Identify what to “Retire From” and what to “Retire To”

Often times I find myself engaged in dialogue concerning the concept of retirement. Typical conversations rely on statistical goals within age and money. The bulk of time spent discussing retirement is built around the mathematical calculations generated by future value calculators and retirement projections based on numerous numerical assumptions. The numbers trap is an easy one to fall prey to. Although this is an intricate part of retirement planning, the element of retiring “to and from” something is often lost in the numbers.

If you review the history and evolution of retirement, you will find the original definition of retirement simply meant to “take something out of use.” The thought of retirement originated in the 1870’s in Germany. Due to an abundance in the German work force of an older generation, the younger folks of this period found difficulty in locating work. In order to prevent civil unrest and high unemployment, the German Chancellor, Bismark, introduced a plan for “social security” inducing the older workforce to take themselves out of their jobs to make room for a rapidly growing pool of adolescent people. The Great Depression came along and made retirement a very acceptable social policy here in America.

In recent history, General Motors retired Oldsmobile. Every year computer companies “take older computers out of use” and replace them with more effective machines. If you are a sports fan, each season brings the “retirement” of favorite players and coaches. When you view retirement from this modern day perspective, do you really want to place yourself “out of use” when you retire?

What if there is an alternative to retirement planning? Take the inventory on all the activities you are currently pursuing on a daily and weekly basis. After a careful examination of these activities, separate the activities into two categories: Ones you will “retire from” and ones you will “retire to.”

By “Retiring From” activities you will begin to stop all the activities causing frustration, anxiety, stress, and take you away from your strengths and passions. Take this opportunity to write down the activities you would stop doing – Retire From – once you retire:

Items to Retire From

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Along with the activities you would cease, what people would you want to spend less time with during your retirement? Bad relationships often fuel negativity and promote a less than productive mindset. Write down the people you would stop spending time with once you retire:

People to Retire From

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Now that you have ceased performing the activities and spending less time with the people draining your energy, time and talent, focus on the activities you will “Retire To.” This concept involves focusing on the activities generating the most fun, highest productivity, hunger to learn more, and evoke a great amount of passion. Begin to write down how will spend your time in retirement pursuing the activities you will “Retire To” once you retire:

Items to Retire To

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Who do you want to share these “Retire To” activities with? Who would you like to spend more time with during your retirement? You have already freed up additional time by listing who you will spend less time with. Now list the individuals you plan to “Retire To”:

People to Retire To

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Now, let’s go back to the original definition of retirement. If you could “take all the activities causing frustration, stress, and anxiety out of use” wouldn’t the concept of retirement sound more appealing to you? What would your life be like without the people and activities sucking the energy out of you on a daily basis?

After cleansing your activity pallet and aligning yourself with those who you enjoy most, begin to envision how you can integrate the “Retire To” answers into your life right now – instead of waiting until retirement. The items and people you listed you would like to “Retire To” represent what is most important to you right now in your life. These “Retire To” items probably symbolize the best and highest use of your time, talent, and resources.

As you plan for retirement be careful not to place yourself out of use. For a meaningful retirement make choices to spend more time with those who give you energy and life. For a purposeful retirement make choices to involve yourself in the activities that bring you the greatest fulfillment – now. Get a head start on retirement by engaging in the people and activities you want to “Retire To” as soon as possible.

 

Travis Ray Chaney is a co-creator and Transformation Guide with Dynamic Directions. For more information on Dynamic Directions, please contact Travis Ray Chaney at tchaney@dynamicdirection-d2.com

White Papers

In Search of Love? The Three Dating Tips to Help You Discover the Right Coach.

Strategic Plans Often Ignored by Small Businesses.

Money Chasers Go Deeper in Debt. How Do You Become a Money Magnet?

Are You a Hershey or a Godiva?

Are you Bullish In Your Life and Business?

Will Your Business Attract Mice or Be an Elephant Magnet?

The Other Side Of Retirement