You’ve probably spent plenty of time dreaming about your golden years in retirement, chatting endlessly to your friends and family about the long-awaited road trips, the golfing tournaments, quiet sunny beaches and kicking back with the family all of which lies just over the horizon.
You’re not alone, so here are a few other things you might like to consider that will definitely help with the transition:
Try Pushing The Pause Button – retiring is a gradual process that moves through various stages. It really begins when you start thinking to yourself ; “what’s next” . This is a turning point that begins long before the day you actually hand your office keys back to the boss, so the trick is to begin slowly, carefully and methodically. Taking long service leave or a sabbatical from work can give you precious time out to experiment a little with what your plan looks like, a bit of time to experiment, a pause can, if you allow for it, provide great insight into what really works and perhaps what does not.
*Need to know more – read my tips on planning how to “pause your life, taking a sabbatical“
How To Make Small Adjustments – adjustment is the key, understanding that you are moving through emotional stages can be very helpful. Let’s say you’ve just arrived at the theme park and are about to step up onto this mad rollercoaster ride, you will know that there will be some sudden falls, a few exciting turns and a smooth,safe and relaxed ending. Knowing all this beforehand allows you to prepare, you have confidence.The road into retirement never stops throwing up new challenges so if you are prepared to make constant adjustments and with the right planning and advice the ending will be smooth and safe.
Old Habits Die Hard – just like any new phase in life, it’s going to take a little patience and a clear head to navigate this new path you’re travelling, there are many things that you will need to let go of because they belong to another life. Your current identity is intimately linked to your work/life balance and future success will need to be patiently redefined as you create new habits, fresh timelines will begin to emerge and old habits will fade that will ultimately reshape and redefine the new you.
How To Remain Upbeat – emotional health is about how well we cope with life’s challenges. To stay on top we need to stay in touch with our thoughts, our feelings, and our behaviors, especially towards those closest to us. A busy working life can effectively help to cover up a whole range of emotions that have been kept in check, often through punishing and busy work schedules. Setting new personal goals here can help to move you on to new adventures but what’s important is to walk more mindfully, stepping slowly into your new life, whilst continuing to observe the many moods that will arise. Remaining upbeat will allow you the space you need to happily enter this new era.
Don’t Doubt Your Decisions – of course a sunny disposition always helps to keep things positive and on track but the chances are that at some point we will question if we have made the right decision. Having doubt is very normal but, if left unchecked can adversely affect our carefully laid out plans for a happy retirement. There’s no rush anymore and you have the time so, dealing with certain frustrations is just part of the process, not doubting your choices keeps you focused on making the right decisions, engaging with the important people in your life and keeping on track.
