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Is Your Retirement Glass Half Full or Half Empty?

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Is Your Retirement Glass Half Full or Half Empty?

As someone old enough to remember Monty Python’s ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,’ it was inevitable that the tune would start playing in my head as I embarked on this blog (and chances are, it’s now stuck in your head too!). Then again, I’ve always been one of life’s optimists. Much like Winston Churchill, I firmly believe that there’s little point in being anything else!

I’ve always seen a positive mental attitude as an invaluable asset, and this belief holds especially true as we approach retirement. 

Because let’s face it – retirement isn’t all sunshine and laughter. Indeed for many, it’s quite the opposite.

When you think about your life in retirement, do you expect it to be a time of expansion or contraction? Are you anticipating a time of new opportunities or limited options?

In other words, are you leaning towards an optimistic or pessimistic view of your retirement… a positive or negative view of this next chapter?

With numerous studies highlighting a strong link between higher levels of optimism and healthy ageing, these questions become all the more crucial to consider.

Your Mindset Matters!

Having a positive mental attitude is not some Pollyanna concept. It’s not about ignoring challenges or denying the existence of difficulties. Instead, a PMA involves acknowledging obstacles and setbacks while actively seeking constructive solutions and maintaining a hopeful perspective.

It’s about resilience, adaptability, and a proactive approach to life’s ups and downs, recognising that a positive mindset can be a powerful tool for navigating through adversity.

Our mindset has a direct effect on our entire retirement experience.

When we come from a place of optimism, we’re more likely to see retirement as a time for self-discovery and growth. On the other hand, if we come from a negative perspective and focus on limitations and losses, it’s so much harder to appreciate the opportunities or potential this chapter has to offer.

So, let’s circle back to our starting point: Is your retirement glass half full or half empty?

Considering the enormous impact that mindset and attitude can have on our retirement journey, this question carries substantial weight.

Now, if you’ve already firmly embraced the glass-half-full perspective, you’re off to a great start! However, I’d like to offer some guidance to those of you who find yourselves in the glass-half-empty camp.

Firstly, I want to stress that this isn’t about superficial ‘positive thinking’; it’s about finding a perspective that will genuinely serve you better.

So with that in mind, here are some practical tips to help you get started.

  • Acknowledge Your Feelings: Retirement often starts with some less-than-rosy emotions but suppressing or denying them can often be counterproductive.  It’s perfectly okay to have moments, or even extended periods when optimism feels like a step too far! Allow yourself to experience and express what you’re truly feeling. Recognise and accept your feelings, whatever they may be.
  • Seek Support: You don’t have to navigate your retirement journey alone. Reach out to friends, family, or professionals who can provide a safe space for you to share your thoughts and emotions. Talking about your feelings with someone you trust can be incredibly therapeutic and help you find a more empowering perspective.
  • Take Small Steps: You don’t have to make a giant leap from pessimism to boundless optimism overnight! Break down your retirement aspirations into achievable, smaller goals so that each mini-milestone can boost your confidence and slowly shift your perspective.
  • Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same compassion you’d offer a friend.  Understand that it’s okay to have moments of pessimism or doubt. Be patient with yourself as you work through these feelings.
  • Dig Deeper: Take time to explore the root causes of your negative feelings –  underlying issues, unresolved concerns, fears about the future, or other factors that are affecting your optimism. Identifying these triggers can be the first step towards addressing them.
  • Focus on Self-Care: Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can have a significant impact on your mood. Meditation and mindfulness practices can also help manage negative emotions.
  • Limit Negative Influences: Pay attention to the sources of negativity in your life. This might include news, social media, or even certain people who consistently bring you down. Consider reducing your exposure to these influences and surround yourself with more positive and uplifting content and individuals.
  • Find Meaning and Purpose: Discovering a sense of purpose can be a powerful antidote to pessimism. Engaging in activities that align with your values and passions can bring fulfilment and a renewed sense of optimism. This could involve volunteering, pursuing a new hobby, or exploring creative outlets.
  • Practice Gratitude: While it may seem challenging, cultivating a sense of gratitude can gradually shift your perspective. Each day, make an effort to identify even small things you’re grateful for. Over time, this practice can help you see the positive aspects of life more clearly.
  • Maintain Social Connections: Loneliness is the enemy of optimism, so prioritise spending time with friends and loved ones, whether in person or virtually. Navigating retirement is far more enjoyable, engaging, and expansive when you share your journey and connect with others – especially those who are on a similar path.
  • Seek Professional Guidance: While some retirees possess the self-motivation and optimism to propel their retirement projects forward, you may lack the emotional energy or capacity to be your own cheerleader. That’s why working with a supportive retirement coach can be genuinely transformative.

Remember, the journey towards positivity and optimism is totally unique and personal, and it’s okay to take it at your own pace. Small, consistent steps can lead to meaningful changes over time. Remember, optimism doesn’t mean ignoring or denying life’s challenges; it’s about approaching them with a constructive and hopeful mindset. The key is to be gentle with yourself and take one step at a time towards a more positive outlook on the future.

