Envision Your Retirement

You often hear people ask, “Are you planning for your retirement?” For me, that mostly brings up the idea of putting money away to finance my retirement. Planning for retirement is very crucial to the success of living out the rest of your life well. Let me ask, is your financial planning for retirement just to survive or is it for something more?

How many of us have envisioned our retirement? I often ask people what they are doing in retirement; I get a lot of answers like golf, vacation, visiting with family, or not much of anything. Sometimes I see retiree’s health diminish and even depression set in.  In fact, studies show that retirement raises the depression rate by 40%. I’m convinced this isn’t just age setting it, it’s a lack of focus for your retirement setting in. The statistic might be depressing in of itself. But there is a way to do retirement well.

As in your work years, if you are not focused in your career you can lose your purpose, drive and spirit; then depression sets in. It’s not any different in retirement. The trouble is, we approach retirement so looking forward to the end of our busy careers, tired of all the problem solving, and bodies that are worn out from lack of care. Retirement becomes a goal that we set our sights on and the never-ending vacation.

We are created for purpose, even in retirement. How do we do it?

• Take care of yourself before retirement. Rest, vacation, and take care of your body. This way          your body won’t be screaming for a break prior to retirement.
• Talk with your spouse or friend about what you want to accomplish in retirement. Write a mission and vision statement for your retirement.
• Make a plan. Questions to ask yourself:

a.     What family and friends do you want to spend time with? How can you help them?

b.     Is there someone to mentor? There is a special set of skills that are uniquely yours. Who can you influence?

c.     Is there a church or organization you can volunteer for?

d.     How did you want to impact the world when you were younger? How does that look for retirement?

In retirement, after you are tired of resting, what will excite you about your new freedom? What will make you say, “I did retirement well”?   A great plan may be the very thing that brings you life.