Why I Think Retirement Is Overrated

Just last night I was attending a Young Professionals group and a couple of us got into the conversation of retirement. It’s come up a lot lately with a few people all over the board and I think I shock most of them with my response.

I don’t ever want to retire!

But that’s because I love what I do. I know what I was put on this earth to do and I have a blast doing it.

Have you ever had someone ask this question: “What would you do if money wasn’t an issue?”

Well, I’m happy to say that this is it. I love teaching. I love learning. I love writing and I REALLY love speaking & inspiring others.

I don’t remember who originally said this but once of my favorite quotes is “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

I totally agree with that. That doesn’t mean it will be easy of you won’t have to work for it. But, when you love what you do, you’re more motivated to get up in the morning. You’re more willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. You’re also more happy and have a smile on your face.

Though I don’t really do it any more, in the past it’s not been uncommon for me to work 12-15 hours a day for a month straight. Yes, it was exhausting but I knew what had to be done and I really loved doing it so it helped me push through and get it done.

If you’re an entrepreneur (and I think we all are to some degree anymore) you have to spend more time in your job. Whatever that may be. You have to try harder, work longer and add more value if you want to get ahead.

See, so many people feel that retirement is their reward for being miserable of 40 years and then they get to sit around and do nothing important. I look at it different. I want to contribute each and every day. I want to see what I can do to change the world.

And… I don’t want to ever lose that drive. I talk about Infectious Drive a lot. It’s what gets you going, keeps you energized, draws in clients and builds partnerships.

What if you looked at life as an adventure that you always want to be on? That’s how I’m looking at things right now and I can tell you it’s very liberating. I have a mission. I know what I want and there is no end. I’m not looking for the endgame. I’m looking for the next piece of the adventure.

I’d challenge you to try looking at your life like that for a day and see how things happen. What can you do differently that will get you to love the adventure of each and every day.