Nurture your inner optimism, and let it lead you towards a retirement filled with purpose, joy, and authenticity.

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Burying Your Head in the Sand is Not a Viable Retirement Strategy

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Burying your head in the sand is not a viable retirement strategy!

Over the past few days, I’ve had two in-depth conversations about retirement, with two very different women. What amazed me was the striking similarity of their feelings and the way they used almost identical words to express themselves! Both were still working, contemplating retirement, and grappling with uncertainty about their post-retirement lives.

I think it’s fair to say that they were both feeling ‘decidedly discombobulated’ about the whole retirement thing!

And what’s more, both had recently pushed back their retirement date for the same reason.

Why?

Because they had NO IDEA what their lives would look like or what they would DO once they retired and because that thought was so overwhelming, they chose instead to kick the decision into the long grass for a few more months.

Both expressed their feelings in very similar ways:

  • I don’t feel ready to call myself ‘retired’!
  • I’ve got the financial side sorted – it’s the rest of it I’m struggling with.
  • What the hell am I going to DO with all this TIME?

Retirement jitters are something we all encounter along the way. While each person’s situation is unique, the feelings shared are surprisingly similar. I hope that if you are experiencing something similar right now, the following insights will be of help to you.

Acknowledge retirement as a major life transition

First off, retirement IS a big deal – which is why it feels like a big deal! It’s a whole new chapter in life, and it’s natural to be a bit bewildered and discombobulated by all the changes and uncertainties that come with it.

It’s a huge transition; as with any life transition, it can be challenging. Recognising its impact on your identity and sense of purpose is important as you grapple with questions like “Who am I now?” and “What’s my purpose without a professional role?”  

And when there are no immediate or obvious answers it’s often easier to push them away and retreat back to the comfort of the status quo.

The trouble is, this strategy is not a solution – it’s simply delaying the inevitable. Further down the line, those nagging questions will still be staring you in the face, only now they’ll feel even more pressing as time marches on.  And THAT is no place from which to make important life decisions.

So what’s to be done?

Don't shy away from retirement's uncertainties

Whether it’s today or a year from now, those questions and uncertainties will keep knocking on your door, demanding answers, which is why so many people end up spending their first few years of retirement still grappling with this reality, still trying to figure things out.

So many of the women I talk with have no clue about what they want their retirement to look like or how they want to spend their precious time. 

Yet when I ask them what they think they need to do to ensure they’re not in the same place this time next year, they all know the answer – develop a clearer vision of their desired retirement lifestyle.

Clarity is always the key piece of the puzzle

Once you figure out what you want and where you’re heading, all those retirement uncertainties become much easier to handle. Knowing what truly matters to you gives you a sense of purpose and direction.  Once you’ve got a clear vision you’ll feel confident and ready to make intentional decisions and create the life that’s calling you.

The retirement transition is not a quick fix, but you can do things to help the process along and turn the roadblocks into stepping stones. So, how about taking a proactive approach instead of burying your head in the sand and dodging retirement decisions?

Practical, proactive steps to move you forward

Embrace the reality and take control of your future

As you dive into this self-discovery adventure, don’t forget to embrace the value of open conversations. Seek guidance and insights from mentors, friends, or professionals – their perspectives can offer invaluable clarity. Additionally, consider diving into a one-on-one Retirement Springboard session. Tailored just for you, it’s a chance to distill your goals and aspirations into a visual and tangible roadmap.

When it comes to retirement, burying our heads in the sand won’t make it disappear. It’s a reality we all have to face sooner or later. No matter how much we procrastinate, it won’t change the fact that one day, we will need to step away from our careers and embark on a new chapter in life. 

When we accept it, we can prepare ourselves mentally, emotionally, and financially for this life transition and make intentional choices and decisions that lead to the retirement we want.

So I urge you to embrace the journey ahead, knowing that facing it head-on will lead to a more fulfilling and gratifying retirement down the road. Remember, the sooner you start designing a retirement that aligns with your values and aspirations, the sooner you’ll get to live it!  Get in the driving seat, make informed choices, and step into this new chapter with clarity, confidence, and enthusiasm.

The big question is… HOW? 

Well, one of the simplest and most effective steps you can take is to start writing!

Simply putting put pen to paper creates a tangible connection between your inner thoughts and the outer world and allows you to step into the role of both the thinker and the observer. You can pour out your uncertainties, dreams, and questions onto the page, creating a space for introspection and self-reflection. Seeing your thoughts transformed into words can offer you new perspectives, helping you view your feelings and ideas from a fresh angle

Whether it’s jotting down your retirement goals, scribbling away your fears, or meticulously outlining your dreams, writing it all down carries a cathartic, enlightening, and revelatory power. It’s an indispensable tool that serves as a steadfast companion on your journey of self-reflection. With its help, you can unearth hidden insights, and ultimately navigate your path with a greater sense of intention. 

So, grab your trusty journal and let the pen flow!

And to kickstart this transformative process, why not begin with my complimentary checklist and workbook called Are You Retirement Ready? designed to set the wheels in motion.  

