10 Yogi Berra Lessons That Hit Home After Age 60

24/7 Wall St. Insights

• Famed pitcher Yogi Berra is not only known for his unique Yogi-isms. He also fought in World War II!
• When approaching new situations, keep Yogi Berra’s most important lesson in mind: “It ain’t over till it’s over.” So never stop fighting or pushing for what you need.
• Berra’s quotes and lessons remind people in their 60s to remain patient and calm when approaching frightening situations like stock market volatility, especially when preparing for retirement.
• Also: Discover the “Next NVIDIA”

Born in 1915, Lawrence Peter “Yogi” Berra changed the way we look at baseball. Known as one of the best catchers in MLB history, and a Hall of Famer who has played in 21 World Series, Berra has solidified his legacy as a baseball legend. Yet Berra contributed way more to American history, and the American psyche, than many people know. He was a Second Class Seaman who fought in Normandy during World War II, and was always known for his kindness, enthusiasm, and team-oriented spirit both on and off the field. (He might have even been on one of these World War II ships: from the outdated 19th century battleships to late-war aircraft carriers.)

Today, one way we remember Yogi Berra is through his witty and often paradoxical expressions known as Yogi-isms. At first, many of his quips seem little more than humorous malaprops, but a closer look reveals gems that rival the finest Buddhist köans. These Yogi-isms offer a way for us to think about our life, from the way we engage with others (“If you can’t imitate them, don’t copy them”) to how we approach our finances (“It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future”). These Yogi-isms can be especially impactful for people entering their 60s and later stages of life. As they look towards the future, and think about where they’ve come from, Yogi Berra’s wit and wisdom can provide comfort and guidance. (And if you need more guidance in 10 years, check out the 10 Yogi Berra quotes everyone in their 70s should hear.)

Here, 24/7 Wall St. explores the top ten life lessons from Yogi Berra that we believe people in their 60s need to hear. To collect these, we used multiple websites and quote platforms such as ESPN, MLB, Good Reads, and the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center.

Here are the 10 Yogi Berra lessons that hit home in your 60s: 

Why It Matters

Yogi Berra’s life lessons can offer valuable insights that extend far beyond the field. In fact, you should use his guidance to navigate the stock market, whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the game. His famous quip “It ain’t over till it’s over” reminds everyone of the importance of patience when it comes to streamlining your financial situation. In the stock market, where uncertainty and volatility are constants, Yogi’s lessons underscore the need to stay focused, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain a sense of humor amidst life’s ups and downs. Since many people in their 60s are preparing for retirement, this advice can also help set you up for the financial stability you’ll need to retire when you want.

1. Live in the Present

• Quote: “The future ain’t what it used to be.”

Whether his quips were intentional or off the cuff (it’s likely they were a combination of the two), Yogi Berra offers rare insights into various situations. While he meant his personal future when saying, “The future ain’t what it used to be,” this idea resonates with many people today. We were promised flying cars, reverse aging, and cures for diseases – but we’re not quite there in many regards. It seems like every generation, when reaching what they once considered the future, learns that it isn’t quite what they thought it would be.

Sunglasses For Sale

People in their 60s no longer need the shades that Timbuk 3 sang about (“The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades”). The state of the planet is nothing like you could or would have imagined as starry-eyed youth coming to age in the late 70s or early 80s. This generation represents the tail end of the last generation to grow up blissfully ignorant of what fossil fuels were doing to our atmosphere and our planet, among other things. So, while it’s not the future that was imagined, it’s the one they’ve been handed. Make the best of it. Because that’s what Yogi would do.

2. Follow Your Bliss

• Quote: “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”

Of the 10 life lessons from Yogi Berra everyone in their 60s should hear, this is one of our favorites. Yogi Berra’s quips are made all the more astounding by their brevity.He doesn’t waste time making his point, which is to follow your bliss. Take the fork in the road and head towards your happiness. Yogi Berra did so by taking part in philanthropic efforts which spanned a wide array of causes from education initiatives to environmental conservation and sustainability.

Take The Fork

As many people in their 60s approach retirement, they are going to encounter forks in their path. And when they do, the correct response is to ask: “What would Yogi do?”  Untethered from the confines of the 9-to-5 routine, this generation’s choices stretch out before us into the vast unknown. Take time to assess your options and ponder your possibilities. And then, when you come to that fork in the road? Take it!

3. Never Stop Being Amazed

•  Quote: “It’s like deja vu all over again.”

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Aint nothin’ new under the sun. These quotes, and Berra’s “it’s like deja vu all over again,” evoke the ennui and tedium of adulthood. Ah, to recapture the wonder of childhood, a time in which we were encountering new experiences and ideas daily!

When you’re in your 60s, it can be difficult to recall the fascination of life and its simple pleasures. Most of your firsts are distant memories. But you can be amazed by life’s new simple pleasures, like the return of the afternoon nap.

Not Your First Rodeo

When you’re in your 60s, it can feel like you’re living the same experiences over and over again. But when you feel that sense of deja vu, it’s time to remember what the past few decades have brought you. Maybe you’ve gotten to travel a lot in the past, and upcoming retirement gives you the opportunity to get back out there. Perhaps your week is tedious, but your weekend is full of time spent with your family and loved ones. Your life in your 60s is still full of love and new experiences. Embrace them!

4. Never Give Up

• Quote: “It ain’t over ’til it’s over.”

