60 and Retired: 6 things I stopped caring about that increase my life joy and happiness.

Summary

In this insightful video, the speaker shares six things he stopped caring about after retiring at 54. He discusses the freedom from the pressure of daily accomplishments, the release from the fear of failure, and the detachment from material possessions. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of not seeking external validation, the joy of living without comparison, and the relinquishment of ego. He encourages viewers to embrace retirement as a time to focus on personal growth, relationships, and experiences rather than societal benchmarks.

Takeaways

• 😌 Embracing a life without the pressure of daily accomplishments, focusing on enjoying the journey and helping others.
• 🎣 Overcoming the fear of failure by trying new activities in retirement, like fishing and trap shooting, without the concern of being good at them.
• 👕 Letting go of material possessions and societal expectations, realizing that joy does not come from owning things like clothes, cars, or large houses.
• 📚 Prioritizing experiences over things, such as spending money on a memorable trip to the Pacific Northwest rather than on material goods.
• 🤷‍♂️ Not being influenced by others' opinions, focusing on personal fulfillment and the positive impact on others through actions like writing a book.
• 👥 Valuing personal growth and mentorship over external validation, making a real impact in the lives of those mentored.
• 👕 Not being concerned with dressing up for occasions and being comfortable with one's own style, even if it's different from the norm.
• 🏆 Ceasing to compare oneself to others in terms of material wealth or success, recognizing that retirement is a personal victory.
• 📈 Not being bothered by comparisons in areas like YouTube channel subscribers or investment results, focusing on one's own contentment.
• 👴 Adjusting to a new identity in retirement, being comfortable with being 'just Joe' or 'grandpa', and not being defined by job status.
• 🧐 Recognizing the importance of when to rely on experts, such as tax preparers or financial advisors, and not letting ego interfere with making wise decisions.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video script provided?

The main theme of the video script is about the six things the speaker stopped caring about after retiring, and how these changes have impacted their life as they approach the age of 60.

What was the first thing the speaker mentioned they stopped caring about after retirement?

The first thing the speaker mentioned they stopped caring about after retirement was the need to accomplish something every day.

How does the speaker's attitude towards accomplishments differ from their work life?

The speaker's attitude towards accomplishments in retirement is more relaxed compared to their work life, where the need to accomplish tasks daily was crucial for their financial success and early retirement.

What new activities did the speaker try after retirement without the fear of failing?

The speaker tried activities such as fishing, trap shooting, starting a YouTube channel, and starting a study group after retirement without worrying about failing at them.

Why did the speaker start a YouTube channel?

The speaker started a YouTube channel as a new endeavor without being concerned about the fear of failing, as a way to share their story and potentially help others.

What is the speaker's perspective on material possessions after retirement?

The speaker has stopped caring about material possessions like clothes, cars, and the size of their house, focusing more on experiences and personal fulfillment.

How does the speaker view spending money on experiences versus material items?

The speaker prefers to spend money on experiences, such as a trip to the Pacific Northwest, rather than on material items, as they find more joy and value in creating memories.

What change in attitude towards others' opinions did the speaker experience after retirement?

After retirement, the speaker stopped caring about others' opinions and external validation, focusing instead on their own satisfaction and the impact they have on others' lives.

How does the speaker's approach to comparison with others differ after retirement?

The speaker no longer compares themselves with others in terms of material wealth or success, as they view retirement as having 'won the game' and shifted their focus to daily enjoyment and personal growth.

What is the speaker's view on ego and job status after retirement?

The speaker has let go of their ego and the identity tied to their job status, preferring to be known simply as 'Joe', a grandpa, neighbor, and friend.

How does the speaker handle tasks that require expertise, such as tax preparation?

The speaker is willing to call in an expert for tasks that require specialized knowledge, such as hiring a professional to prepare their taxes, recognizing the value of their time and the benefits of expert advice.

Outlines

00:00

🎣 Embracing Retirement and Letting Go of Accomplishments

The speaker, who is about to turn 60 and has been retired since 54, shares six things they stopped caring about after retirement. The first is the pressure to accomplish daily tasks. In retirement, there's freedom to choose activities based on enjoyment and personal fulfillment rather than the necessity to achieve. The speaker mentions having days where they do nothing, embracing the love of the journey rather than the destination.

