Here’s an excerpt from the book ‘Safe 4 Retirement: The 4 Keys to a Safe Retirement‘ in an early section on the Third Key: Mental Attitude -
“The transition to retirement is similar to experiences such as going away to college or entering the workworld or becoming a parent. It’s exciting and yet the fear of the unknown resides in the back (or for some, in the front) of our mind. For any important life phase, we need to be prepared for what’s ahead. We’ve discussed how to be financially prepared and also how we need to tend to our health. In this chapter I want you to begin to get your head around the fact that you’ll be entering what can be the most exciting time of your life.
I’ll help you begin the process of introspection that is necessary and can be challenging for most. This will be a time to think about where you are and where you want to go. Although I’ll help you through it, once again the hard work is up to you.
Retirement is the time when you step up and show the world the person you know you’ve always been and wanted to be. Transitioning into retirement can bring you in touch with that person. And believe me, that person is awesome!”
Within this Third Key are the following chapters:
Third Key: Mental Attitude
Chapter 15: My Outlook on Life
Chapter 16: My Transition into Retirement
Chapter 17: What Makes Me Happy
Chapter 18: Finding My Spiritual Base
Chapter 19: The People Who Love Me
Chapter 20: Pursuing My Passion
Chapter 21: My Positive Attitude
Chapter 22: My Joyous Retirement
Another excerpt from an early part of this section:
“Not only is a positive attitude just downright more fun, it also extends your life.
A clever and effective way to get ready for retirement is to create a routine beforehand. Think about it, you’ve had a routine all your working life. It’s a natural thing to do. The difference being this time you fill it with what you want to do, not what your boss or your work goals say you have to do. Having a routine filled with what you love will get you leaping out of bed every morning.
Once again, design this routine with your own personality and interests in mind. Some people like to fill in every hour with activities that they’ll be doing. They get comfort and order this way. Others find it stifling. They thrive on flexibility and freedom.
Work within your personality, but do some sort of routine. It’s the degree that will vary. For example, plan on daily and/or weekly time for the following:
- Physical and mental exercise
- Regular social events like a book club, poker night, woodworking group, etc.
- Education (in-person or online courses) and new projects
- Travel
- Total chill time (that means to relax and do nothing—ask your grandkids, they’ll tell you all about chillin’)
- Getting to know your grandchildren better than you ever thought possible”