When the tide is at its lowest point, it begins to turn, which is reminiscent of Yogi Berra’s astoundingly direct quip: “It ain’t over ’til it’s over.” Though he was undoubtedly speaking of baseball, his advice is practical across a vast array of life experiences. The attitude the winners never quit and quitters never win is another way of suggesting that patience is a virtue if you’re in it to win it!

Not Until The Bell Rings

If you’ve reached your sixth decade without a scratch or a dent? Congratulations! Many people in their 60s might have their fair share of dings at this point, but you’re still alive and kickin’, are you not? There’s a lot to be said for tenacity. And optimism. So, the next time you find yourself in a sticky situation? Have high hopes.

5. Stay Adaptable and Resilient

• Quote: “A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore.”

Of the 10 life lessons from Yogi Berra everyone in their 60s should hear this is one of the more prescient. He humorously states that the value of money isn’t what it used to be, as it highlights the concept of inflation. Sound familiar? Folks aren’t even interested in nickels and dimes anymore. The consumer price index is on the rise, as the costs of living skyrocket to unprecedented levels. Things are tough all over. Again, ask yourself, WWYD? He would adapt. And possibly pick up an extra shift or two. Adaptability and resilience will see you through tough times.

Let’s Recalibrate

Just when we thought we had crossed the threshold to Easy Street, inflation comes along and knocks retirement plans for a loop. That’s where adaptability and resilience come into play. There’s no need to change horses in mid-stream, but making adjustments to either your portfolio or your plans might be in order. Because, you’ll need to prepare for the future, which is “like the past, only longer,” according to Yogi Berra.

6. Watch and Learn

• Quote: “You can observe a lot by just watching.”

Writer Ela Melo penned A wise man lends his ears but not his thoughts. And so it goes. Observation is the key to understanding. Whether it’s at the ballpark or in your own backyard, being attentive to your environment is one of the best teachers. We learn from doing, but we also learn from watching. So watch and learn.

Wisdom Listens

Having weathered over half a century on planet Earth, people in their 60s have observed a lot already. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, something comes along that makes you change your tune. And while it’s tempting to want to bloviate your accrued wisdom, resisting that urge and listening instead can teach you something new.

7. Practice Makes Perfect

• Quote: “In theory, there is no different between theory and practice – in practice there is.”

Of the 10 life lessons from Yogi Berra everyone in their 60s should hear, this is one of Yogi Berra’s more astute ideas. The idea that practice makes perfect, or at least proficient, speaks volumes. Practicing a skill is the route to mastery. Repetition strengthens neural pathways, improving accuracy. And while the experts are debating theories for shortcuts to mastery and perfection, successful folk are just doing it.

Practice Is as Practice Does

Good work takes time and nothing worth having ever came easy. If you haven’t learned this lesson yet, or if you’ve been the type that avoids putting in the necessary work, it shows at this point. So, get up and focus on that one thing you wish you had accomplished. There’s no time like the present to become what you might have been. However, if you’re not feeling it, take comfort. Yogi also said, “If you don’t set goals, you can’t regret not reaching them.”

8. Don’t Waste Energy

• Quote: “Never answer an anonymous letter.”

Think about the ridiculousness of the idea. Now apply it to all of the insignificant situations you allow to live rent-free in your head. Don’t waste your energy or time in pursuit of the unattainable which can lead to a perpetual cycle of disillusionment and dissatisfaction.

Direct Your Energy

The older you get, the fewer worries you should have. You’ve made it this far, after all. You’re in the home stretch of life, rounding third toward home. So why be weighted down with unnecessary worries that zap your energy? Not giving your time to anonymous letters (aka situations over which you have no control) will free you up to pursue goals that are worthy of your time.

9. Time Waits for No One

• Quote: “It gets late early out there.”

When you were younger, you got up as the sun was going down, but these days you more than likely agree with Yogi’s observation. Being on the sunset side of life changes one’s perspective. Early is defined in ante meridiem instead of post meridiem, and the only 12 o’clock you’re likely to see is noon. But you get a lot accomplished while today’s kids are still dreaming.

Enjoying the Sunset

Does anyone ever consider that they’re going to be old and out of the loop when they’re young, vibrant, and in the moment? At 24/7 Wall St., we don’t recall dwelling on the march of time, which seemed to be moving at a much less intense pace back then. From the grey hairs and crepe paper skin to weather-related aches and pains, it’s harder to deny the passage of time. Live each day with intention and compassion and spread kindness, because that’s what Yogi would do.

10. Think Critically

• Quote: “Why buy good luggage? You only use it when you travel.”

Even the yogi-est of yogis gets it wrong occasionally, but unless he was using reverse psychology, Berra’s quip is one of those times. This advice simply doesn’t hold up: Why eat a quality cut if you don’t partake in beef that often? Why buy a warm coat if you’re only going to wear it when it’s cold?  Why toast with quality champagne? You only get married once (if you’re lucky like Yogi, who was married to his sweetheart for 65 years). I’m guessing you can come up with a few of your own. So think critically about the advice you’re given.

Don’t Think More – Think Harder

In your 60s, you have surely come to appreciate and understand that simply because someone says something doesn’t make it true. Speaking specifically of luggage, a sturdy roll-around is a sound investment for air travelers. Generally speaking, buy the warm coat (even if you’ll only wear it in January) and splurge on the finest champagne (even if it’s not your first rodeo). And for gosh sake, buy the soft toilet paper.

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