Life as an adult is hectic. You have less time for yourself, your family, and your friends. Even when you have the perks of a good salary and a valued position, you rarely get time to step out of your busy schedule.
But as you reach a certain age, you get more time for recreation, creativity, and doing things you previously held back on. For many of us, “Work” defines and structures our lives. But like every other phase, we must also bid farewell to it for good.
Retirement may not be the most exciting part of your life, but it can be shaped according to your preference if you are willing to put in the effort. Many people associate retirement with old age, sickness, and financial problems, but it is just another chapter of life full of opportunities. People forced to retire due to health problems or other reasons are less satisfied in their retirement years than those who have already planned for it.
Here is how you can also work out your retirement days with these simple and practical bits of advice:
Perform a Life Review
Picture your life like a movie critic.
Reflect on the past and present events and how they impacted you. For example, how did your job affect your life? Did it make you a megalomaniac or bossy individual like Miranda Priestly from “The Devil Wears Prada?” Or did it add to your contentment like Chris Gardner in “The Pursuit of Happiness?” How did it shape you? Identify the highs and lows, your greatest accomplishment, and your biggest regret. Once you have all the answers, you will better understand what to add to your retirement plan.
What Is Important to You?
Once you know what you liked and disliked in your past, you can quickly draw a road map for your future. You no longer exist to work and make money; you must live purposefully. A plan will help you say no to things that are unnecessary for your project.
Many people find it challenging to socialize after ending their professional life. They can use retirement as an opportunity to build relationships. Or if you think that your professional life did not leave any space to explore your creativity, now is the right time to work your magic.
Time to Act
Once your plan is in place, make the necessary amendments to achieve your goal. It can be a financial goal, such as paying off a debt or buying a car, a house, or a plane ticket. Whatever it is, use your time wisely to reflect on your plan. Use resources that can help you gain momentum in this journey; it can be a course, a workshop, or even a consultant to finalize your action plan.
Embrace Positivity in Retirement
As actress Jane Fonda says, “The final act!” Let’s embrace this phase with a positive mind and open arms. Amid the youth-obsessed culture, restructure and reframe your retirement journey into an exciting chapter of your life. If you need help making this plan, Candy Carlberg’s book Retirement on a Shoestring is the perfect addition to your reading list, also available in paperback and hardcover.
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