Are you asking yourself what you should do in retirement? Let’s take a look.
If you are not sure what to do or how to best spend your time during your retirement years, you are not alone. As it turns out, “what to do in retirement” is one of the most searched-for terms on Google as it relates to retirement. I think the question probably comes from a deeper place than simply wanting to know how to spend time. I think it comes from a desire to utilize the retirement years in a way that it is not wasted.
Approaching retirement is often met with anticipation, excitement, sometimes nervousness or anxiousness. You have been working your whole life to lead up to this moment, this is the big “second act” that you've heard so much about. How can you be sure you get the most out of these precious years?
Here are a few suggestions.
1) Start living your retirement dreams on day 1
Don’t wait to start enacting whatever you have dreamed up on day 1. Was it a lake house purchase? A trip around the world? A membership to the yacht club?
Do it on day 1.
So many people put it off. It can be appealing to want to adjust to your new retirement lifestyle before going after some of these things, but the harsh reality is, no one is guaranteed tomorrow. As we age, health is not guaranteed. Energy is not guaranteed. Life is not guaranteed. Do what you dream about on day 1.
2) Decide whether or not you might want to work or volunteer
Wait. Work? How is it retirement if you are working?
Retirement needs to be redefined. Retirement in our viewpoint, means you have what you need to live off without NEEDING to work. This causes a shift in mentality. There’s no pressure on you to bring home a paycheck or perform at the highest level.
When the pressure is off, work becomes a whole lot more fun. You can work on your own terms. You choose what you want to do and when you will do it. Work can be rewarding. Productivity is rewarding. Feeling like you are contributing and providing value to society gives you a sense of meaning a purpose.
Working in retirement is not for everyone, but for some it can be exactly the thing that brings fulfillment during these years.
3) Pick up a new hobby
Try something you haven’t before. You now have the time to do something new, learn a new sport, sharpen your skills. Take advantage of this valuable resource which you now find yourself with more of: time.
4) Be intentional about building relationships
Few things in life bring us more fulfillment than relationships. It’s wired into each of us as humans to want to be in community with others. Sit down and write out 7 names. Studies show we have the capacity to be in 7 deep, meaningful relationships at a time.
Which 7 people around you will you intentionally bring into that space in your life? We would encourage you to think about people who bring you joy, uplift you, encourage you, and celebrate your success. These are the types of healthy relationships that bring happiness.
We hope these 4 tips serve you well as a starting point for your journey into retirement. Of course there are so many more ways to discover what brings you the greatest joy and fulfillment during these years. Give us a call if you need help with one of the major contributing factors to a healthy retirement: financial health.
Cheers to a happy and healthy retirement!