I recall a client — a manager who ’ d recently retired from the public sector — saying of her first year of retirement : “ I had to find my own rhythm .” What she meant was that she had to first learn to become comfortable slowing down from the hectic pace she ’ d become accustomed to in her busy work life . Then , once she ’ d adopted a more mindful pace , conducive to better self-awareness , she was able to thoughtfully develop new routines and habits and get involved in new activities that reflected proactive choices . In other words , she was able to make good use of the new currencies she now had in greater abundance : time and energy . In the initial stages of retirement , some retirees , understandably , prefer to explore their newfound freedom by travelling extensively , which can provide much entertainment and enjoyment . Over time , however , most eventually realize that they won ’ t be truly fulfilled by living as if on perpetual vacation . That ’ s when the need to deliberately design a balanced lifestyle based on core values and motivators — a purposeful lifestyle — becomes most evident .
Adding proactivity to these dimensions helps ensure that dreams will be turned into realities , unless something unpredictable , such as a health crisis , gets in the way of actualizing your plans . While leisure activities are the things we do for fun and pleasure , engaging activities are those that require some focus and skill , and may offer an enjoyable challenge . Meaningful activities , such as volunteering for a cause , help us feel that we are part of something greater than ourselves and that we belong to a community of like-minded people . These kinds of activities would also offer protection against social isolation , which is increasingly viewed as a significant health hazard , particularly among seniors . “ Re-engaging with backbone ” also means prioritizing physical activities to maintain health and wellness . Having more time in retirement does not mean that you ’ ll be more motivated to take care of yourself . I recall speaking to a semi-retired accountant who said he ’ d exercised daily while working full-time , but once relieved of his daily routines , was finding it difficult to get to the gym even twice a week . Again , re-engaging with backbone takes planning and proactivity and prioritization . After all ( as it ’ s often said by participants in my seminars ), “ Without our health , we cannot enjoy our retirement .”
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The backbone of re-engagement The backbone of a purposeful and joyful “ reengagement ” should include a solid plan for the next one to three years , with flexibility to accommodate opportunities that might present themselves . A truly balanced plan would include a variety of activities , projects , and / or dreams that would provide a combination of : 1 ) engagement , 2 ) leisure , and 3 ) meaning . In fact , according to research , as cited in the book What Color is Your Parachute – Retirement , 1 these are the three main dimensions of a happy lifestyle in retirement .
1
John E . Nelson , Richard N . Bolles , What Color is Your Parachute ? for Retirement : Planning a Prosperous , Healthy , and Happy Future , Ten Speed Press : 2010 .
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