Retirement is the culmination of decades of hard work. However, after the initial excitement of having free time wears off, some people may wonder, Now what? At the same time, when retiring from routines, responsibilities, and structured schedules, starting something new can seem more intimidating than liberating. After all, even the most adventurous spirit can be paralyzed by fear of failure, self-doubt, and uncertainty.
The truth is, retirement is not the end of the road. It’s the beginning of a whole new chapter. Now you can explore your interests, talents, and hobbies according to your own terms. Although it can be challenging to start something new, retirees have discovered that it is one of the most rewarding decisions they have ever made.
With that said, in this post, we’ll explore why fear surfaces during this stage of life and what you can do to change it.
Why Fear Holds Us Back After Retirement
Whenever there is a change, fear is a natural reaction. During our working lives, it allowed us to make cautious decisions and protect our families. In retirement, however, that same fear can become a roadblock.
As such, some of the most common fears retirees have when starting something new include;
- The fear of failure. “What if I try and it doesn’t work?”
- A fear of judgement. “I’m too old to be doing this. What will others think?”
- The fear of not being good enough. “I don’t have the skills. I’ve never done anything like this.”
- Being afraid of wasting time and money. “What if I invest in something and regret it?”
- The fear of the unknown. “I don’t know where to begin.”
These fears are real. However, they can also be managed.
It’s all about shifting your focus from risk to opportunity. With retirement, you can try new things without feeling pressured. It is a place where growth, exploration, and living more fully are the only goals.
Shifting the Mindset: From Fear to Freedom
You can break through fear by making these simple mental shifts;
- Failure is feedback. We often refer to failure as a source of information. In addition to teaching us what doesn’t work, it also guides us in the direction of what does. As such, it’s never too late to start experimenting.
- You’ve already done hard things. Think of all you’ve accomplished so far — raising a family, growing your career, managing life’s challenges. Going forward, are you interested in starting a new hobby, business, or adventure? Whatever path you choose, you’ve got this.
- It’s never too late. As far as dreams are concerned, they never expire. Even the most successful people did not start their second act until they were 60, 70, or 80 years old.
- Small steps make big moves. You don’t have to revamp your life overnight. Instead, start with curiosity. Consider taking a class or volunteering. Always remember, one step at a time.
Real Stories, Real Inspiration
Here are a few inspiring stories about retired people who embraced the unknown and discovered purpose, passion, and even new careers.
Betty Reid Soskin
Having worked as a file clerk at the Richmond shipyards during World War II and as a member of the California State Legislature, she became a National Park Ranger at the age of 84. As a result, Betty Reid Soskin became the oldest active ranger at the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park. Her mission was to share untold stories about African American history and the civil rights movement. As a national icon for active aging and civic engagement, she found purpose in education and storytelling.
Even more impressive? Soskin finally retired in 2020 at the age of 100.
Mark Rober
Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer, retired early so he could explore his creative side. With his quirky science experiments on YouTube, he quickly gathered a huge following. As a STEM influencer, educator, and entrepreneur, his playful and educational content has proven that curiosity is contagious and can be career-changing.
Barbara Weibel
When her husband passed away, Barbara Weibel realized she’d been “living to work” instead of truly living. After selling everything, she bought a one-way ticket to Asia and began her blog, Hole in the Donut Cultural Travel. Currently, Barbara spends most of her time traveling the world and sharing rich, cultural stories about every place she visits.
David Upchurch
After being an architect for several years, David Upchurch lost his job during the 2008 economic downturn. As an alternative to returning to his old career, he pursued chocolate making as a passion. Using his artisan chocolate-making skills, he crafts delicious and soulful chocolates. Initially a hobby, it has grown into a career and a source of deep joy..
Holly Carter
Holly Carter, who retired from interior design, rekindled a childhood love for horses. Today, she rescues neglected ponies and cares for them at her sanctuary, which offers peace and healing for both animals and people. Unlike her former high-paced design world, her days are now quiet, filled with purpose and caretaking.
Bonnie Zwack
After retiring from a successful career in real estate, Bonnie Zwack moved to Southern California in search of sunshine and a slower pace of life. Instead, she discovered a new passion: helping seniors in transition. As a result of her friends’ needs, she started a business providing compassionate support to seniors who were moving, downsizing, or seeking medical care.
Tips for Taking the First Step
If you’re thinking about starting something new, here are some practical ways to do it;
- Start small. Don’t be afraid to test your idea on a small scale before committing to it.
- Find a community. Joining a class, club, or online group makes new endeavors less intimidating.
- Use your strengths. Focus on what you’re good at or enjoy, and build from there.
- Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends, family, or even YouTube tutorials.
- Celebrate progress. Taking even a small step forward is worth acknowledging.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got More Time Than You Think
There is no doubt that fear is a powerful emotion, but so is hope. And in retirement, hope deserves to win.
