Retirement Lessons from the Open Water
I've had my own journey into retirement, and it's fascinating to see how my journey aligns with Christine Benz's insights from her book "How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement." I came about retirement planning from a different background, drawing from my background as a business professional mentor and coach, a daughter of two successful retirees and ultramarathon swimmer. These perspectives congeal as a retirement coach, and align with many of Christine's key points.
The Holistic Approach to Retirement
Like Christine, I've learned that retirement planning is not just about crunching numbers. While financial planning is crucial, it's only part of the equation. The other critical variable is retirement planning and this is where my experience as an ultramarathon swimmer taught me the importance of mental preparation, intention and overall well-being, which directly translates into a retirement lifestyle advisor.
The Value of Relationships and Purpose
Christine's book highlights the importance of cultivating strong social connections and purpose in retirement. This resonates deeply with me and others that I work with. Just as I found purpose in my swims by raising money for causes I believed in, I encourage everyone to discover their unique gifts and use them to create a meaningful retirement. It's about finding your "why" and using your lifetime of experiences to craft a fulfilling next chapter. I came across the phrase ‘create your purpose’. For many folks ‘finding purpose’ sounds daunting like looking at a far away shore and not sure that you’ll make it or what’s really over there.
Flexibility in Retirement Planning
One of Christine's key points is the need for flexibility in retirement spending and planning. This aligns perfectly with my coaching philosophy. Just as I had to adapt my strategies during a long-distance swim like the English Channel, retirees need to be prepared to adjust their plans as circumstances change. Whether it's dealing with jelly fish and decreasing water temperatures, or unexpected life events and changing priorities, flexibility and curiosity are key.
The Transition from Saving to Spending
Christine addresses the challenge many retirees face in transitioning from saving to spending. As someone who pushed myself to complete challenging swims, I understand the mindset of setting goals and working towards them. However, I've learned first-hand that retirement requires a shift in perspective. For me, simply enjoying an alpine lake by floating on my back and looking at the sky is more enjoyable than the temporary euphoria of getting to the other shore. For many retirees, there is contentment in finding a balance between enjoying the fruits of your labor and maintaining financial security.
Phased Retirement and Ongoing Work
The book discusses the concept of phased retirement, which aligns with my own experience of transitioning from a corporate career to becoming a retirement coach or advisor. I often encourage clients to consider a gradual transition and experiment with a couple of ideas for their next phase, allowing them to leverage their skills and experience in new ways.
Protect Your Health Where Ever You Are
While Christine's emphasis on health is about the importance of long-term care planning, I prioritize the importance of maintaining physical and mental health throughout retirement. My background in swimming has shown me the importance of staying active no matter what your favorite activity is or your goals. Garden, walk in the park or indoor mall, go bowling, do a trek or go swim in a lake, try birdwatching. Just moving regularly can significantly impact one's quality of life in retirement.
Christine Benz's book offers valuable insights that complement my own experiences and coaching approach. Retirement is indeed about reinvention and embracing new challenges. It's a journey that requires careful planning, flexibility, and a focus on both financial and personal well-being.
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