If you’ve ever wondered how to bring more happiness into your life, Aristotle—one of history’s greatest thinkers—had some ideas.
Unlike quick fixes and overnight success schemes, his approach was all about building virtue, a set of deeply ingrained habits that shape who you are. And modern research? Well, it backs him up.
The best part? These principles are just as useful today as they were 2,000 years ago. They help us handle change, navigate challenges, and ultimately, live a life we won’t regret—especially as we move into new chapters, like retirement.
So, let’s break them down in a simple, no-fluff way.
1. Face your fears instead of avoiding them
Fear thrives in the dark. The more you avoid it, the bigger it gets. Aristotle believed that courage wasn’t about not feeling fear—it was about feeling it and acting anyway. Research confirms that confronting your fears, rather than avoiding them, actually rewires your brain to feel less anxious over time.
2. Be aware of your cravings —and control them
We all have things we crave—whether it’s food, social media, shopping, or something else. Aristotle’s advice? Keep them in check. Indulging too much in anything can throw your life off balance. In some cases, you might need to eliminate certain habits altogether. The goal is moderation, not deprivation.
3. Be balanced with your time and money
Spending recklessly? Not great. Hoarding everything? Also not great. Whether it’s your cash or your time, Aristotle believed in finding the middle ground. A healthy balance means being generous but also responsible.
4. Give generously to people and causes that matter to you
Giving isn’t just about charity; it’s about connection. Studies show that generosity actually boosts happiness, strengthens relationships, and even improves health. The key? Give in ways that feel meaningful to you.
5. Prioritize what truly adds value to your life
Aristotle knew that getting caught up in life’s trivialities—gossip, distractions, and mindless entertainment—was a happiness killer. Instead, he urged people to seek deeper meaning. Maybe that means spending more time in nature, pursuing a passion project, or just disconnecting from the endless scroll.
6. True strength comes from controlling your emotions
Hot tempers don’t make you strong. They make you reactive. Aristotle saw self-control as a sign of inner power, and modern psychology agrees. People who manage their emotions well tend to make better decisions, have healthier relationships, and feel less stressed overall.
7. Be honest in all things—especially with yourself
White lies, big lies, self-deception—it all chips away at trust and integrity. Aristotle believed that honesty, even when uncomfortable, was the foundation of a good life. When you’re truthful, you live with less guilt, fewer complications, and a clearer sense of self.
8. Don’t obsess over getting your “fair share”
Resentment and entitlement make you miserable. Aristotle’s take? Constantly fighting over what you deserve only makes you look (and feel) weak. Instead, focus on gratitude and what you can contribute. That shift alone changes everything.
9. Forgive others and show patience with their flaws
Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to suffer. Aristotle wasn’t about carrying grudges. Forgiveness isn’t about letting others off the hook—it’s about freeing yourself.
10. Define your values and stick to them
Aristotle urged people to have clear moral principles—not just for public show, but in private too. What do you stand for? What are the non-negotiable rules you want to live by? Write them down, and more importantly, follow them.
The Hard Part? Doing the Work
None of these habits are easy, but that’s exactly the point. Aristotle believed happiness wasn’t something you chased—it was something that naturally came to you when you lived with intention, integrity, and virtue. The good life isn’t about luck or circumstances. It’s about the choices you make every day.
And here’s where this wisdom is incredibly useful today, especially if you’re navigating life’s next big transition, like retirement. Many people enter this phase thinking happiness will just happen—that without work deadlines and responsibilities, life will magically fall into place. This isn’t the time to slow down—it’s the perfect moment to be intentional, to shape your next chapter with clarity, purpose, and, yes, happiness. But the truth? Without a plan, without purpose, and without the right mindset, retirement can feel empty instead of fulfilling.
This is your time to redefine what life looks like on your terms. To build meaning, to focus on what truly matters, and to step into this next chapter feeling empowered, not lost. That’s exactly why I created Coach Yourself to an Epic Retirement—a course designed to help you take control of your future with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
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Because the best years of your life aren’t behind you—they’re the ones you design on purpose.
