What Would You Like Your Retirement to Look Like?

“Retirement” can be a scary word. Webster defines “retired” as: “withdrawn from one’s position or occupation: having concluded one’s working or professional career.” We used to believe that retirement was the time of life when we no longer had to set the alarm clock, since we didn’t have to rush out to work. It may have felt like the start of irrelevance, like an appliance that came with built-in obsolescence. Let’s face it, retirement was thought of as the beginning of the end.

Instead, how about redefining retirement as a time in your life when you have the freedom to now choose the life you want to live? Maybe you stayed in the rat race because you had a family to support and kids to raise. Now it’s your time to embrace all of the things that you have actually wanted to do.

To that end, start making a list with an eye on the future. How many times have you thought to yourself that something sounded interesting or appealing, but you didn't have the time to do it? Write it down. Have you watched travel shows on TV and thought you'd like to visit some of those places? Write it down. What about a subject you'd like to take a course in, or a hobby you'd like to try? Write it down. Want to learn to plank? Or learn what planking is? Write it down.

Eventually, you're going to have a list filled with possibilities for your retirement life. Here is are some great examples of what this list could look like taken from others who have transitioned into this phase of their life:

  • Go back to school. You could work toward an advanced degree or just take courses that appeal to you.
  • Pursue your passions. Have you dreamed of becoming the next Grandma Moses? Learn to paint.
  • Travel to the places you have always dreamed about.
  • Spend time with your grandchildren. You have a lifetime of knowledge, wisdom and experience to offer. In return, they will keep you young and current.
  • Use your skills to help others. You're going to have time to make a difference in the world. Pass on your knowledge – pay it forward. Retirement is a chance to do interesting work, add meaning to your life and meet great people.
  • Transition into retirement. Rather than an abrupt stop to your work-life, you may want to create a transition period that could last well into your 90s. Find a “side hustle.”
  • Join a sport or get involved in a leisure activity. Find activities for your age group. You'll find people with similar experiences, and forge new friendships. (I’m taking up the sport of curling — seriously.)
  • Write your memoir or start a blog. Share your experiences, travels and beliefs. You will be helping others and leaving a legacy for your family.

Having a plan for retirement is essential. Your plan can be fluid — change and adapt along the way as your desires and dreams evolve. By having a plan, you turn the idea of retirement from something hazy in the future into a goal and a path. And of course, you need money to do many of the things you wish you could.

If you know what you are saving and planning for, you will be more enthusiastic and conscientious about saving for it. What you thought of as saving for old age — because you knew you had to — becomes saving for a life that you look forward to living; a life of your own design.