05:00

🐟 Overcoming the Fear of Failure and Embracing New Experiences

The second point is the speaker's newfound comfort with trying new things without the fear of failure. They recount starting activities like fishing, trap shooting, and a YouTube channel, acknowledging that not everything may work out but valuing the attempt itself. This shift in mindset has allowed them to enjoy the process and stop worrying about the outcome.

10:01

👕 Disinterest in Material Possessions and External Validation

The third and fourth points discuss the speaker's indifference to material possessions and the opinions of others. They no longer care about clothes, cars, or the size of their house, focusing instead on experiences and personal growth. The speaker also shares that they stopped seeking external validation, choosing to write a book and create a YouTube channel for self-expression and to help others, regardless of others' judgments.

🤝 The Irrelevance of Comparison and Ego in Retirement

In the fifth and sixth points, the speaker talks about the cessation of comparison with others regarding wealth or success and the letting go of ego. They explain that retired people don't compare their financial status or job titles, as the focus shifts to personal enjoyment and fulfillment. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of recognizing when to seek expert advice, rather than letting ego interfere with making informed decisions.

Keywords

💡Retirement

Retirement refers to the point in life when one stops working from their regular job and begins to live on their savings or pension. In the video's context, it signifies a major life transition that allows the speaker to stop caring about certain aspects of their previous work life. The speaker mentions that retirement has allowed them to focus on the journey rather than accomplishments and to let go of the fear of failing.

💡Accomplishment

Accomplishment is the act of completing or achieving something. In the video, the speaker contrasts their previous work life, where accomplishments were crucial for financial success, with retirement, where they no longer feel the need to achieve anything specific each day. The focus shifts from external achievements to internal fulfillment and personal enjoyment.

💡Fear of Failing

Fear of failing is the apprehension or anxiety about not being able to achieve a desired outcome or making mistakes. The speaker in the video describes how retirement has allowed them to embrace new experiences without the fear of failure, giving examples like starting a YouTube channel and engaging in activities like fishing and trap shooting.

💡Material Possessions (Stuff)

Material possessions, or 'stuff,' refers to physical items owned by an individual. The speaker emphasizes that they no longer care about material possessions in retirement, such as clothes, cars, or the size of their house. This concept is tied to the theme of letting go of societal expectations and finding joy in non-material aspects of life.

💡Others' Opinion

Others' opinion refers to the views or judgments of people other than oneself. The speaker mentions that they have stopped caring about the opinions of others regarding their life choices, such as writing a book or running a YouTube channel. This reflects a move towards self-validation and personal satisfaction over external approval.

💡Comparison

Comparison is the act of evaluating oneself in relation to others. The video discusses how the speaker has stopped comparing themselves to others in terms of material wealth or success after retirement. This is indicative of a shift in focus from competitive metrics to personal contentment and well-being.

💡Ego

Ego refers to a person's sense of self-importance or self-esteem. The speaker talks about letting go of their ego in retirement, meaning they no longer define themselves by their job status or seek validation from others. This is an important aspect of the speaker's message about finding personal peace and identity outside of professional achievements.

💡Identity

Identity is the characteristics determining who or what a person or thing is. The speaker mentions that their identity was previously tied to their job, but in retirement, they have embraced being 'just Joe' and a grandpa. This change in identity is part of the broader theme of redefining oneself post-retirement.

💡Financial Independence

Financial independence is the state of having enough wealth to live without having to work actively for basic necessities. The speaker's ability to retire at 54 and stop caring about certain aspects of life is a result of achieving financial independence, which is a key factor in their narrative of liberation and personal freedom.

💡Mentoring

Mentoring is the guidance or instruction given to someone less experienced or less knowledgeable. The speaker mentions being a mentor to several people without formal certifications, indicating that they value personal impact and relationships over formal qualifications. This concept is used to illustrate the speaker's shift towards valuing personal connections and contributions.

