Moving Forward in Life: 2020

by Wendy, Retirement Enthusiast/Coach

What are YOU trying to achieve this year? Even in retirement, we need to move forward in life. Why live life in a STUCK scenario?

Have you seen this on my site?

Retirement is a Journey, not a Destination.

There is always something new to learn, a bad habit to replace with something new, different routines to try. Retirement demands a new lifestyle. Right?

Let's break down your retired world into several areas, ALL of which deserve your attention.

Here's what I'd like you to do TODAY. I'd like you to examine all of these areas yourself. Rate yourself on each one and then begin to develop goals in each category. You'll find yourself examining your life with a much wider, thoughtful lens.

My answers are provided to help you consider yours! Please take the time to consider your own answers -- help yourself today!

Here we go (Rate how well it's going for you on a scale of 1-10.):

Retirement Mindset - Many retirees need to focus here. We need to have the best retirement attitude going into our retired years. Unfortunately, many retirees never prepared for the mental retirement adjustment of no longer working.

My Score: 8. I enjoy retirement and feel good about my everyday circumstances. I have a good life with my husband. I play the caregiver role to my 90-yr old parents who live fairly independently. I enjoy my retirement work online, and would love to attend more conferences for travel and networking with seniors like me. I do OK -- I would like to do even better!

Community - Your family and friends. We need people in our life even more than ever... as we no longer have daily interactions with co-workers and customers. We also need support more as we age.

My score: 7. As an introvert, I have few good friends. My family is close: parents, sister/husband and her three kids with their families. My community of "friends" are my website friends, Facebook friends, and church friends. I do need to get out of the house more... the introvert in me does not like this goal! BUT I do a weekly Bible Study Fellowship meeting and have met some new people in that way.

Finances - Consider both your income & expenses. Does your income meet your monthly expenses? Are you worried about having enough? When is enough enough?

My score: 8. I need to really take the time to consider retirement withdrawals so that we don't overpay taxes. Also, I am eligible for Social Security but have chosen to wait... BUT I turn age 65 this year! Yikes! I will have to enroll in Medicare and need to have SS started for that deduction! Get Busy here, Wendy!

Romance/Intimacy - It's easy to take your partner for granted. What do you intend to do to keep your relationship happy?

My score: 8. After 40+ years together, relationships are still complicated and life is rarely perfect. All good here.
2020 Goal is for more weekend day trips!

Health/Self-Care - Give your aging body attention.

My score: 5. I'm not a physical person. Bad Wendy! I'm not heavy but could lose a few pounds. I need to exercise... ugggg. I need to do something to maintain what I have… so that I don't lose my physical abilities. Also to push exercise with my parents to keep them as fit as possible.

Social/Fun - What do you do for Fun? Do you take classes? Do you get out much? Can you define "Fun" in retirement?

My score: 5. Last Year, A friend asked "What did you do for FUN this week?" I was kinda surprised, I thought FUN? Seriously, I even told her that the question and "fun" word surprised me. However the definition of fun is yours and yours alone. Thought Provoking! This gal needs more FUN. I do enjoy my website work, but I need more outings, day trips, etc. Walk away from the computer, Wendy!

Personal/Spiritual Development - What do you do for yourself? You and You Alone. What do you do for your soul? How do you keep mentally alert, fulfilled and motivated to pursue life?

My score: 9. I enjoy my church family and volunteer there on Sundays. I spend oodles of time taking online classes, listening to self-help audio/video, and improving myself. Keep On Keeping On! I'm good here and love every moment!

Physical Environment - It's difficult to live a good life when your physical environment doesn't help. Consider your home, the furniture and looks of your environment, the location. What needs to change? Buy new? Downsize? Rearrange to suit your new retired lifestyle? Dump things you no longer need to declutter your environment and make your space more liveable?
It's not always about living near family, though that obviously can help as we age.

My score: 5. I've been in my home for 30 years and I'm mentally ready to move to a different home. Should I look for a ranch home (no stairs)? Do we still want a large yard? Do I downsize or not yet?

Procrastination happens… for TWO whole years now. I want to declutter things that won't go with me. I want to find a new home, my retirement home, and move. Hasn't happened yet,...

What are your goals for the next year? If you write them out, feel free to send them to me! I'd love to see your intentions!

There is so much more life to live!

Sending Retirement Blessings, Wendy

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