Taking AIM in Your Retirement Plans

Retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities and challenges. It often offers time abundance, which, if not considered, can be squandered. So, it's essential to approach this next chapter with a clear plan and a proactive mindset. By taking AIM in your retirement plans, you can navigate this transition with confidence and purpose: 

• Heighten your AWARENESS about what lies ahead. 

• Be INTENTIONAL about creating your retirement roadmap. 

• Stay MOTIVATED to follow your path by taking action and witnessing the positive outcomes of your planning. 

Here are fundamental concepts to help you navigate this new phase of life: 

Finding Your New Tribe. Imagine moving to a new city without knowing anyone. It could feel isolating and overwhelming. Leaving a career can have a similar impact, so finding a supportive community is crucial to feeling connected and valued in retirement. Building a new network of friends and peers or reinvigorating past relationships with people who understand and share your experiences can provide a strong sense of belonging. 

Crafting Your New Identity. When work no longer defines you, how do you answer the question, "What do you do?" Retirement can challenge your sense of self, as it often involves leaving behind roles, titles, and the status associated with your career. It's important to explore and redefine who you are beyond your job. 

Charting Your Own Course. Think of embarking on a hiking trail without a map. Many people enter retirement without a clear plan, simply following societal expectations. Creating a personalized roadmap for this phase of life is crucial, ensuring it aligns with your true desires and goals. 

Embracing Uncertainty. Retirement often brings unpredictability and change. It's essential to accept and embrace these uncertainties. Identify what feels uncertain, recognize what is within your control or sphere of influence to change, and determine what actions you can take to gain more clarity and confidence. 

Rediscovering Old Passions. Think about hobbies or interests you once loved but set aside during your working years. Retirement is the ideal time to reconnect with those activities. 

Rediscovering what brings you joy can add a sense of purpose and fulfillment to this new chapter. 

Establishing New Routines. Without the structure of a work schedule, retirement can feel both liberating and disorienting. Creating new routines can provide stability and a sense of purpose. Whether volunteering, taking up new hobbies, or starting a fitness routine, establishing a daily structure can help keep you engaged and motivated.

By taking AIM in your retirement planning—heightening your awareness, being intentional, and staying motivated—you can navigate this new phase of life with confidence and purpose. As you move into or through retirement, embrace the journey. Take the time to map out your plans, focusing on reconnecting with your passions, building new routines, and finding a supportive community to ensure a fulfilling and meaningful retirement.

Wendy Leggett is a Certified Professional Retirement Life Coach specializing in making the transition from career to retirement smooth and gratifying. She works closely with clients to renew their sense of identity, purpose, and connection, fostering a mindset of positive aging. Wendy's goal is for everyone moving into and through retirement to experience this exciting new life chapter with realistic optimism, embracing their envisioned future. 

Disclosures:

Apella Capital, LLC (“Apella”), DBA Apella Wealth is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or excluded or exempt from registration requirements. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply any specific level of skill or training and does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission. Apella Wealth provides this communication as a matter of general information. Any data or statistics quoted are from sources believed to be reliable but cannot be guaranteed or warranted. Apella Wealth does not provide tax or legal advice and nothing either stated or implied here should be inferred as providing such advice. 

Content written by Wendy Leggett. Apella Wealth is not affiliated with Wendy Leggett or © Conflux Retirement Coaching, LLC.