Facing Problems Early
I once imagined retirement as a leisurely
and comfortable stage of life. In reality, however, we continue to face
problems—both large and small—though less frequently than before. As long as
our cognitive and mental capacities remain intact, these are challenges we must
address ourselves; they cannot simply be left to others. With age, energy and
cognitive function naturally decline, and many people find problem-solving
increasingly burdensome, leading them to postpone decisions. Through this
realization, I have come to believe that cultivating the habit, from a young
age, of facing everyday problems proactively—rather than avoiding them out of
anxiety or irritation—offers lasting benefits. Such a habit sharpens our
ability to grasp the essence of issues while steadily strengthening intuition
and problem-solving skills. Taking on challenges early in life not only
supports career growth, but also becomes a valuable asset in navigating daily
life after retirement.
