When you retire, you may do so without a plan after retirement. We understand the reasoning. You’ve worked hard, and you want to spend some time resting and reflecting. However, not having some plan for your retired life may backfire on you.
The Health Benefits of Having a Goal or Purpose
Some people, after retirement, end up doing nothing, and this can lead to an early decline in physical or mental health. Having a goal keeps your brain going and your body moving. For example, if you want to become more physically fit after retirement, this not only can improve your mind and body but also give you a purpose.
Whether it’s to renovate your old home, invest in some land and rent a retirement home, or do something as simple as start a garden, always having a goal in mind is what you need to consider before retiring. Your retirement should be a period of thriving, not wasting away.
If You Don’t Have a Purpose
Some of us who are approaching retirement may not have a vision in mind. For 2020, why not think of a life purpose you can pursue during retirement? If you are still unsure, here are a few ways to get ideas.
Speak to a Professional
Talking to a retirement coach, counselor, or therapist may help you find a goal in mind. With a retirement coach, they’ve worked with people who have been in your situation, and they may be able to help. A counselor is another person who works great for general advice. Then, there’s a therapist. If you have a mental or physical disability, a therapist may be able to help you accomplish your goals despite your disability. In addition, therapy can help you reflect on life and figure out your purpose much better than other methods could.
Connect With Other Retirees
Another way that you can find a purpose is to talk to other people who are retired and learn how they handled retirement. You can speak with people who have been in your situation, and learn how they handled it. You can learn some interesting stories, and possibly make some new friends along the way.
You’re Not ‘Too Old’ To Accomplish Your Goals
Some may have goals, but they feel they are “too old” to accomplish them. For example, if you ever wanted to learn a new language or learn how to play a guitar, you may think you’re too old and you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. That’s not true whatsoever. Some activities are harder to learn once you’re older, but they’re still possible. Plus, you have something the youth doesn’t have: time.
Start your dream business. Go to a place you’ve always wanted to go to. As long as you’re physically capable, you can accomplish your goals. No one wants to be on a deathbed regretting that they never did something. Even if you don’t succeed, you tried, and that’s better than not trying at all.
Also, don’t think you’re too old to get in shape. Exercise is vital in your older years to keep you physically and mentally fit. You can get much more out of life by working out, and we recommend anyone to try it at any age.
Resting is Okay, Too
With that said, if you want to spend some time resting, that’s fine as well. You may have had a job where you spent countless nights without sleep, and you finally want to play a game of catch-up with your Z’s. Or, you may be someone who wants to think a little bit before they decide what they want to do with their retirement. Again, that’s not a bad thing, either.
However, you should strive for a purpose. In 2020, write down some goals. Maybe they’re recent goals, or perhaps they’re something you’ve always wanted to do. Either way, have some plans going into retirement. Being able to accomplish your goals can help you live a longer, happier, healthier life. Make sure that you reach your goals, and you’ll love life better for it.
What are your goals? Do you have any? We’d love to hear them.
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[/one_fourth_3_first][three_fourth_last]Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.[/three_fourth_last]
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