What Do I Need to Do to Ensure I Feel Fulfilled
When you retire from work, you gain more free time, but lose the structure that work builds into your life. At first, you might say "At last!", put up your feet, and get into a nice routine of watching daytime TV, going to lunch, and playing golf. There may go a time when you feel that unstructured days leave you feeling the same as if you ate nothing but donuts and junk food. You might enjoy the guilty pleasure for a while and even technically feel full, but not feel satisfied.What do you need to do to ensure you will feel fulfilled and relaxed, instead of empty and stressed, in your retirement?
Of course, you need to ask yourself some basic questions. How do you want to spend your time? Are there goals you hope to fulfill or passions you want to pursue? If so, you may find that volunteering, taking a class, or starting a part time business might give you what you need. Even if you have a more laid-back retirement in mind, you need a plan.
The fundamental thing you need is structure to replace what you lost when you left work. When you were working for someone else, you may have felt you had no control over you time. Ironically, if you retire with no specific plans, you will not have any either. Time will pass and you feel have little to show for it. Without a boss to lay out your day for you, you can set up a schedule for yourself that sets up markers and mini-goals.
Set up a plan for your days and even adds variety to each day. You can assign chores or activities to specific days, even plan a loose schedule where you get up at a regular time, exercise a bit, do some work around the house, read or enjoy some hobby time, watch a little TV, and retire about the same time each night.
Join something that meets regularly. Whether you belong to a book club or a lodge, use the opportunity to meet with others who have similar interests.
Have a regular meal with your family or friends. Even if your kids have moved away or you are by yourself, you can still meet with friends to have a meal together.
Maximize your interactions. When you go to the store or run an errand, interact with those you meet. The clerk at the grocery store may not want to hear your life story, but if you are friendly and pleasant, you will feel connected to the world.
Take advantage of what comes up. Even if you aren't ready to commit regular obligations, you can help others in time of need after a funeral or a new baby, or work a few hours at the Red Cross after a disaster.
Look forward to events. As holidays, family weddings, trips, church or club events approach, plan for them. Events aren't special because they come about, but are made so only if you plan. That might mean adding some rituals to your holiday celebrations or pitching in to make a picnic or women's day a success.
Keep an attitude of gratitude in your life. Even if you aren't a religious person, be grateful for health, family, friends, and opportunities, as well as the things you have - and verbalize your gratitude.
If the retirement you plan for yourself does not include working or volunteering, you can still ensure you will feel fulfilled and relaxed instead of empty and stressed if you just make a plan for yourself.
Of course, you need to ask yourself some basic questions. How do you want to spend your time? Are there goals you hope to fulfill or passions you want to pursue? If so, you may find that volunteering, taking a class, or starting a part time business might give you what you need. Even if you have a more laid-back retirement in mind, you need a plan.
The fundamental thing you need is structure to replace what you lost when you left work. When you were working for someone else, you may have felt you had no control over you time. Ironically, if you retire with no specific plans, you will not have any either. Time will pass and you feel have little to show for it. Without a boss to lay out your day for you, you can set up a schedule for yourself that sets up markers and mini-goals.
Set up a plan for your days and even adds variety to each day. You can assign chores or activities to specific days, even plan a loose schedule where you get up at a regular time, exercise a bit, do some work around the house, read or enjoy some hobby time, watch a little TV, and retire about the same time each night.
Join something that meets regularly. Whether you belong to a book club or a lodge, use the opportunity to meet with others who have similar interests.
Have a regular meal with your family or friends. Even if your kids have moved away or you are by yourself, you can still meet with friends to have a meal together.
Maximize your interactions. When you go to the store or run an errand, interact with those you meet. The clerk at the grocery store may not want to hear your life story, but if you are friendly and pleasant, you will feel connected to the world.
Take advantage of what comes up. Even if you aren't ready to commit regular obligations, you can help others in time of need after a funeral or a new baby, or work a few hours at the Red Cross after a disaster.
Look forward to events. As holidays, family weddings, trips, church or club events approach, plan for them. Events aren't special because they come about, but are made so only if you plan. That might mean adding some rituals to your holiday celebrations or pitching in to make a picnic or women's day a success.
Keep an attitude of gratitude in your life. Even if you aren't a religious person, be grateful for health, family, friends, and opportunities, as well as the things you have - and verbalize your gratitude.
If the retirement you plan for yourself does not include working or volunteering, you can still ensure you will feel fulfilled and relaxed instead of empty and stressed if you just make a plan for yourself.
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