Creating your best life in retirement by identifying your purpose and passion

12/1/2024

Last week, we discussed indicators of a late-life crisis in retirement and the importance of feeling relevant. This week we address the importance of purpose and passion in preventing such a crisis. 

Many of our roles have been defined by work, school and perhaps by family. Retirement typically doesn’t offer a prescribed role or even a set of expectations. Sociologists have referred to this as having a “roleless role.” For some, this is a gift, an opportunity. Yet, for others it may seem as a burden, feeling adrift and not knowing where to begin. 

We know having a sense of purpose is important at any life stage and takes on greater meaning in retirement when the usual structures and expectations often disappear. Having a sense of purpose is more than feeling satisfied. It enhances physical and mental health, resilience, social connections, a positive outlook on life and longevity. 

The relationship of purpose to longevity had been documented in the Blue Zone project conducted by Dan Beuttner. The study identified parts of the world with a concentration of centenarians and the characteristics they shared.

Okinawa was one of those areas. And one of the shared characteristics was ikigai, the Japanese word for a reason for being; a reason to get up in the morning. 

Ikigai is a convergence of several elements relevant to retirement. Consider the following points as a guide to finding purpose, as described by Nell Derick Debevoise in Forbes (October 27, 2023). 

• Do what you love. This is about passion. Engage in activities that give you joy and make your heart smile. 

• Focus on your strengths. These are your skills, talents and things you excel in and do with ease. 

• Do what the world needs: This is thinking beyond yourself. It’s your contribution to society and the way you can help others, making the world a better place. 

  
  

And then there is passion. Both passion and purpose are important in retirement yet different from one another. Second Wind suggests several ways to differentiate them. 

The video player is currently playing an ad. You can skip the ad in 5 sec with a mouse or keyboard

Passion is for you; purpose is for others. “Passion is the world’s gift to you. Your passion is for you and your purpose is for others,” according to the SecondWind Movement. However, if your passion is used to provide a service to others, your passion can become your purpose. 

Passion is about feelings; purpose is the reason behind the passion. Passion is something that excites you, that inspires and motivates you. Purpose is the reason behind those emotions. “Passion also is about energy, a power coming from what’s inside you,” according to Oprah as quoted in SecondWind. 

Passion often is more than one; purpose is singular. You can have several passions and only one purpose such as the reason we are on this earth. Passions can grow and change over time. One’s purpose also can change. 

Tony Robbins, noted author, life and business strategist and speaker, writes that for some living their passion seems to come naturally to them. That’s not the case for everyone even after they write lists, journal and analyze their thoughts. That’s because passion comes from the heart, not the head, he adds. 

Here are a few tips Robbins suggests that can unlock your passion for life. 

Cultivate belief in yourself. Robbins states this is step No. 1. And that is to believe life can be extraordinary, to eliminate excuses and accept nothing less than a life of joy. This is a mindset, a time to overcome fears and self-doubt. 

He writes that sometimes our passion is obvious, yet we cannot see it. 

Look at what you love. He suggests looking at your bookcase, favorite movies or the last play you saw and find common themes. Also think about what you loved when you were a child such as drawing, writing or dancing. He added to ask yourself, What can you talk about for 30 minutes without preparation? And what do you love teaching others?

Notice where you spend your free time. Hobbies can be a source without being your passion. Loving to read might be a clue for a passion that involves writing, teaching or research. If fixing things around the house is enjoyable, you might feel passionate about creating or building something. And if you enjoy dancing or exercising, your passion may involve movement. 

Feeling relevant and living a life of purpose and passion will not only help prevent a late-life crisis, but also provide a strategy to live a long life of health, meaning, fulfillment and joy.

Stay well, everyone. And to quote the Dalai Lama “Be kind whenever possible; it is always possible.” 

Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging and the new retirement with academic, corporate and nonprofit experience. Contact Helen with your questions and comments at Helendenn@gmail.com. Visit Helen at HelenMdennis.com and follow her on facebook.com/SuccessfulAgingCommunity