Ten Tips For When Life Quietly Retires You, Whether You Like It Or Not!
Remember when you were in demand, people wanted to hear what you had to say, everyday was busy, busy, something different, another problem to solve, multi-tasking, never enough time to do everything?
You get the picture.
This is perhaps what you now look at through rose-tinted spectacles, you miss it all and feel life doesn't value you anymore.
If we are fortunate enough to get there, life retires us all (quietly or otherwise) at some point. What you now have are a wider selection of choices.
Of course this will be dictated somewhat by how well you retire. Even so, you can still make choices which fit your 'new' lifestyle.
It's how you go about it which will dictate how successful your transition from one world to another will be.
Get your coaching hat on and ask yourself the following. You've got quality time to think now, after all!
What parts of my work identity will be useful to carry forward in retirement?
Your skills and qualities don't leave you just because work has.
How do I want to be thought of now?
Do you like the word 'retired'. Perhaps you have a better name?
What personal values will be useful to me in retirement?
What you value will help you to decide what's important to you now.
What have I always wanted to do?
No need to put it off any longer.
What are going to be my retirement routines?
An empty calendar won't help you to adjust to your new world. Have a few things you are going to do daily, even if it's just to get you going - keeping fit, healthy, creating something, learning a new skill...
Who are the people i'm going to invest in, going forward?
Missing people from work? Think about the ones you could consider real friends now, (probably only a handful). Invest more time in the people that really matter to you and don't worry about the ones you think you've left behind. They'll get in touch, or probably not, if they want to.
What does a meaningful day look like?
That's meaningful to you, not what you think you should be doing.
How can I stay 'active'?
Mentally and physically. If you are able, it's vital to keep mind, spirit and body as fully charged as possible, especially as you are susceptible to losing muscle & mind strength now.
Who do I have in my loved one's/friends network to support my aspirations?
You don't need to go it alone. Yes, others may be or appear to be busier than you, so make an appointment to catch up. Your real 'supporters' will want to be there for you.
When will I make a plan?
Procrastination will not get things going. You're not 18 anymore with all the time in the world. Make a plan and go with it!
The beauty is it's your plan, so can be changed or adapted as and when.
Oh and just a reminder about the stress, anxiety, lack of time for yourself, no time to do the things you really wanted to do, lack of sleep etc etc... Perhaps this was your former life...remember?
Happy retirement! (or whatever you want to call it??)
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