How to Squeeze All the Juice Out of Retirement

Sunday with Herb

10,000 North Americans retire every day. This is a major transformation most of us are not prepard for. 

Last week I watched a TED Talk from Dr. Riley Moynes on the 4 phases of retirement. As a retired government worker, it really hit home and I thought I'd share his 4 phases with you.

4 Phases of Retirement:

Phase #1 - The Vacation: Relaxing, fun in the sun, we are free! But it loses it's luster after about a year. We miss the routine. We may ask, "Is this all there is?"

Phase #2 - Loss: We lose the big 5, that routine, our sense of identity, relationships we established at work, our sense of purpose and for some, a loss of power. We can also face divorce, depression, and decline(physical & mental) you feel like you've been hit by a bus. "I don't want to spend the rest of my life feeling like this".

Phase #3 - Trial & Error: This is when we decide something has to change. "How can I make my life meaningful again, how can I contribute?" The answer can be to do things you love to do, and do very well. But sometimes it doesn't work out, so keep experimenting until something sticks.

Phase #4 - Re-invent & Rewire:  This is where you find your mission. Usually in service to others. In phase 4 you recover what you lost in phase 2. You now have purpose, a sense of identity and a routine. You are now content and happy to live out the last 1/3 of your life.

I thought this was good, as I experienced retirement much in this way. Here's what I ended up as my mission: 

"My mission is to lead and support 10,000 runners over 50, who are tired of getting slower and injured, to optimize their fitness and health so they can enjoy more freedom, independence and vitality as they age."

What phase are you in? Have you found your purpose?

Have a great week,

-Herb 

"Run Better, Live Longer"