4 BARRIERS TO DESIGNING YOUR RETIREMENT LIFESTYLE

So, you’re thinking about retirement? Or maybe you’re not. Back in the day, no one really thought about retirement much until life spans lengthened, the government and employers introduced pensions, and the responsibility for financial and investment planning shifted to individuals. Today’s retirements are expected to span a few decades rather than a few years and the demand for lifestyle planning has increased. Yet there are barriers that hinder individuals from designing their next chapters. Let’s explore four of them.

A negative outlook on retirement

Having a positive outlook on retirement, or any other life transition, can help improve mental and physical wellbeing. And who doesn’t want that? Today’s modern retirement isn’t your grandparents’ retirement. So, how do you shift from seeing the glass half empty to half full?

Tips: Avoid “all or nothing” thinking. Replace words like “always” and “never”. Ditch the “shoulds” and “justs” from your vocabulary. Identify the source of negative thought: whether it’s family, media, societal beliefs; recognizing the source can be a first step in reframing your mindset. Start a gratitude journal for daily bursts of positivity. Talk with others for inspiring experiences and terrific ideas.

Declining motivation at work extends into personal life

If you’re well into your career and feeling less motivated at work, it might be time to put yourself first, which could be a new and empowering experience. It’s not selfish, it’s about charting a new path for your next chapter.

Tips: Prioritize yourself over your career. For instance, if you like adventures, focus on them. Train each day, even for a few minutes, to prepare for those bicycling, hiking, or creative adventures. A happier, healthier, energized you will show up wherever you are and help open your mind to the possibilities of life in your next chapter.

Staying the course on career

Some people love what they do and want to keep working throughout retirement. Continuing their careers could be the best choice. The key word here is “choice” which implies that the decision to continue their career was made after considering other well-thought-out options.

Let’s be honest, some individuals continue their careers without giving it much thought. This might be because it’s the most convenient option. It could also be due to fears such as inadequate savings, economic instability, or losing connections, structure, status, or the purpose that work provides. Without considering other options, this approach might leave some great lifestyle alternatives unexplored and unlived.

Tips: Imagine multiple paths forward before settling on one. If career is high on your list, consider working part-time, mentoring, volunteering, or teaching your expertise in your retirement. Reflect and design your retirement in a small group for a broader range of ideas. And remember, envisioning a different path forward doesn’t mean you have to follow it. People like choices; it’s comforting, confidence-building, and empowering.

Planning retirement lifestyle feels too restrictive

I get it. Putting pen to paper can seem demanding, though it will help you navigate this complex life transition more smoothly.

Tips: Your retirement lifestyle is as unique as you are. Your initial design is just that – initial. Life has its twists and turns, and retirement life is no exception. Having an overarching vision and design, which serve as your north star, get you on the right track sooner rather than later. Plus, they provide a solid foundation from which to navigate those twists and turns.

Retirement is a journey, not just a destination. Having a compelling, meaningful, and fulfilling vision to move toward is key to waking up each morning with energy and purpose. By embracing retirement with a positive outlook and intentionality, you’ll find it can be one of the most rewarding chapters of your life, likely spanning 30+ years.

What barriers to designing your retirement lifestyle have you or people you know encountered? How were they overcome? Do you have other ideas or questions? If so, let’s chat.

Carol Bergeron guides people through major life transitions with a focus on self-reflection, visualization, and collaboration. She helps clients adapt to personal and professional changes, especially when shaping modern retirement lifestyles, which involve emotional, social, lifestyle, and health-related shifts converging all at once.

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