💡Diversification

Diversification is the process of spreading investments across various financial instruments to manage risk. The speaker talks about their investment strategy, mentioning diversification and international stocks, to demonstrate their approach to managing financial risks in retirement. This is an example of the practical steps taken to ensure financial stability and peace of mind.

Highlights

Turning 60 and retiring brings a shift in perspective on life priorities.

Retirement allows for a freedom from the need to accomplish daily tasks, embracing the love of the journey instead.

Fear of failure diminishes in retirement, encouraging trying new things without the pressure of success.

Material possessions become less important, with a focus on experiences rather than 'stuff'.

Retirement often means letting go of the need for external validation and the opinions of others.

The author's book writing experience reflects a disregard for others' opinions and a focus on personal fulfillment.

YouTube channel feedback is appreciated but not the primary concern, emphasizing personal story sharing.

Mentoring others is done without the need for formal credentials, focusing on making a real impact.

Dressing down and not conforming to societal expectations is a personal choice embraced in retirement.

Retirement is a game-changer where comparisons of wealth and status are no longer relevant.

The joy of retirement comes from daily activities and enjoyment, not from material wealth.

Ego and job status become less important, with a shift towards simpler identities like 'grandpa' or 'neighbor'.

Recognizing when to seek expert help, such as with taxes or financial advice, is a sign of maturity.

Using professional tools like financial software packages can be more beneficial than doing it oneself.

The importance of community and the wisdom found in the comments section of online content.

Encouragement for readers to share their own experiences and insights on what they stopped caring about in retirement.

