There is always more to learn about the concept of retirement whether you're a pre, post or serial retiree. Many retirees are facing the dilemma of going from being productive, goal driven, and accomplishment oriented to a retirement or next act that could look more like a permanent vacation. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal highlighted a newly retired couples’ journey going from a life of "doing" to "being" with the hope of getting to somewhere in between. Through the years our readers have told us that they have had and are still having difficulties adjusting to their next act. Whether we agree or not that we are programed to work and be productive, there is the long held view that leisure is what you do on vacation and weekends. It's not surprising that people get to retirement both excited and nervous.
What many people do at this life stage is to "rewire." They take the energy traditionally given to paid work and put it into new or current interests, that will lead to fulfillment and happiness. When you rewire you may still be shouldering family obligations, going about the daily chores of life, helping others, etc., but your rewiring should include a lot more that you can look forward especially things that give you your buzz.
As you plan to retire, there is one lesson you should never forget. That lesson is that those who are happiest in retirement are those whose time is spent in the pursuit of a goal. Yes, having goals is still important. If you ask a retiree what their goals are, those who smile and respond quickly are spending time achieving their goals. They are the happy ones. Those that frown and say they have no goals or goals are a thing of the past are probably wishing they had some. After-all everyone wants joy and fulfillment in their life. Goals can lead to fun, fulfillment and happiness. It is about creating a new formula for yourself that is a combination of being quiet and reflective then going to doing.
A healthy, meaningful retirement is a combination of many things, but let's just focus on work and play. The work can be for yourself such as going back to school, or volunteering for a not for profit, or if you want to continue to work for pay in a job with less demands. The play may be a continuation of what you did on weekends. It can also be learning new sports, perfecting a current sport, pursing a hobby or interest, sharing time with grandchildren, or attending sporting events, concerts, museum exhibitions, or travel that you never had time for before you retired.
