Have you been bitten by the pickleball bug or do you have friends that are passionate about the sport? The Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) says that over 48 million adults played pickleball at least once last year. There has been an 223% increase in participation over the past three years.
I believe I’ve cracked the code as to why it has exploded in popularity – and understanding this code can you help you launch into a successful retirement.
As a retirement transition coach, I know that humans have basic needs that must be met in order to thrive. These five needs are referred to as “PERMA needs” because PERMA is an acronym that stands for:
P = positive emotions
E = engagement
R = relationships
M = meaning
A = accomplishment
I work with my clients in transition to identify how work has fulfilled those five needs and then how they plan to get those needs met in retirement. Well, guess what? Pickleball meets four of the five needs on the list! It’s debatable whether or not pickleball provides “meaning” or purpose in life, but it definitely provides:
Positive emotions: joy, playful, energized, amused
Engagement: absorbed in the flow of play, body coordination, and competition
Relationships: social connections with other players
Accomplishment: advancing in skill level or winning a match
Because it meets so many needs, no wonder it’s wildly popular!
And even if pickleball isn’t your thing, there are other activities that meet several PERMA needs at once. Take community gardening, for example: the joy of being outdoors sparks positive emotions, the hands-on work creates engagement, tending the garden alongside neighbors builds relationships, caring for the earth provides a sense of meaning, and watching plants thrive gives a deep sense of accomplishment.
If you’re considering retiring soon and wondering how you’ll continue to meet your needs once the structure of work is gone, let’s talk. I’d love to help you explore how to design a retirement that’s about embracing a a new, fulfilling stage of life. Have fun out there!