Have you ever pictured your life as a movie? You know, the kind with a captivating first act, a thrilling climax, and then... a disappointing sequel?
A recent Kiplinger article caught my eye—it talks about how boredom can be a real drag in retirement.
But you know what? This isn't just about retirement. It's about living your best life, right now.
Too often, we go from the daily grind to what I call "grandpa retirement" – and that can be a recipe for boredom and even bigger problems. It can mess with our minds, emotions, bodies, social connections, and even our finances.
Are you on the 'grandpa retirement' plan, or do you want a sequel that'll have everyone talking?
Key takeaways from the article (and my own experience):
Retirement isn't always a non-stop party/vacation.
Even big names like Benjamin Franklin and Laura Ingalls Wilder did amazing things after their careers.
Putting off your dreams can stress you out – no matter how old you are.
Financial planning is just 20% of getting ready for life; the other 80% is what we often forget.
The Retirement Reality Check
I've seen too many people retire only to feel busier and more stressed than ever before. Maybe they put all their eggs in the "getting rich" basket and forgot about finding real purpose and joy.
I even caught myself falling into that trap – sacrificing the present for some vague future. But you know what? The secret is to start living your dream life now.
It will make your life better today and prepare you for the future.
Any life stage can be a great sequel
Whether you're retired or still working, how many of us are saving our dreams for "someday"?
Here's the thing: waiting until retirement can actually make you more stressed and bored. It's like saving the best part of your story – the sequel – but never getting around to reading it!
What you can do today:
Skill Repurposing: You've honed valuable skills throughout your career – now's the time to repurpose them! Here are 10 ways to help you.
Mentorship Mashup: Be a mentor in your field while learning something new from someone else. So many people in need of mentors.
Micro-Innovations: Make small, creative changes in your everyday life.
Legacy Layering: Start building your legacy with small, consistent steps.
Life Experiment Lab: Try a new hobby, skill, or group every month.
Passion Projects: Have you ever considered sharing your unique knowledge and experiences with others? Maybe you're an expert in a specific field, have mastered a skill, or have lived through something that could benefit others. AI can help you bring these ideas to life!
💡Imagine writing a book about Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide younger generations in the workplace, creating a course on financial literacy for young adults, or documenting your family history to preserve it for future generations.
Try this prompt: I'm passionate about (briefly describe your area of expertise or experience). I want to share this knowledge with the world, but I'm not sure where to begin. Can you help me brainstorm project ideas, suggest formats (e.g., book, course, blog, etc.), and identify my target audience? Ask me any questions that might help you guide me better.
AI can be your collaborator, helping you organize your thoughts and refine your message.
Remember, we can write amazing chapters in our lives at any age and not under the "retirement" umbrella. I am currently rewriting my sequel and I am loving every part of production.
Start small, keep at it, and watch how your life story unfolds.
Life isn't just about getting by – it's about thriving. So, let's make it a blockbuster!
Resources to Get You Inspired:
Book: "The 100-Year Life: Living and Working in an Age of Longevity" https://www.amazon.com/100-Year-Life-Living-Working-Longevity/dp/1472930150
Article: "4 Steps To Take Decades Before Retirement To Keep It From Getting Old" on Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/josephcoughlin/2024/04/18/4-steps-to-take-decades-before-retirement-to-keep-it-from-getting-old/
Article: "Things to Do When Retired and Bored” on Kiplinger
For more insights on how to stop boredom from ruining your happy retirement, check out the full article on Kiplinger.
Feeling fired up? Remember, retirement can give you around 10,512,000 minutes. What are you going to do with them?
What’s your retirement sequel? Share your story in the comments!
