HOW TO TURN SUCCESS INTO SIGNIFICANCE

Many of our friends have achieved success in their careers or businesses. They are now able to look beyond paying college tuition and the mortgage. Having worked so hard for many years, they are asking themselves questions like--- “How can I make a real impact during life after 50? How can I use my time, talent and treasure to make a real difference?"

This week afforded me the opportunity to work directly with a friend who lost a child to chemical abuse at age 31. We were trying to identify a nonprofit that had a successful record in serving addicts. We found one that takes a holistic approach, and boasts a success rate above 80%. Tonight, we will seek permission from the memorial fund’s board to fund 1-3 clients in this program. The mission statement that we have developed is: “Save a life of a young person today … for a better tomorrow.” For my friend, this is moving from success to significance. What do you want to do of significance in your life?

Fear of the Unknown

When coaching people facing early retirement, I have observed a true fear of what is next in their life. Usually, financial planning has been accomplished, but they have not done the planning to identify what will be rewarding and fulfilling after retirement. The next chapter should be a time of fun and personal satisfaction.

Everyone looking toward the next chapter should perform some introspection and assessment of what the next phase will realistically look like. You can not play golf all the time; you can not spend every day with the grandchildren; you can not travel indefinitely. Put your thoughts on paper and chart out your future. Compare your notes with those of your spouse or partner. Don't get surprised or discouraged from a lack of planning. By the way, think of people you want to spend time with and what are the common ties. You may be surprised with what you discover.

Living Life After 50: An Introduction

Welcome to the ‘Living Life after 50’ blog. Our goal in starting this blog is to connect with people that are entering this new stage in their life. Often times we hear how great it is to have early retirement or just plain retirement. The facts are that many people are ill prepared to face the next chapter in their lives.

Joan & I have a lifetime of experience working with people needing career and/or life planning. Even with this expertise, we encountered many of the same challenges that others reported. We want to reach out and share our own experiences and ideas which may help others find a fulfilling life after 50.

When asked about what we currently do, we never use the word ‘retirement.’ Our lives are as full and busy today as when we were running a small business. The difference is that we choose how we want to spend our time on a daily basis. Yes, it requires constant attention so that we continue to keep our lives in balance.

We will discuss our work interests, relationships, health issues, travel, and spirituality in this blog. Our belief is maximizing the best in these realms of life provide for fulfillment after 50.