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Have you got a case of the retirement jitters

Have you got a case of the retirement jitters?

Ah, retirement… that long-awaited golden age of relaxation, where you can finally kick back, pursue your passions and enjoy the sweet rewards of your hard work.

At least that’s the theory!

However in reality, as retirement approaches, you might start to notice a nagging feeling creeping in – a weird mix of excitement and anticipation combined with a decidedly uncomfortable shot of anxiety – a palpable sensation in the pit of your stomach best described as ‘the retirement jitters’!

Retirement Jitters are extremely common. In fact, I’ve yet to meet anyone who hasn’t experienced them to some degree or another as they’re pretty hard to ignore. They can make you worry about your finances, question your sense of purpose, fret about the future and obsess over the state of your health. 

It’s enough to put a serious damper on that whole ‘golden age of relaxation’ thing!

So, in this blog we’re going to dive deeper to better understand these jitters. We’ll unpack why they happen, how to spot the signs, and most importantly, how to tackle them head-on, so you can step confidently into your post-work life, ready to embrace the next chapter with a smile on your face!

First off, it’s important to reiterate that everyone experiences varying feelings of anxiety about stepping into retirement so you’re most certainly not alone! Retirement IS a big deal, and it’s completely normal and understandable to have mixed emotions about what’s ahead.

Retirement brings a LOT of changes and where there’s change there’s always an element of uncertainty and anxiety about what’s ahead. Of course, we’re all different and the main signs of retirement jitters vary from person to person, but here are some common indicators to look out for:

  • Indecisiveness: Feelings of overwhelm keep you stuck in procrastination and unable to make choices and decisions  for fear of making the wrong ones.
  • Loss of Purpose: A sense of aimlessness, emptiness or lack of direction as you struggle to define a new sense of purpose and meaning in retirement. 
  • Social Withdrawal: You may become more isolated, leading to feelings of loneliness and a sense of disconnection from others.
  • Increased Self-Doubt: You may question your abilities, skills, or worthiness in pursuing new endeavors or engaging in activities you once enjoyed, hindering your willingness to take risks and embrace new opportunities.
  • General Fretfulness: This can range from worries about financial stability to concerns about health, purpose, or maintaining a fulfilling lifestyle, creating a general sense of unease and anxiety.

Recognising and acknowledging your jitters is the first step in addressing and navigating them. 

You may exhibit a combination of signs or other unique indicators. The key is to pay attention to any significant changes in your emotions, thoughts, or behaviours as you approach retirement. And again, cut yourself some slack and remember that this is a significant life transition and ANY significant life transition triggers its own set of jitters.

So take a deep breath and know that there are steps you can take to ease those worries because believe it or not, those anxieties you’re feeling about retirement can actually serve as valuable signposts pointing you in the right direction.

Your retirement anxieties are like little messengers, whispering important insights about your hopes, fears, and desires.

Think of them as opportunities for self-reflection and growth and USE your anxieties as a catalyst for exploring what truly matters to you in this next phase of life. 

Take a closer look at the specific concerns that are causing the most unease and use them as clues to guide your actions. For example, if you’re worried about feeling lost and aimless without work, it might well be a sign that finding meaningful new activities or engaging in volunteer work could be a path worth exploring.

If financial worries are keeping you up at night, it could be an indication to seek professional advice, educate yourself, and take concrete steps to ensure your financial stability.

Perhaps the worry about losing your existing social connections signifies your craving for meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging. Look for ways to build new social connections and explore new hobbies or interests. Take that painting class you’ve always wanted to try or join a local community group. Where can you find like-minded people that can help you fill that void and make new friendships?

Listen in to the episode of Coaching Corner: Using your Emotions to Help Shape Your Retirement which takes you through the simple process of how this works and how emotional awareness can transform your retirement experience.

Your jitters are telling you that this transition IS important to you and that you care deeply about how it unfolds. Pay attention to those anxious thoughts and feelings, for they hold clues about what truly matters to you. 

Embrace the discomfort and uncertainty as signs that you’re stepping outside your comfort zone and embarking on a new chapter filled with new possibilities. Be patient with yourself as you adjust to this new chapter in life and don’t hesitate to lean on your friends, family, or use the services of a professional retirement coach who can provide the support and guidance you need. 

Remember, retirement is a journey and a process, not an event or an instant ‘fix’ and there’s no need to figure it all out right away. 

When you transform the energy of your jitters into stepping stones and channel them into intentional actions, you can create a retirement that is vibrant, fulfilling, and fully aligned with who you want to be.

You’ve got this!

Are You Retirement Ready? (..and we're not talking money!)

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Dreaming of retirement freedom, but feeling stuck in the planning stage?

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  • Explore six key areas essential for a truly fulfilling retirement, from health and purpose to relationships and mindset.
  • Build clarity and confidence about stepping into this exciting new chapter.
  • Stop wasting time in the “not ready” limbo and take control of your future.
  • Get intentional about creating your ideal retirement lifestyle.

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