The TRANSITION MISSION

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“Your mission, Jim,

should you choose to accept it, is…”

You recognize that quote. It’s the opening scene to MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE. Of course, Jim always accepts the assignment; and we get to enjoy the adventure.

Sometimes in life you do have choices. You can choose – even volunteer – for the mission.  But sometimes the mission is simply forced on you, and then you have to navigate the challenges.

Transitions

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about TRANSITIONS.  Often it’s as simple as going off to college or wanting to change jobs. Other times it’s finding yourself an empty nester, being ‘let go’ from a job, or becoming single after years of partnership. Or maybe you are moving from one place to another, just lost someone you love, or realize that you must RETIRE.

These transitions – or CHANGES – all force you to ask yourself similar questions:

Who am I NOW?

How will I spend my spare time?

Which people will I surround myself with?

How am I going to find fulfillment?

I‘ve heard lots of the answers.  Many people think that they will be fine because they are comfortable financially.  And yet there are many ‘rich’ people who are very unhappy and lost. Others look forward to the change and they will simply “take it as it comes.” Maybe…, for a little while.

Each transition happens to a different you. It’s important to take a good look at who you are NOW. Then you can explore what you really want and make a plan for how to get there.

Coaching You Through the Transition

As a coach, I don’t give you the plan.  Only you know what will make you enthused about getting up in the morning. But coaching will help you decide what you really want and what’s been stopping you from getting there. Once you are armed with that information, you’ll sharpen your focus and be ready for what lies ahead.

CHANGE – Some people can handle it just fine, and others, ‘not so much.’ Whether you are Jim (or Janet) and find that your

  • Relationship is changing;
  • Lifestyle is changing;
  • Attitude is changing;
  • Job/place to live is changing;
  • You’re getting married/Having a baby/Becoming empty nester; or
  • Yikes! You’re going to Retire (!)

having a coach makes a big difference as you navigate the new environment. The “Transition Mission” is yours – and you have to choose to accept it.  Let me help you make it an exciting

MISSION: POSSIBLE!

Loretta

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To Schedule, or Not to Schedule? That is the Question!

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Calendar

Sociologist Jean Potuchek wrote: “One of the biggest changes accompanying retirement is the change in how we use our time.  For most adults in full-time jobs, work schedules provide the structure that the rest of our lives are organized around, and freedom from those time constraints is the central dream of retirement. We imagine lives that will be simultaneously rich and relaxed, full without the stress of our work lives. But this freedom can be a double-edged sword; it can leave us feeling unmoored.”

Will you be THE SCHEDULER –

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using pen, paper, computer, and phone – filling all your calendars with lunch, travel, classes, and volunteer work? Monday 10-12, Tuesday 12-1, Wednesday 10-12 and 12-1, etc. This is fun until it’s not fun anymore because there’s simply too much activity every day. (In fact, isn’t that why some of you retired?)

or

Will you be the GO-WITH-THE-FLOW type –

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sleep til you wake up, do whatever the day feels like when you feel it, be spontaneous? Choose that sweet thing to do on the day you want to do it?  This seems fine until you end up feeling disappointed in your choices, sitting around watching TV, and feeling angry that your kids haven’t called.

OK – so what’s the answer?

I believe you can have it both ways!  You can have a schedule that helps you get up every day, AND you can also allow for a little spontaneity. I believe you can open yourself up to doing new things and meeting new people without being overly scheduled and getting overly tired.

But how do you figure it all out?  And can you do it by yourself?  Retirement is a time of huge transition.  You need to reconnect with who you are now.  After all, you DESERVE to:

STAY PRODUCTIVE,

RECOVER LOST ENTHUSIASM, and

INCREASE YOUR FEELINGS OF HAPPINESS AND WELL BEING.

Working with a Retirement Coach gives you support as you think about your real priorities and how you can create that healthy routine for what brings you joy and fulfillment.  After all, isn’t that what we all want?

Let’s talk.

Loretta 

You’ve Decided to Retire!

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Retirement Coaching

So, …, What Will You Do Now?  

Some people facing retirement say:

“Ah, – time to do what I want, when I want.”

“I’m going to get up late and enjoy my coffee and the newspaper.”

“Travel!  I am going to travel!” 

“Well, I’ll probably start another company or get a paying job.”

All these sound great and interesting – on the surface.  But let’s look at them more carefully.

“Ah, time to do what I want when I want.”  Ok, but what do you want? And in what order do you want it? There may be a lot of choices and a lot of opportunities for you and your time. Thinking about it and planning ahead can make a huge difference and help avoid disappointment.

“I’m going to get up late and enjoy my coffee and the newspaper.”  Ok, so assuming you don’t sleep later than 8:00, that brings us to around 10 a.m. Good for you! You are caught up on what is happening in the world. Now what? (And, by the way, if you’re only having coffee and you use a Keurig, you will probably be done by 9:30!)

“Travel! I am going to travel!” Yes! Plan those trips to your dream cities. And go. But remember, travel is getting harder and harder. Planes are cancelled; security causes long lines; prices are through the roof.  And what if your knee starts hurting again? Just like you spend time planning the details of a trip, you need to have a plan for all those other weeks when you are not traveling!

“Well, I’ll probably start another company or get another job.”  But wait, why did you retire in the first place? Will you make sure that you won’t face the difficulties and stressors that made you leave?

Don’t get me wrong – any of these are a good starting point for some real thinking and self-assessment. Being honest with yourself is a lot easier with an objective partner. A few sessions with a Retirement Coach can make all the difference.

Create the kind of retirement where YOU are in control and make smart choices that allow you to find peace and fulfillment. Use the same effort you put towards creating your financial “nest egg” to come up with a plan for your Retirement.  

After all, 65 is the new 50!

Call me; let’s talk.

Loretta