You've worked hard your entire life.
You've been appreciated at times. You've failed other times. And, looking back, you might even be proud of what you've accomplished.
But, what will you accomplish in retirement? What will be your identity? Will you recreate yourself or simply wither away?
If you don't know the answers, I implore you to think harder. You haven't poured sweat and tears into the first two thirds of your life just to be unremarkable the latter one third.
I'm not trying to be negative.
Actually, it's quite the opposite. My goal is to motivate you to think bigger and more creatively about making your life remarkable in retirement.
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It's going to take some thinking, hard work, and vision. If that makes you shiver, then stop reading.
For the rest of you, here are my ten thoughts on how to live a remarkable retirement.
1. It Won't Happen By Chance
The first step to a remarkable retirement is to understand that it won't happen by chance.
You can't coast into it, hoping that the momentum from your working years will carry you through.
It's a new phase, a new beginning. Embrace it. Plan it.
2. Live Your Values
A remarkable retirement isn't about extravagant world cruises or buying a vineyard in Tuscany (unless that's your thing).
It's about crafting a life that's true to your values, your curiosities, your untapped potential. Authenticity trumps opulence every time.
3. Don't Half-Heart It
Throw yourself wholeheartedly into what makes your retirement remarkable.
If it's mastering the art of woodworking, then become the Michelangelo of maple.
If it's writing that novel, then pour your soul onto the pages. Half-hearted attempts lead to half-hearted results.
4. Find Your Growth Zone
The edges are where the magic happens.
Stretch yourself. Learn Mandarin. Take up sky diving. Volunteer in a remote village.
The comfort zone is overrated. The growth zone is where remarkable lives.
5. Be Remarkable to You
Remarkable doesn't mean remarkable to your neighbor or your golfing buddy. It means remarkable to you. What will make you excited to wake up each morning?
If it doesn't ignite a passion within you, then it's not worth pursuing.
6. Impress Yourself
Some may question your unconventional retirement choices. That's okay. It's your retirement, not theirs.
The opinions that matter are those of the people who matter to you. Focus on impressing yourself.
7. Don't Follow the Herd
Forget the retirement clichés. You won't find remarkable in a brochure or a 'Top 10' list.
Remarkable is personal, original, unique. It's not about following the herd, it's about blazing your own trail.
8. Make It Happen
The biggest risk isn't pursuing a remarkable retirement, it's settling for an unremarkable one. Regret is far more haunting than failure. Dare to attempt something worthy of your one wild and precious retirement.
9. Find Your Joy
Build your remarkable retirement around what lights you up, not what the masses consider 'sensible'. Enthusiasm is contagious. When you radiate joy and purpose, you attract the people and opportunities that enrich your journey.
10. Evolve
A remarkable retirement isn't a static state. It's an evolution. As you grow and change, so too will your definition of remarkable. Embrace the journey. Keep exploring, keep learning, keep challenging yourself. That's the secret to a retirement that stays remarkable year after year.
Conclusion
In the end, a remarkable retirement is about living life on your own terms, pursuing passions that set your soul on fire, and leaving an indelible mark on the world. It's about stepping out of your comfort zone, defying expectations, and daring to be extraordinary.
Remember, you are the architect of your retirement. You have the power to design a life that is rich in meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. Don't settle for the ordinary when you have the potential for the extraordinary.
Embrace the challenge of creating a retirement that is truly remarkable. Be bold, be curious, be authentic. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, experiences that enrich you, and pursuits that ignite your spirit.
Your remarkable retirement awaits. It's time to start writing the next chapter of your life story – a chapter filled with adventure, growth, and unbridled joy. The best is yet to come.
So, what are you waiting for? Let's start crafting your remarkable retirement today. Take that first step, and watch as the journey unfolds before you. The world is waiting to be dazzled by the remarkable retiree you were always meant to be.
Ready to get started with your remarkable retirement? Request a free retirement consultation today. We're here to help.
Author: Mark Fonville, CFP®
Mark is a fiduciary and fee-only financial advisor at Covenant Wealth Advisors specializing in helping individuals aged 50 plus plan, invest, and enjoy retirement without the stress of money.
Forbes nominated Mark as a Best-In-State Wealth Advisor* and he has been featured in the New York Times, Barron's, Forbes, and Kiplinger Magazine.
Disclosures: Covenant Wealth Advisors is a registered investment advisor with offices in Richmond, Reston, and Williamsburg, VA. Registration of an investment advisor does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. The views and opinions expressed in this content are as of the date of the posting, are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This content contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Please note that nothing in this content should be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase an interest in any security or separate account. Nothing is intended to be, and you should not consider anything to be, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. If you would like accounting, tax, or legal advice, you should consult with your own accountants or attorneys regarding your individual circumstances and needs. This article was written and edited by a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with the assistance of AI. No advice may be rendered by Covenant Wealth Advisors unless a client service agreement is in place. Hypothetical examples are fictitious and are only used to illustrate a specific point of view. Diversification does not guarantee against risk of loss. While this guide attempts to be as comprehensive as possible but no article can cover all aspects of retirement planning. Be sure to consult an advisor for comprehensive advice.