Written by: Barbara Maietta, CFP®
“Only you can control your future” – Dr. Seuss
We used to think of retirement as slowing down and retreating from our work lives. Many of us imagine a retirement like our parents, a leisure only retirement. It was seen as the beginning of the end, a time to take it easy and relax. However, retirement is no longer synonymous with idleness; it has transformed into an opportunity to find your passion. This phase represents the start of a new and extended chapter in your life. The key to this successful transition is a change in your mindset. Retirement is no longer the end but the beginning of a new, long, and exciting journey.
Retirement is no longer a brief respite at the end of a long career; it has evolved into a significant and exciting phase of life. With longer life expectancies, increased financial security, and more diverse options, retirement can span decades, potentially encompassing up to one-third of your entire life.
It is fascinating to consider that when social security was first introduced in the United States, the average life expectancy was around 65 years. Today, that number has surged to 85, and by 2030, it is projected that over 20% of the American population will be aged 65 or older. With the potential for a retirement period lasting 30 years or more, this extended phase of life offers a unique opportunity to pursue what you enjoy and find genuine fulfillment.
The transition into retirement is not always a smooth ride. Leaving your primary career after dedicating 30 or 40 years to it can be emotionally challenging and, at times, feel quite lonely. It’s more than just saying goodbye to a job; it can mean leaving behind the place where you spent 40 to 50 hours a week, losing daily connections with your colleagues, and learning how to make new friends once again. You’ll need to develop new routines, find reasons to get out of the house, make conscious decisions about what to do next, and, perhaps most daunting of all, break away from the allure of streaming your favorite new series.
A successful retirement requires time, thought, introspection, research, and planning to determine what’s right for you. It’s a process that often involves a fair amount of trial and error because, quite frankly, most people don’t get it right on their first attempt. It’s perfectly normal to explore various activities, interests, and pursuits to find the ones that truly resonate with your passions and aspirations.
To make the most of your retirement, it may be crucial to undergo a fundamental shift in your perspective. Are you willing to open your mind to all that retirement can be? This is not the end of a career; but a graduation to a new life phase. You must recognize the confidence you have developed and the vast wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom you have accumulated over the years. Then consider whether you want to find new purpose, fulfillment and meaning in your life.
When you can envision this for yourself, then you have obtained the freedom you need to shape your next chapter to achieve your aspirations and desires.
Are you ready to shift your mind set and take control of your future?
PLEASE SEE IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION AT www.twelvepointswealth.com/disclosure
