Boomers have to face the fact that, well, yes, we ARE getting older. BUT, we don't have to grow up--and, we CAN age well!
Since we're likely to want to--or have to--continue to work in some form for a number of years, then why not do something you're passionate about, something you get lost in, something that you would do for free, but have found a way to get paid for?
Rather than think of ourselves as "retiring" (or withdrawing/retreating from the world and life), let's look at the next phase of our lives as a transition to something new and better! Why not make the next phase of your life the very best it can be?
Start by considering what's REALLY important to you. If you prioritize your life to focus on those things that mean the most to you, like relationships, family, friends, helping others, giving back--whatever it is for you--you will be much more content and a happy person. Isn't it time to ensure that your values are reflected in what you do?
Renew your energy and your zest for life. Now isn't the time to sit back and let life pass you by. It's the time to make the most of each and every day we're given. Be around positive people who stimulate you, who embrace change and growth and are willing to support whatever you decide to do.
Don't be afraid to take some risks. I think Mark Twain was exactly right when he said, "Twenty years from now, you'll be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than the ones you did do." I think that's also true of five years from now or ten years from now! Don't have regrets! Grab onto life...and, go for it!
Be open to new possibilities and opportunities. Too often we put ourselves in a box--a box that limits our options and doesn't allow us to see the many opportunities out there for us. Step outside that box! Consider options and opportunities--and don't be afraid to fail. After all, the only way we truly fail is if we don't try or if we give up! I like to say, "Sometimes I win and sometimes I learn." Because after all, if we learn, we take something important away from the experience and that, my friends, is not failure. And isn't that "l" word--learn--a lot better than the word lose?
So...at what age did you give away your dreams...and, is it time now to take them back?
Remember, you're never done growing and there are many possibilities out there for you. You can live your life with passion and zest; you can do those things you thought were in your past; and, yes, you CAN accomplish your goals and dreams.
What do YOU want to do when you grow up?
Showing posts with label what's next. Show all posts
Showing posts with label what's next. Show all posts
Friday, June 3, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Reflections...
It's that time of year when we reflect on the past year--what worked well, what didn't work so well and what we want to differently this year.
It's also a time to think about those individuals who have had an impact in our lives--people who have been friends for a long time and helped us get through many major life events; people who are there to pick us up when we "hit bottom" and need a lift to get back on track; and, new people who have come into our lives and make a difference each and every day. I feel so blessed to have people in all of these categories in my life.
When we start a new year, our thoughts also turn to "what's next?" As we think about dreams we have yet to accomplish and things we want to do, we often aren't sure just what we can--or should--do, or where to start.
First, let me reassure you that you are NEVER done growing. Whether you're 40, 50,
60, 70 or older...it doesn't matter. You are still growing and you can still accomplish those dreams.
Second, I encourage you to DREAM BIG! We are our own worst critics. We sell ourselves short and often don't believe in ourselves nearly as much as others believe in us. If you have a big dream yet to accomplish, go for it! Go ahead and think big, then, take a step back and say, "What's it going to take to make this happen?" That's a great place to start!
At 2Young2retire-MN, we help people answer three questions: Who am I? What matters most to me? And, what do I REALLY want? Through a series of exercises and discussion, we get to the answers to these questions...then, move to the question, "How can I make this happen?" When you complete a workshop session, you are armed with the information you need and the first steps to setting your short-term and longer term goals, and developing a plan to get you where you want to go--and accomplishing your dream!
What's next for YOU?! Make 2011 YOUR YEAR to start accomplishing your dream!!
It's also a time to think about those individuals who have had an impact in our lives--people who have been friends for a long time and helped us get through many major life events; people who are there to pick us up when we "hit bottom" and need a lift to get back on track; and, new people who have come into our lives and make a difference each and every day. I feel so blessed to have people in all of these categories in my life.
When we start a new year, our thoughts also turn to "what's next?" As we think about dreams we have yet to accomplish and things we want to do, we often aren't sure just what we can--or should--do, or where to start.
First, let me reassure you that you are NEVER done growing. Whether you're 40, 50,
60, 70 or older...it doesn't matter. You are still growing and you can still accomplish those dreams.
Second, I encourage you to DREAM BIG! We are our own worst critics. We sell ourselves short and often don't believe in ourselves nearly as much as others believe in us. If you have a big dream yet to accomplish, go for it! Go ahead and think big, then, take a step back and say, "What's it going to take to make this happen?" That's a great place to start!
At 2Young2retire-MN, we help people answer three questions: Who am I? What matters most to me? And, what do I REALLY want? Through a series of exercises and discussion, we get to the answers to these questions...then, move to the question, "How can I make this happen?" When you complete a workshop session, you are armed with the information you need and the first steps to setting your short-term and longer term goals, and developing a plan to get you where you want to go--and accomplishing your dream!
What's next for YOU?! Make 2011 YOUR YEAR to start accomplishing your dream!!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Your Partner Matters...
As one partner of a couple goes through a transition from full-time work to part-time work, from working to not working, or just changing positions, both partners are experiencing a transition. Both partners have expectations--spoken and unspoken. And, those expectations can create issues in your relationship!
Both of you are worried, concerned and wondering what's next for you. But, each of you may be experiencing these emotions in a different way.
One of the most important things to remember at this time is to COMMUNICATE! Work together on this. Both of you are going through this transition! And, unspoken expectations and other emotions that are buried inside and not discussed only add to the tension and difficulties you are experiencing at this time!
I'd also ask you to be careful not to lose yourselves during this process. Each partner needs to continue to focus on his/her own needs, passions, goals and actions, and not "get lost" during this process. By exploring who you really are (and reminding each other of that), what matters most to you--to each of you individually and to the two of you as a couple--and what you really want at this time and for what's next, you can be sure you're focusing on what's most important and not trying to hanging on to the past. At this time, more than ever, it's important to really decide what's most important and focus your energy there.
Finally, you really need to share time together as a couple--not just time talking about issues or getting a job or money or the kids--time to strengthen your relationship and set goals and develop actions together that will move you forward--forward to what's next for both of you! Sometimes you find that will get you to the best of what's next...and accomplishing things you never imagined!
For more information on how to work together as a couple during this time, visit JobTalkAmerica. The Oct. 8 segments focus on couples during transition. I was one of the speakers and two others speak about the topic from different perspectives.
(http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/10074857); if the URL doesn't work, go to JobTalkAmerica.com/Past Shows/October/October 8.
If you find yourself struggling with just how to figure out who you are, what matters most and what you really want--and to develop goals, plans and actions to get you there, 2Young2Retire-MN, can help! Our couples session is designed to help you answer those questions and develop individual and couples' goals, plans and actions to help move you forward.
Any couple who contacts me by the end of October and mentions either this blog or the JobTalkAmerica segment will get a free 30-minute consultation and half off the couples workshop. Looking forward to talking with you!
Both of you are worried, concerned and wondering what's next for you. But, each of you may be experiencing these emotions in a different way.
One of the most important things to remember at this time is to COMMUNICATE! Work together on this. Both of you are going through this transition! And, unspoken expectations and other emotions that are buried inside and not discussed only add to the tension and difficulties you are experiencing at this time!
I'd also ask you to be careful not to lose yourselves during this process. Each partner needs to continue to focus on his/her own needs, passions, goals and actions, and not "get lost" during this process. By exploring who you really are (and reminding each other of that), what matters most to you--to each of you individually and to the two of you as a couple--and what you really want at this time and for what's next, you can be sure you're focusing on what's most important and not trying to hanging on to the past. At this time, more than ever, it's important to really decide what's most important and focus your energy there.
Finally, you really need to share time together as a couple--not just time talking about issues or getting a job or money or the kids--time to strengthen your relationship and set goals and develop actions together that will move you forward--forward to what's next for both of you! Sometimes you find that will get you to the best of what's next...and accomplishing things you never imagined!
For more information on how to work together as a couple during this time, visit JobTalkAmerica. The Oct. 8 segments focus on couples during transition. I was one of the speakers and two others speak about the topic from different perspectives.
(http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/10074857); if the URL doesn't work, go to JobTalkAmerica.com/Past Shows/October/October 8.
If you find yourself struggling with just how to figure out who you are, what matters most and what you really want--and to develop goals, plans and actions to get you there, 2Young2Retire-MN, can help! Our couples session is designed to help you answer those questions and develop individual and couples' goals, plans and actions to help move you forward.
Any couple who contacts me by the end of October and mentions either this blog or the JobTalkAmerica segment will get a free 30-minute consultation and half off the couples workshop. Looking forward to talking with you!
Monday, June 28, 2010
What's Next For You?
New information from the Social Security Administration and recent reports from ENCORE Work that matters in the second half or life and MetLife indicate that the average longevity for someone who is 65 today is 83; 1 in 4 of those individuals will live to age 90; 1 in 10 will live to age 95; and three million Baby Boomers will live to age 100!
WOW...if you're a Baby Boomer, that means you have a lot of living yet to do. So what will you do with those bonus years? 20 or 30 (or more) years is a very long time to just "let life happen." You plan for all the other parts of your life--you go to school, train for a career, keep your skills current and do continuous improvement and education throughout your career. You plan your personal life; you make sure that your children's needs are met and they get to their activities; and as your parents age, you also ensure they are well taken care of, help with decisions around their next phase of life and that all their needs are met. But, what about you? What are you doing to take care of YOU?
As you look to the next phase of your life, what's next? What is your vision for your next phase of life? Will you work? Volunteer? Some of each? How much of each and where? Travel? Do you still have dreams you want to achieve?
If you've seen the new AARP advertising, you've heard Baby Boomers saying, "When I grow up, I want to_________," each filling in the blank with his/her vision for the future. For example, I want to work with kids; I want to be in a band; I want to build affordable housing, etc. Then, the AARP voice over says, "At AARP we believe you're never done growing. Together we can find the best of what's next."
That's exactly what we believe at 2Young2Retire-MN. You are never done growing. Each day you should look for a new experience, meet new people, ask new questions, look at something in a different way...and, you'll grow in ways you never expected. We also believe that working together we can find the best of what's next for each individual.
At this time in your life, you have a blank slate. You don't need to be confined by a job title or specific roles you've had in the past. You have the opportunity to start with a blank slate and find new ways to use the knowledge, skills and experience you've gained over the years to do incredible things in your next phase.
Contact us at lindam@2young2retire-mn.com to start learning more about yourself, what matters most to you and what you really want--and, designing your "what's next."
WOW...if you're a Baby Boomer, that means you have a lot of living yet to do. So what will you do with those bonus years? 20 or 30 (or more) years is a very long time to just "let life happen." You plan for all the other parts of your life--you go to school, train for a career, keep your skills current and do continuous improvement and education throughout your career. You plan your personal life; you make sure that your children's needs are met and they get to their activities; and as your parents age, you also ensure they are well taken care of, help with decisions around their next phase of life and that all their needs are met. But, what about you? What are you doing to take care of YOU?
As you look to the next phase of your life, what's next? What is your vision for your next phase of life? Will you work? Volunteer? Some of each? How much of each and where? Travel? Do you still have dreams you want to achieve?
If you've seen the new AARP advertising, you've heard Baby Boomers saying, "When I grow up, I want to_________," each filling in the blank with his/her vision for the future. For example, I want to work with kids; I want to be in a band; I want to build affordable housing, etc. Then, the AARP voice over says, "At AARP we believe you're never done growing. Together we can find the best of what's next."
That's exactly what we believe at 2Young2Retire-MN. You are never done growing. Each day you should look for a new experience, meet new people, ask new questions, look at something in a different way...and, you'll grow in ways you never expected. We also believe that working together we can find the best of what's next for each individual.
At this time in your life, you have a blank slate. You don't need to be confined by a job title or specific roles you've had in the past. You have the opportunity to start with a blank slate and find new ways to use the knowledge, skills and experience you've gained over the years to do incredible things in your next phase.
Contact us at lindam@2young2retire-mn.com to start learning more about yourself, what matters most to you and what you really want--and, designing your "what's next."
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