Let’s talk about a retirement mindset.
The expectation and requirement to be financially prepared for retirement is something that we start planning many, many years before we retire. In fact, it is something that we are aware of right at the beginning of our career.
Along with being financially equipped for our retirement, we build up an ideal retirement picture of what life will look like. We dream of the adventure that awaits us after all of our years of hard work and savings.
For the majority of us, our working lives are spent building up our careers, striving for the next opportunity, building our businesses and reputation, or maximizing our earning potential. While, all along, building a retirement fund that will support us in the future.
So, we have the idealized retirement dream, and we have the financial support to go with it. But, we haven’t done any preparation on the most important aspect of retirement planning – mindset.
The truth is that no matter how much you’ve been looking forward to it or how prepared you think you are, retiring from work is a major life change that can bring stress as well as happiness.
Having an understanding of our mindset in retirement will be the fundamental difference in our happiness and purposefulness during this time. So, what is the foundation of the right mindset to create an amazing retirement?
Embrace Change
The first step to take when transitioning your mindset into retirement is to learn how to embrace change and accept that change is inevitable. Coping with change can be difficult, especially after years of structure and routine, so it is important to open up your mind to the certainty of change as you retire.
One way of adjusting to change is to shift your view of retirement as an ending to a new beginning. Consider what you will gain in retirement, rather than the things you will be losing. Be patient with yourself as you transition in this journey, it will take time so make sure you allow yourself that time.
Acknowledge Your Emotions
Retirement is an ongoing process that will undoubtedly leave you feeling joyful, frustrated, confused, sad, excited, or anxious along the way.
Don’t be hard on yourself while you feel this spectrum of emotions. If you are frustrated about a situation, take time to understand that frustration and acknowledge it. But also acknowledge that it won’t feel that way the whole time, it is all part of the process.
Talking to someone about how you’re feeling, a close friend, family member, or a life coach, can be really helpful. It can also be therapeutic to journal your emotions as you feel them.
Redefine Yourself
How often have you been in social situations and introduced yourself by your job title… “Hi, I’m Louise and I’m a Lawyer”.
We are all guilty of this and tend to associate our identity with what we do for a living. Retirement is an opportunity for you to define yourself outside of the workplace. This can be achieved through pursuing hobbies, activities and in building relationships. Maybe you transition from being a lawyer to being a loving grandparent or a volunteer at a homeless shelter.
Set Goals
It is likely that throughout your career, you will have repeatedly set yourself professional goals to work towards, and you may have achieved many of these. It’s important to set yourself new, personal goals in your retired life.
Having goals to strive towards is an amazing way to provide a sense of purpose, motivate you and help in redefining your identity. Set yourself goals that will challenge you and push you forward – remember, it is your time now to focus on your own hopes and dreams.
Adjusting your mindset can be a slow and gradual process, and can also be difficult at times. But it really will be the most beneficial thing you can do to transition into a purposeful and happy retired life.
To learn more about mindfulness and planning for retirement, book a complimentary consultation call with me. Together, we can talk about what you most desire in your life, and what might be getting in your way: