Why "Anti-Retirement" Makes Men Healthier And More Successful

My buddy Justin Waller shared a dope perspective with me recently regarding his views on retirement.

He says that retirement is the most dangerous thing that can happen to a man.

And I couldn’t agree more.

Think about it this way.

You’re climbing a mountain, working hard every step of the way, and progressing more and more towards the top.

Each day you climb you feel accomplished and driven to climb even higher.

Until you finally reach the top.

You’re probably already thinking, “damn Brandon, isn’t reaching the top a good thing?”

It is…for a minute.

But after awhile you’ll start to stagnate, lose interest, and lose your killer instinct.

Because true happiness and strength comes from progressing.

That constant growth, winning again and again is what fuels us as humans.

So what do you do when you reach the top of the mountain? You find a bigger mountain.

Here are a few things I’ve learned that will help you avoid retirement and stay in a constant cycle of growth.

The Real Issue With Retirement

Happiness is a moving target.

That’s why you need to constantly find “bigger mountains” to climb.

Why? Because if you don’t, you can end up self sabotaging and “falling down the mountain” all over again.

That could be hitting a weight loss goal just to gain back a bunch of weight, or finishing a website for a business idea but never progressing to making sales.

Because unless you’re someone like Bill Gates or Derek Lunsford (Winner of 2023 Olympia Men's Open competition) you’ve definitely still got a bigger mountain you can climb.

And retiring is like voluntarily stepping off the edge.

The Retirement Mirage

Life doesn’t peak at retirement. Hell no.

That’s where it flatlines if you’re not careful.

You see, the moment you stop pushing, stop striving for that next big thing, you start to lose a piece of yourself.

It’s like your muscles when you stop hitting the gym, they atrophy. And your brain, your drive, your spirit? They’re no different.

I’ve seen it firsthand…guys who were titans in their field, unbeatable, unstoppable.

Then they hit retirement and bam, they’re wandering around like lost souls at a buffet.

They don’t know what to hit next because their whole lives, they’ve been fed this lie that retirement is the endgame.

But it’s really just another starting line.

And this starting line? It’s a mind game. The biggest one you’ll ever play.

Because once you’re out of the rat race, you’ve got two choices: settle into that comfy chair and fade out, or redefine what it means to live.

I chose the latter. Because for guys like us, life isn’t about finding peace in stillness. It’s about the hunt.

Retirement? That’s just society’s way of saying you’re done. But are you? Are you really?

How To Do “Anti-Retirement” (Without Burning Out)

I recognize 3 pillars that are necessary for a man’s constant growth.

These pillars will empower you to constantly make more money, build a stronger body, and have an unquenchable thirst for greatness.

First up is being financially independent, so you call the shots on whether or not you want to retire and when.

Pillar #1: Financial Independence

If you work at a 9-5 corporate job your whole life and only get your money from that one source, you’re putting all your eggs in one basket when it comes to retirement.

That’s why you need to use intelligent early investment strategies to set you up for the long run, allowing you to focus on achieving more goals without having to worry about making money.

You’ve got to make your money work for you instead of the other way around.

Early Investment Strategies

Understanding the power of compound interest is foundational for anyone looking to build wealth over time.

For instance, if you start investing $300 a month at an annual interest rate of 7% from the age of 25, by the time you're 65, you would have contributed $144,000.

And with compound interest, your investment would be around $1,003,262.

The earlier you start, the more money you end up making.

Diversification is key to managing investment risk and optimizing returns. A well-diversified portfolio might include 60% stocks, 30% bonds, and 10% real estate investments.

Side Hustles for Financial Freedom

Initiating a side hustle with minimal upfront investment is key.

For example, starting a dropshipping business might require as little as $100 to set up, with potential monthly earnings of $1,000 to $5,000 once established.

Similarly, launching a blog or niche website could cost around $50 for domain registration and hosting, with monetization through affiliate marketing, ads, and sponsored content potentially bringing in $500 to $2,000 per month after a year of consistent content creation and audience building.

Budgeting for Success

Effective budgeting is about making informed decisions that align with your financial goals.

Using the 50/30/20 rule as a guideline, where 50% of your income goes to necessities, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and investments, can help structure your finances.

For someone earning $50,000 annually, this means $25,000 towards necessities, $15,000 for wants, and $10,000 dedicated to building wealth through savings and investments.

Pillar #2: Sustaining Peak Physical Health

Achieving and maintaining peak physical health is not just about looking good; it's about feeling good and ensuring your body can support you in all of life's endeavors, including the pursuit of financial independence.

A strong, healthy body forms the foundation of an active, vibrant life well into your later years.

Fitness Routines That Scale with Age

The key to a sustainable fitness routine is adaptability.

Starting in your 20s, focus on building a solid base of strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.

Strength training, at least three times a week, helps build muscle mass, crucial for keeping your metabolism high.

Incorporating cardiovascular exercises, such as running or cycling, for 150 minutes a week, ensures heart health and endurance.

As you transition into your 30s and beyond, the focus should slightly shift towards maintaining muscle mass and incorporating more flexibility and balance exercises into your routine, like yoga or Pilates.

These practices help prevent injuries and improve overall mobility. For those in their 40s and 50s, strength training remains important, but the intensity might need adjustment to avoid overstraining.

Emphasis on low-impact cardio, such as swimming or elliptical training, can keep the heart strong while minimizing joint stress.

Nutrition for Longevity

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in sustaining peak physical health.

As you age, your metabolism slows down, making it essential to adjust your caloric intake to maintain a healthy weight.

Hydration is equally important; drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day supports digestion, skin health, and kidney function.

Mental Health and Physical Activity

The connection between physical activity and mental health is well-documented.

Regular exercise releases endorphins, known as the body's natural mood elevators, which can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.

Additionally, physical activity has been shown to improve sleep quality, further enhancing mental well-being.

Pillar #3: Cultivating a Growth Mentality

Central to living a rich and fulfilling life, beyond financial independence and physical health, is the cultivation of a robust and resilient mindset.

Developing a growth mentality not only prepares you to face challenges with confidence but also propels you towards continuous learning and personal development.

This mindset shift is pivotal for those in their 20s as it lays the foundation for lifelong success and fulfillment.

Building Resilience

Resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks, is essential for sustained success and well-being.

It's about viewing failures not as insurmountable barriers but as valuable learning opportunities.

Developing resilience involves setting realistic goals, maintaining a positive outlook, and practicing gratitude, even in the face of challenges.

One actionable step towards building resilience is to adopt a daily practice of reflecting on what went well, what could be improved, and what lessons were learned.

This practice can help in cultivating a mindset that values growth and progress over perfection, reducing the fear of failure that often hinders taking bold steps towards one's goals.

Networking and Mentorship

The importance of building a strong professional network and seeking out mentors cannot be overstated.

Surrounding yourself with individuals who inspire, challenge, and support you can accelerate your growth and open doors to new opportunities.

Networking isn't just about professional gain; it's also about building a community of like-minded individuals who can provide support, advice, and camaraderie.

The BMM Takeaway

Movement breeds momentum. So make sure to always be striving to climb that taller mountain.

Doing so will ensure you are constantly growing instead of stagnating.

Remember, the goal here isn't to fill your days with busywork. It’s to fill them with life. With passion. With purpose.

And yeah, it might feel daunting. You might stumble, fall even.

Climb, conquer, look for the next mountain.