

7. Embrace lifelong learning: Let go of the need to always be right, and stay open to new ideas and perspectives.

Applying These Insights to Your Own Life

While the retiree's list is personal to him, it offers a starting point for others to reflect on their own life goals. Here are some steps you can take to apply these insights:

1. Reflect on your current goals: Take time to write down what you're currently striving for in life.

2. Question your motivations: For each goal, ask yourself why it's important to you. Is it truly aligned with your values?

3. Consider the long-term impact: How will achieving (or not achieving) each goal affect your life in 10, 20, or 30 years?

4. Identify what truly matters: Based on your reflections, what aspects of life do you want to prioritize?

5. Make adjustments: Be willing to let go of goals that no longer serve you, and set new ones that align with your current values and priorities.

6. Regular reassessment: Make it a habit to periodically review and adjust your life goals. What matters to you may change over time, and that's okay.

Embracing Change and Growth

The retiree's willingness to reassess his life goals at 60 demonstrates that it's never too late to change your perspective and priorities. This openness to change is a key factor in personal growth and lifelong satisfaction.

By sharing his insights, he encourages others to engage in similar reflection. Whether you're in your 20s, 40s, or 70s, taking time to consider what truly matters to you can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Remember, the goal isn't to completely abandon ambition or the pursuit of success. Rather, it's about ensuring that your definition of success aligns with your true values and brings genuine fulfillment.

Conclusion

Reassessing life goals is a valuable exercise at any age. The insights shared by this 60-year-old retiree offer a thoughtful perspective on what truly matters in life. By focusing less on material possessions, external validation, and rigid productivity, and more on relationships, personal growth, and living in the moment, we can cultivate a more satisfying and meaningful life.

As you reflect on your own goals and priorities, remember that it's okay for them to change over time. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and be open to adjusting your path as you gain new experiences and insights. After all, life is not about reaching a fixed destination, but about growing, learning, and finding joy in the journey itself.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-7Zjke2Y90