As we age, we should stop dreaming or slow down. Increasingly, retirees are writing books, launching businesses, learning instruments, traveling the world, mentoring others, and pursuing passions they never had time for before.
So, if you’re considering leaping into something new and wondering whether to do so, let these stories inspire you. Ultimately, this chapter of your life isn’t just about what you’ve accomplished — it’s about everything you still have to do.
FAQs
How do I even begin to identify what I want to do, let alone overcome the fear of starting it?
It begins with self-reflection without judgment. As such, consider the following;
- The passions you have. Do you have a hobby you have always enjoyed, even when you didn’t have time for it during your working years? What activities make you lose track of time?
- Your skills and experiences. As a result of your career and life experiences, what skills have you acquired? Often, these can also be applied to new fields.
- The values you hold dear. What is most important to you right now? Are you interested in contributing to your community, learning new skills, demonstrating your creativity, or earning supplemental income?
- Experiment and explore. Do not feel pressured to come up with a grand vision right away. Participate in small, low-risk activities that align with your interests. Consider taking a class, volunteering, or joining a local group.
- Talk to others. Engage in activities that interest you by connecting with others who already enjoy them. It can be extremely valuable and inspiring to learn from their experiences and insights.
When you have a few ideas, you can break them down into manageable steps to overcome your fear of starting. Don’t worry about the final goal; focus on the very first, easiest step.
What if I try something new and I’m just not good at it? The thought of failing is really holding me back.
The fear of failure is a significant hurdle. So, reframe your perspective on “failure” by;
- Learning opportunity. Do not view initial setbacks as definitive failures, but rather as learning experiences. It is important to remember that every attempt provides valuable information that can guide your next steps.
- Focus on growth, not perfection. No one starts out as an expert. Don’t be afraid to embrace a beginner’s mindset and work toward progress and improvement.
- Lower the stakes. Begin with activities with low pressure and minimal consequences for failure. As a result, you can build confidence without taking significant risks.
- Celebrate small wins. Every small step forward deserves recognition and celebration. By doing this, you will build momentum and reinforce positive feelings about your new endeavor.
- Remember your accomplishments. Think about the challenges you’ve overcome throughout your life and career. As a resilient person, you have a track record of success.
Also, it’s essential to define what “good” means for you. Do you want to achieve mastery, enjoy the process, or is it something else entirely? You should adjust your expectations accordingly.
I’m worried about the time and resources involved. What if I invest and it doesn’t work out?
It is understandable to be concerned about time and resources. You can mitigate these fears by;
- Starting small and lean. Start with a minimal investment of time and money. Don’t commit significant resources until you’ve tested the waters.
- Budget wisely. If your new venture involves costs, create a realistic budget and stick to it.
- Utilize existing resources. Take advantage of the skills, connections, and resources you already possess.
- Time management. You should allocate specific, manageable blocks of time to your new pursuit. In most cases, consistency is more important than large chunks of time.
- Seek free or low-cost learning. Find out how to gain knowledge without breaking the bank by taking online courses, browsing library resources, and attending community workshops.
It is important to remember that the “investment” goes beyond finances. Even when things don’t go exactly as planned, the time and effort you put in can reap significant personal rewards..
How do I deal with the opinions of others? I’m worried about what my family or friends will say if I start something unconventional.
Fear of judgment can be powerful. Thankfully, here’s how to navigate it;
- Focus on your “why.” Be clear about the motivations behind your new venture. In a grounded state of mind, external opinions do not hold as much weight as internal ones do.
- Share with supportive people. Your plans should be discussed with friends and family who are supportive and positive.
- Set boundaries. Don’t worry about getting everyone’s approval. Be respectful of concerns, but remain firm when making decisions.
- Remember, it’s your retirement. It’s your time to pursue what brings you joy and fulfillment. The opinions of others are simply that — opinions.
- Find your tribe. Connect with others who share your interests or are pursuing new ventures. The support and understanding they provide can be invaluable.
What if I just feel “too old” to start something new?
This is a common misconception. There is no age limit to learning, growing, and experiencing new things. Instead, take into account;
- Experience is an asset. As a result of your life experiences, you can bring valuable skills, knowledge, and perspectives to younger individuals that they may lack.
- Focus on enjoyment, not competition. Your goals may have changed since then. You are likely more concerned with your own satisfaction than with achieving rapid success or outperforming others.
- Lifelong learning. Throughout life, the brain continues to learn and adapt. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn new skills and gain new knowledge.
- Inspiration from others. Take a look at some of the remarkable achievements of people later in life, such as Grandma Moses, who started her painting career in her late 70s.
- Health benefits. In addition to stimulating the mind and body, new activities can help create an overall sense of well-being during retirement.
Image Credit: Suzy Hazelwood; Pexels
