Using The Next Chapter for Personal Renewal
Some people view retirement as the autumn or winter of their lives, a time of winding down, finishing life's harvest, and freezing into place. That is why we refer to this time of life as the next chapter, or the “work optional” time of life
But just as the spring thaw reminds us of nature's remarkable ability to renew itself, the next chapter can be an exciting period of reinvention and rejuvenation as well.
By planting these three seeds into your work optional plan, you can start to cultivate a purposeful and passionate new chapter of your life.
- Embrace “Renewment”
Even after you've spent years planning the end of a decades-long career, this time of transition can be incredibly jarring. You've spent most of your life identifying yourself as a professor, engineer, doctor, attorney, or CEO. At the same time, other roles in your life, like "parent," might be changing as well. You might wake up that first Monday morning after stop working wondering who you are now.
Renewment can help you answer that question by focusing on how personal growth can make your life fresh and new, at any age. Rather than "finishing" your career, you can head into a new stage where your skills and experiences are put to new uses: teaching, volunteering, consulting, or entrepreneurship. You can expand your social networks beyond shared office spaces to connect with other seniors who share your experiences, worries, and hopes about this new time of your life. You can adopt a "beginner's mindset" as you learn new skills, sports, or hobbies. And you can reframe success as a measure not of net worth or titles, but of health, daily joy, and the strength of your relationships.
- Create a “work Optional” Roadmap
Purpose is the heartbeat of a successful transition. If you don't feel like your days matter, then freedom from work can start to feel aimless. Even seniors who looked forward to the "endless weekend" version of “retirement” often find that there's only so much golf you can play and so many beaches you can lounge on before boredom sets in.
Financial independence isn't enough. People need to feel relevant. They need to discover new things about themselves, the people closest to them, and the world so that retirement feels new as well.
Connect your renewment to a stronger sense of relevance by creating a retirement roadmap.
Think six months out, then a year, then three to five. What are some achievable goals that you can set for yourself over those time periods?
What are things that you've always wanted to do but didn't have the time or financial independence to try?
Are you going to write your novel? Start your own company? Go back to school and earn a new degree? Hike through the National Parks? Spend a month living like a local in a city you've never visited before?
Plotting your goals on a roadmap will make them more real. And if you share those goals with a spouse or another loved one you might find some extra accountability as well to help you live your best life during this time.
- Commit to Self-Care
Excelling at a job and raising a family don’t always leave a lot of time for exercise, healthy eating, and quiet reflection. But in next phase, this can and should be a cornerstone of your daily routine.
In addition to spending more time on your favorite sports, try taking nature walks or mixing in some yoga to make exercise less demanding and more mindful.
Shop for fresh ingredients at farmers markets and cook healthy meals with your spouse.
Set aside time to meditate, journal, or just enjoy the view from your porch with a good cup of coffee.
And count on your Life-Centered Financial Plan to help you maintain an evergreen alignment between your money and your life.