Over the past years since the pandemic, I have concluded that there are 5 most important things in life that we must devote our time and energy to adopt or achieve so we may live a life that we can consider as successful.
It all began on New Year’s Eve in 2020, when I thought about the “Wawasan 2020” vision so famously mentioned back in my elementary school days.
But no one would have expected that, instead of achieving Wawasan 2020, we have faced one of the most earth-shattering pandemics of our lifetime.
Looking back now, what have you experienced in this pandemic? What have you learned? What have you realised?
I remembered that, initially, the Movement Control Order (MCO) that started due to the pandemic gave me a novel feeling.
It has never happened before!
Do you miss the first few weeks of the MCO as much as I do, where you have to turn into a Ketua Rumah to buy vegetables?
And you have to learn to identify the fish you usually eat?
I started experimenting with different new dishes in the kitchen, where I watched untold numbers of Facebook live classes to learn.
Initially, I was not feeling panicky as it was exciting to explore a new experience. But I eventually felt apprehensive when the euphoria is over.
Everything in the future is suddenly out of my control! I have to start accepting changes, learn various new technology skills, how to move my work and social methods online, and train myself to continue to live life in a new way.
Gradually, I began to adapt to the new normal.
But have you noticed, no matter how drastic the world has changed, some things never change. They always happen.
And that is, our life’s journey will not stop.
Children will grow up, we will grow old, and we will one day reach retirement age and leave our jobs.
The “retirement life” we previewed for the past two years will resurface again in 10, 20, 30, or 40 years’ time, depending on how old you are now.
I am grateful for this pre-retirement preparation, which made me take a good look at my life and helped me to list down the 5 most important things in my life.
I believe that if I can manage these five areas well, I will have lived a life that I can call successful and complete.
And I hope that you will find these to be of value in your life’s journey.
The 1st Most Important Thing In Life – Self-Worth
I once read a book that said something like this – “If you take away your identity, what will be left of your life?”
Identity can mean our position or job title in the workplace. It can be a symbol of authority or prestige. Or our identity can mean being a parent to teach our young.
There will be a point in our time where, once we reach retirement age, these identity values that we have given ourselves will be gone.
What is there for us to look forward to in life then?
I don’t want to live a life just passing time day by day not having a purpose.
I want my life to be about trying to live every day because I know my self-worth. How about you?
The 2nd Most Important Thing In Life – Passion
While we are young and active, we may be living an enriching life because of work, taking care of our family, or simply tending to our daily lives.
And occasionally (or perhaps more than occasionally), when we have free time, we may swipe our mobile phones or watch dramas to pass the time.
But have you ever wondered what activities you would rely on to get through your daily life when you start your retirement?
Is there anything you can do with passion and enthusiasm? If you have a hobby or a plan on what you want to do in the future already, congratulations!
If not, it doesn’t matter. Start discovering your passion.
Start exploring what excites you. There may be many things that will stir your interest.
And who knows, some of your passions may evolve and change how you perceive things. It could be transformational in your perspective of life that bring you to the next level.
The 3rd Most Important Thing In Life – Kinship and Friendship
Humans have always been social animals. We can choose to live alone or be alone for a long time, but eventually, we will want someone we can talk to, keep us company, or confide in.
Treasure the time you have with your family, relatives, and friends who are still living around us now.
Cherish them and continue to maintain a healthy interactive relationship.
When the day of retirement comes, they may be our spiritual support and accompany us on this new journey.
Some of you may say: “But I do not have friends who can give me the spiritual support that I need.”
Here is a tip for you. Get your passion, values, and beliefs right first, and be more open-minded to mix with more people and immerse yourself in the right community.
The 4th Most Important Thing In Life – Financial Independence
Everyone has a different definition of how much money they need to live the lifestyle that they want.
When I reach retirement age, in my opinion, the consideration of whether or not I choose to continue to work should not be based on whether I have enough money to retire.
But instead, it should be based on the happiness and satisfaction that the job or business will bring me.
And my choice of lifestyle when I retire should not be due to whether I can afford it, but instead, it should be a matter of whether I choose to continue to live my current lifestyle or make it simpler.
How can we achieve this “money-free” retirement lifestyle?
It’s all about planning ahead.
Just imagine, if a person can live up to 80 years old, for the first 20 years, we generally rely on our parents to live.
And then we will spend 40 years working to make money, and the last 20 years of our life will be without income.
So in these 40 years of working life, the income we get should be evenly distributed to pay for 60 years of our living expenses, and not only wait till the last 5 to 10 years of working life to prepare for our retirement phase.
Your retirement fund won’t show up on its own the day you retire, so plan ahead to get yours ready.
The 5th Most Important Thing In Life – Health is Wealth
Health is the most valuable wealth in life. Because even if you achieve all the four points mentioned above successfully, you will not be able to enjoy your retirement life without health.
Having a habit of exercising may be very painful and tiring for some of us now.
It may seem to be torturous not being able to eat and drink as much as we want, but I would sooner take care of myself consciously now than let the doctor tell me that I can no longer eat this or do that anymore.
Final Thoughts
Having read through this article, how do you feel? Do all these make sense to you?
How old are you this year? Maybe retirement age is still far away for you. Try to think back on your life during the period of the pandemic.
Do you want the same life to continue for 20 years? While you are still in good health and have the ability to make money and save money, and have the energy to try different things, use the resources you have now to create the retirement life you want!
If you ever need help in financial planning, you can reach out to me here.
I will also be sharing deeper insights and thoughts in the five areas above in detail later.
Keep in touch to get the latest update on new content and financial education bites by following us on our social media channels below!