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Finding purpose in retirement is often less about discovering one perfect calling and more about intentionally building a meaningful life.
In this blog, I will discuss the process I used to determine specific areas of retirement purpose.
When I transferred my dental practice approximately 13 years ago, I had logged over 35 years in the practice of Dentistry. At the point of my practice transfer, I had developed skills necessary to practice Dentistry, but would these skills still be useful or needed? Even more importantly, did I want to retain my professional skills?
Did I want to continue practicing Dentistry?
Did I want to totally divorce myself from Dentistry and move in a totally different direction?
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These are the types of questions that need to be addressed when beginning to formulate a purpose plan for Retirement. I prepared financially for Retirement, but was unprepared mentally and emotionally for the next phase of my life.
I explained in previous blogs and podcasts that my practice decision and sale happened over several months. Several months do not allow much time for emotional preparation. When deciding to change the course of a lifetime built during 35 years, it would seem that several months is not much time. In fact, it was not enough time.
One of the documents associated with the transfer of my practice was an agreement to remain in my former practice for one year to help the new practitioner transition into his new dental practice. This agreement allowed me to continue practicing Dentistry for at least one more year, albeit on a part-time basis. It was during this year that other practitioners began calling to request my help. My new career as a Locum tenens contract dental provider was off and running, although it was not planned. I spoke about this in the blog and podcast titled TRANSITIONING AWAY FROM FULL-TIME WORK: FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE.
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How did I realize that I wanted to continue practicing on a part-time basis? How did I decide to become a Retirement coach, blogger, and podcaster?
My journey started with a high-level evaluation of my strengths, weaknesses, and desires. I knew I still wanted to practice Dentistry, but not in a full-time capacity. I knew that I wanted to help people financially in some capacity. I knew I wanted to spend more time with family and friends. I knew I wanted to spend more time hunting, fishing, and engaging in hobbies.
My initial vision was to quit practicing Dentistry one year after I transitioned my practice. I wanted to complete the CFP curriculum. I wanted to begin lecturing to the dental and medical community about financial literacy. I HAVE DONE NONE OF THESE THINGS!
But that Vision was the springboard for where I am today. And, where I am today is a much better version of that initial Vision!
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So, how did I get here from there? How did I take that initial Vision and turn it into a refined purpose?
Take inventory of your strengths. Ask yourself: What activities have always energized me? What skills do people regularly seek my help with? What accomplishments am I most proud of?
Retirement provides an opportunity to use these strengths in new ways rather than leaving them behind.
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Identify What Matters Most
Consider the areas that give your life meaning: Family. Faith or spirituality. Learning. Service. Creativity. Adventure. Health and fitness. Mentoring others.
Choose two or three priorities rather than trying to do everything.
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Experiment Before Committing Treat retirement as a series of experiments: Volunteer for a few months. Take a class. Join a club. Start a small business or consulting practice. Try a new hobby.
Purpose is often found through action, not reflection alone.
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Build a Weekly Structure Many retirees miss the sense of direction that work provided. Create a weekly schedule that includes: Physical activity. Social interaction. Learning. Service. Recreation.
A meaningful routine often leads to a meaningful life.
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Invest in Relationships Research consistently shows that strong relationships are among the biggest contributors to happiness and life satisfaction. Try to: Reconnect with old friends. Schedule regular family time. Join community organizations. Seek intergenerational relationships.
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Continue Learning Challenge your mind by: Reading widely. Taking college or online courses. Learning a language. Developing technology skills. Studying subjects you’ve always been curious about. Growth itself can become a source of purpose.
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Serve Others Many retirees find their deepest sense of purpose in helping others: Mentoring young professionals. Tutoring students. Supporting nonprofits. Serving through a faith community. Sharing expertise with local organizations.
Purpose often grows when your experience benefits someone else.
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Create Something Consider: Writing. Woodworking. Gardening. Photography. Music. Crafting family history stories.
Creating leaves a legacy and provides a sense of accomplishment.
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Define the Impact You Want to Have Ask: “When people describe me ten years from now, what do I hope they say I contributed?”
Your answer can guide decisions about how you spend your time.
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Revisit Your Purpose Regularly Purpose can change throughout retirement. Every six months, ask: What’s giving me energy? What feels meaningful? What should I do more of? What should I stop doing?
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A Simple Exercise Complete this sentence:
“The best use of my retirement years would be to use my experience in ________ to help ________ while continuing to grow through ________.”
That statement can become the foundation for a retirement purpose that evolves.
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Final Thoughts
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Many people find that the most fulfilling retirements combine something to do, someone to love, something to learn, and someone to serve.
I love my faith, family, and friends. Part of my retirement purpose has been to increase the time spent engaged in these three areas.
Purpose is not singular! Different interests can be combined. I socialize with different people while working out at the gym. I interact with old friends while hunting and fishing. I provide meaningful guidance to grandchildren while spending time with them. I developed new friendships while providing financial coaching.
The list could continue, but readers and listeners will understand the point given.
I didn’t decide early in retirement to continue working part-time for the next 13 years.
I didn’t decide immediately that I wanted to become a Retirement coach.
I didn’t decide immediately that I wanted to create blogs and podcasts.
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