The Third Essential Key to a Joyful Retirement: PLAN for Balance
It is a well-known fact that the “honeymoon” phase of retirement, those first few years of travel, not getting up to the alarm clock and unlimited golf or pickleball can be exhilarating, but as time goes by and life throws its curve balls, accessibility to travel or golf might not be possible. Then what? You guessed it, the key is to plan for balance!
Research has shown that the more planning done before retirement around redefining purpose, adjusting to a new routine, navigating shifts in identity, and rediscovering personal values, attitudes, and beliefs, the better retirement years will be….and there could be 30+ of those years!
So, what does balance look like? A balanced life is different for everyone, but it usually includes:
Building and maintaining relationships (date nights, meeting friends for coffee/a walk)
Finding outlets that provide meaning and purpose (mentoring, serving on a board, thriving in your new “heart’s desire” career)
Pursuing activities just for fun and exercise (hobbies, sports, working out at the gym)
Engaging in learning and brain stimulation (taking a university course, playing an instrument).
It’s important to note that losing the ability to participate in one activity that takes up one-eighth of your life is not as devastating as losing an activity that takes up one-half of your life, so make it a point to cultivate many pursuits. As the old saying goes, “variety is the spice of life,” and is especially true in retirement!
Planning, Planning and Planning
As I conclude my “Three Essential Keys to a Joyful Retirement” blog series, just a reminder that retirement goes far beyond just crunching the numbers and having “enough.” It requires planning, planning, and planning!
YES!
are the keys to a joyful retirement!
I’ve been there, and I’d love to help put a plan in place for YOU!
Lana B. is a Certified Facilitator for “Retire to the Life You Design.” If you are looking to plan your best retirement or third act for yourself or your employees, contact Lana B. to discuss your customized workshop or personal coaching.