Transcripts

six things I stopped caring about in

retirement hey folks in about two weeks

I'm going to be 60 years old so maybe

this is just about turning 60 not just

retirement but I can't tell the

difference between the two cuz I'm going

to be both so let's Jump Right In Here

six things no particular order number

one stop caring about accomplishment for

today I don't have to get anything done

today that's completely different than

my work life that's completely different

from what made me successful financially

able to retire at 54 I don't have to

accomplish anything today it's about

love of the journey what am I going to

do exciting today can I help people

today can I do something fun can I work

on a

relationship exercise cook what am I

going to do but does not have to be an

accomplishment I can choose to do

nothing all day long I have a couple

days a week where I do that that's very

real I don't have to accomplish anything

and that was a pretty big change number

two fear of failing big deal here okay

it's okay to try new things when I

retired I started fishing a lot I wasn't

very good at fishing but retired people

are supposed to fish right I had fun

being uh out in nature but I really

didn't enjoy fishing that much and I

wasn't that good at

it so uh trap shooting is something I

did with a shotgun I started a YouTube

channel I started a study group these

may not have worked out and the fear of

failing uh went away it's I want to try

this I don't want to say I should have

tried this I should have tried that so I

just stopped caring about fa

another thing that I really stopped

caring about was stuff and I'm probably

more on the extreme part of this curve

than the average person I don't care

about clothes I don't care about the car

I drive I don't care that my house may

not as be as big as other people's

houses I live in a nice neighborhood got

a nice backyard I don't care that most

of my neighbors pay some body to cut

their grass I cut my own it's all this

stuff I I don't buy toys for myself I'm

not trying to deprive myself I just

don't get joy from that I just spent two

weeks in the Pacific Northwest on a trip

we spent good money on that it wasn't

the cheapest trip we could take but I

loved spending money on that experience

went out and saw my son in Colorado uh

and his fiance but that's where I want

to spend money stuff I just stop caring

about it and

it's it's not a problem I just realize

I'm different than most

people number four thing I stopped

caring about is others opinion other

people's opinion external validation on

whether I'm living a good life you know

I wrote a

book A lot of people like what are you

doing writing a book what gives you the

authority to write write a book I wrote

a book I didn't care what other people

thought I wanted I had some things I

wanted to communicate I've sold like

1,500 of them you can't say that's

wildly successful but I wrote a book and

I and I'm personally happy with that and

it's helped people I've I've got

hundreds of stories of where people used

my book and turned things around improve

their lives improve their plants um

others opinion of my YouTube channel I

value your opinion but you know one out

of every hundred comments is pretty me

just me if the Channel's not for you

it's not for you I'm sharing my story

and there's hundreds and hundreds of

people here that um I I believe I've

truly helped and and you folks that have

left comments saying hey you retired a

year early two years early three years

early or I retired based on your

confidence that that you helped me gain

in myself you that's what I'm trying to

do and that may be a 100 people that may

be

100,000 um

but like uh others opinion um let's see

I'm a mentor to several folks and you

know some people may judge and say what

gives you the authority to Mentor I

don't have any certifications to Mentor

but um the ones I Mentor I I think I've

made a real impact in their life they

tell me that so others

opinion doesn't mean a lot uh one of the

things that uh and this has you know

been longer than just retirement but but

I always uh I'm not known for dressing

up for occasions I'm usually setting the

low bar for dress

code so if uh I may have jeans and a and

a polo shirt on with a collar and

everybody else has a sport jacket that's

me so others opinion it's always kind of

been a theme but it's on steroids now

that I'm approaching 60 and

retired number five is comparison again

cars clothes net worth folks here's

something surprising uh for you about

retirement you're always comparing you

know hey this person has $500,000 this

person has a million this person has 2

million when you retire you won the game

move on Nobody Compares retired people

don't sit around and talk about who has

the most money we've already won you've

already won you you don't talk about

those things it it's it's what did you

do today where did you go what you know

what' you do uh where'd you find

enjoyment today where' you find Joy

today

comparison uh it just doesn't happen uh

you know there are YouTube channels out

there with 6 million subscribers you

know I got

51,000 um I just want to put put out

good content that helps people that's my

goal if somebody else has 100,000

200,000 that doesn't cause me to not

sleep at night stress it doesn't I'm I'm

I'm just being me and I'm doing this for

fun you don't produce YouTube channels

for the

money uh especially your first about

three years good chance you're going to

make nothing so comparison uh house uh

investment results you know somebody

else may say I got 10% on my uh

long-term Investments and I may get nine

and you know you're invested different

than me taking different risks than me

if if you want to invest in you know

Nvidia stock you may get better results

than me I'm not willing to take that

risk I'm you know I'm Diversified I got

International stock I get 17%

International stock and everybody says

you're crazy for having International

stock okay

maybe last 10 years yeah next 10 years

who

knows so comparison uh stop caring about

it really stop caring about

comparison number six ego

job status a lot of people are concerned

when they retire what am I going to tell

people I do my identity is my job um I'm

just Joe I love being just Joe now I

like being called grandpa being a

grandpa for about four and a half months

now I like being a neighbor and a friend

that's what I want to be known but uh as

uh that's that's my ego so I gave up on

my ego also you know part of ego is

knowing when to call in an expert

I have somebody that prepares my taxes

for me it's a little bit

complicated and so I'm willing to pay an

expert they actually do I could probably

do it but it would take me 10 times as

long and I wouldn't get near the return

or refund

refund um know when to call in a

financial advisor I have a financial

adviser Neil I got a link to him uh you

know in the below uh I use him I know

when to call in an expert

uh I use a um uh the software package

new retirement it's better than you know

the spreadsheets that I can create

myself I don't let my ego get in the way

and saying I could do that I let a

professional create a comprehensive

software package for me first link below

give that a shot uh so KN when to to say

Hey you know I stopped caring about my

ego your ego makes you do crazy things

and in retirement and turn

60 give up on that so those are six

things I stopped caring about in

retirement and as I'm approaching 60 did

I miss anything for you folks that are

above 60 is there one or two more that I

missed love to hear about the comments

again if you're not reading the comments

you're making a big mistake you're only

getting Joe's input and advice you're

not getting the wisdom of everyone so

read the comments especially if you're

thinking about retirement a day doesn't

go by that I don't get two or three

comments around people that listen to my

content you know they you know may have

gotten new retirement they may have uh

you know uh not gone on their Journey

alone they talked about resources that

they tapped

into you know maybe it's the folks at

money pickle maybe it's Neil and they

say hey I retired two years earlier and

I thought was possible what's that worth

to you um so let me know in the comments

if if I missed something you stopped

caring about it's Joe up