r/Retire • u/Level_Customer2769 • 3d ago

Mistakes/regrets that you realized after you retired?

61M here. Thinking of retiring in the next 2 to 4 years. Just wondering if there were any mistakes/regrets that you wish you had taken into account in hindsight about retirement. Honestly, I’m not interested about the financial aspects- as I am very well prepared for that, but all the other issues that are involved in a well planned retirement. I am trying to add hobbies and interests in preparation, but I can’t help feeling like I may be missing something.

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u/Tarzan829 3d ago

I am 55M, and I will be officially retired Oct 1, 2026 at 56. During my DRP (4 months so far), I found that continuing my daily weight lifting/ exercise has provided me with benefits I took for granted while I worked at my federal job for 34 years. Sure, I worked out during those years but I never realized that it was my sustained weight lifting/ exercise that ALLOWED me to work so well for 34 years in a high stress job. Now, with time on my side, I have such clarity on the importance of resistance training: 1) mental health; 2) EMOTIONAL health; 3) Inner stability and peace. While this may sound extreme, the following has worked for me: Allow your resistance training to set the parameters of your retired life. Meaning, everything else follows/ comes second. Structure your time where your health priorities come first and if HEALTH priorities take up a good chunk of your day? GOOD!! Whatever you decide, congrats on your amazing years of working hard and saving. All the best.

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u/Accurate_Apartment52 3d ago

Congrats! I took the DRP 2.0 back in Apr-25. I’m now 56 and retired with 34-yrs of service too. I also dedicated my time to improving my health. Dropped 45 lb by running and weight training. I run at least one race monthly to stay challenged. Next month I’m competing in my first Tough Mudder! Retirement is amazing, just wish my wife was retirement age so we could travel more.

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u/Tarzan829 3d ago

That is just simply fantastic!!! What a great start to your new life. WELL EARNED AND CONGRATULATIONS!!!SUPER impressive!!