There is life after self-isolation and surviving the pandemic. After watching TV for hours, e-mailing or talking with friends, playing solitaire for the 50th time, why not think about life after work.

When most people think about retirement, they imagine leaving a job they dislike, dropping out of the rat race, and turning their back on the pressures of employment. They often see retirement as a welcome change or an escape to something more peaceful and serene.

Well, you’ve now had a dose of peace and serenity staying at home. How does it feel? Miss the routine of the office or job site? The camaraderie at coffee or lunch? Losing contact with friends? These are not just limitations to self-isolating, they can also be inaction experienced when retired.

So what do you want to do about it? Most of us retiring today will live another fifteen, twenty, thirty years, or more. Retirement could be your second-longest period of life. Considering this fact, I have a question for you: Will you create the best retirement you can, or will you let your retirement years just happen to you?

Unsuccessful retirees are like the hundreds of thousands of those who today are bored, with little to do that interests or engages them, and time begins to weigh heavily on their shoulders. Many experience increased frustration and disappointment, caught up in a vortex they cannot or will not escape.

What about the successful retirees? Like the people who are taking self-isolating in stride, they have a clear concept of what makes for a well-rounded, holistic, happy, and stimulating retirement. Many acquire that information from people who are already living a successful retirement.

What’s more, successful retirees apply that information in two key ways:
1. They build their own realistic and well-rounded vision of retirement
2. They create and implement a plan to make it happen!

Just like those who are successfully self-isolating, they are concerned with their health and well-being. They have an exercise regime, eat healthily, use stress-busting programs to manage change, and give thanks to friends and family. They also build and implement a household and personal budget to help control spending. They create a balanced leisure lifestyle that includes: entertainment, learning, virtual social activities, and hobbies.

They are foster good communication with their spouse/partner and recognize the space needs of others. They think ahead about living accommodations, their legacy, and a host of other topics which are part of planning for retirement.

I urge you now to visualize what “retirement” means to you. Find a quiet place to just think!

Two elements of holistic retirement planning are often particularly helpful for visualization:
1. Picture yourself waking up … What happens next? How do you spend your time?
2. Picture your surrounding … Let your mind’s eye include your current home, an imagined home, a current or imagined vacation home, visiting familiar and unfamiliar places or people. Where do you spend your time?

Here are some questions that can also help you get started:
– Do you look forward to going to bed and getting up whenever you want?
– Do you want to spend more time with your children, grandchildren, or partner?
– Do people in your life have certain expectations of you once you retire?
– Does retirement mean leaving work you love and/or co-workers you consider friends?- Do you look forward to having more time to take care of yourself?

Keep notes of your thoughts and ideas as you begin your life after work. Talk to your spouse/partner and get their input. For more tips on how to create the best retirement for you, order my workbook, The Strategies for Retiring Right! An Abridged Workbook. Contact me at ramgt75@rogers.com.

If you are between the ages of 45 and 65, and want a happy and stimulating retirement or are already retiring looking to add a little sizzle to their ‘golden years, let RA Retirement Advisors help you build a personal retirement plan to enhance your life after work.

We offer books: (Strategies for Retiring Right! & Why Me? And No Gold Watch!); workbooks (The First Step! & Strategies for Retiring Right!, an Abridged Workbook); Facebook (retirement planning) discussion group; speaking & workshop services; plus one-on-one and partner coaching.

For information, 416-282-7320.