What 10,000 New Retirees Each Day Need to Hear…

As someone who has worked with retirees for almost three decades, I have witnessed the Retirement Myth unfold time and time again.

Many people work tirelessly to achieve big goals and have a sense of purpose in their everyday lives. They have a mission and feel energized by the work they do. They have a strong social network and a sense of community, and they are making a difference in the world. However, once they retire, it's like a switch has been turned off. The energy that once illuminated their world is gone, and they become empty vessels, lacking the spark and spirit that defined them. They often complain of having no energy or drive and find themselves in a state of "calendar coma," where they lose track of the days of the week. Some may claim that retirement is great because they don't have to set an alarm clock and have all the free time in the world to do whatever they want. But deep down, they feel like something is missing.

These disgruntled retirees have fallen victim to the Retirement Myth and are now living in what I call "Average Retirement."

With 10,000 Americans retiring each day, millions of workers succumb to the Retirement Myth every year. The myth suggests that you should give up not only your alarm clock but also your goals, your drive, your sense of purpose, and your desire to make a difference. It perpetuates the idea that less responsibility, activity, effort, and achievement is better than more.

However, retirement shouldn't be the final stop along life's journey.

While relaxation and taking it easy are certainly important, they are not the only ingredients for a fulfilling retirement. Those who have been able to look beyond the traditional perspective of retirement seem to be more fulfilled and enjoy this next stage in their life more than those who get stuck in the Average Retirement mindset. 

It's important to recognize that retirement is an opportunity to discover what truly brings you joy, happiness, adventure, connection, and purpose.

Don't get stuck in the Retirement Myth and settle for an Average Retirement. If you think you just want to relax and take it easy, be warned that you may wake up one day and realize that you want more out of life. So, take some well-deserved rest and relaxation, but also explore new opportunities, challenge yourself, and find ways to make a difference in the world.