You Can Retire Right Now
I’m rebranding this newsletter from 101 Innovation Hacks to Simply Good Work Life to be consistent with my Simply Good Life newsletter. Stay calm. Find focus. Become a Successful Innovator. Enjoy!
What if I told you that you can retire right now?
No, I’m not talking about quitting your job.
I'm not talking about selling your assets or moving to a remote island.
I’m talking about a different kind of retirement - one that is not based on age or income, but on mindset and purpose.
This is the kind of retirement that Naval Ravikant, the founder of AngelList and my favorite podcast guest (listen to his interviews on Tim Ferriss' podcast!), describes in his quote:
"Retirement is when you stop sacrificing today for an imaginary tomorrow. When today is complete, in and of itself, you’re retired. You retire by saving up enough money, becoming a monk, or by finding work that feels like play to you."
I resonate with this quote deeply, because it reflects my journey of finding fulfillment and happiness in the present moment, rather than chasing after some elusive future goal.
I used to work in the corporate world, where I was constantly traveling the world to bring innovation to customers of just one company.
But then I realized that this was not the life I wanted to live. I wanted to live a more meaningful life. I wanted to live a life that was aligned with my values of giving back.
So I decided to make a change. I left the corporate world and became a mindful innovation coach. I help leaders become calm, focused, and successful innovators by teaching them both how to innovate and also how to use meditation and minimalism as tools for personal and professional growth.
I love what I do, because it feels like play to me. I enjoy giving back to the world by sharing my knowledge, skills, and experience with others. I feel like I’m making a positive impact and creating value for others.
And most importantly, I feel like I’m retired. Because I don’t sacrifice today for an imaginary tomorrow. I live each day as if it’s complete, in and of itself. I have everything I need, nothing I don’t, and nothing to prove.
Now, you might be thinking: “That sounds nice, but it’s not realistic. I can’t just quit my job, change my career, or live like a monk. I have bills to pay, responsibilities to fulfill, and expectations to meet.”
I understand that. And I’m not saying that you have to do exactly what I did. But I’m saying that you can start by changing your mindset.
You can start by asking yourself:
What are you sacrificing today for an imaginary tomorrow?
What are you doing today that feels like work, not play?
And then, you can start by making small changes.
You can start by retiring today, in your own way.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to become a mindful innovator, feel free to connect with me.
I’d love to hear from you and share more insights and tips with you.
Thank you for reading, have a wonderful day! 😊
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It's me at Lake Garda in Italy.