So you’re thinking about retirement. Ah, freedom at last! You’re no longer working. You’re no longer commuting. For the first time in a long time, you’re really enjoying life. Finally, you are retired!

But retiring is not only about giving up your job and relaxing. It’s entering one of the most exciting and challenging stages of life. It can be a time to draw upon your personal and professional experiences to open new doors of opportunity and education. It can be the time when you realize your potential and accomplish significant goals previously delayed by the responsibilities of working and raising a family.

In the quest for a successful retirement, you need to recognize its changing image. Retirement used to mean people were over-the-hill (some still have this perspective), or ready for the final sunset. In other words, retirees were (and ‘are’ by many) starting the next chapter in life as non-productive,, non-contributing members of society. Even today, many retirees have a pessimistic view of their non-working years.

Successful retirees recognize the need to plan for happiness and productivity. They evaluate what’s important to them and construct actions to satisfy their needs and wants. By creating a vision of a realistic retirement (remember, it’s not just about money) and building an action plan to achieve it, they are proactively and energetically seeking results.

So now, the choice is yours. Reserve your place in the rocking chair or grab the ring of life. Sit and wait for whatever comes along or tackle the challenges and opportunities. Be sedentary and without purpose or get involved and make a difference. Once again, the choice is yours.

For years I’ve been helping people successfully transition from work to life after work. I’ve interviewed hundreds of retirees, presented to numerous groups, observed and received feedback from many boomers, wrote four best-sellers (Don’t Just Retire – Live It, Love it! Strategies for Retiring Right! Why Me? And No Gold Watch! & Life After Work: Live It, Love It!). Created two workbooks and personal guides, (The First Step! & Strategies for Retiring Right!), created a 12-module self-learning course, regularly blog and create videos – all available on my website: whencaniretire.ca. I also offer individual and couples coaching.

If you are around or between the ages of 45 to 65, it’s time to explore your future as a retired person. Consider the contents of my website, read my books & blogs, take my course and begin constructing your life after work. Take a proactive interest in your retirement and all the best in developing a plan that enriches your life.