A few weeks ago, I got a big scare. My doctors wanted to “screen out” a certain cancer and it turns out it would have been very serious. I got the test and then waited… There was one day in particular that I (incorrectly it turns out) thought the test was positive. I got the call the next day that it was negative, nothing found, whew!
That didn’t prevent me from being very, very worried, particularly for one anxious day and night. To get a grip on my fear, I used the very same tip I shared with you last week (“3 Big Retirement Questions“).
Here’s that tip again
The key is to get REALLY CLEAR about where you stand and what you want, and then to keep creating ways and opportunities to make it happen.
And while you’re at it remember, be nice to your kids. They’ll choose your nursing home.
Sorry, I couldn’t resist. On we go…
What to do (and not do)
When you’re facing something really scary, what do you do (and not do)?
3 things to avoid:
- Do NOT make stuff up!! Your imagination can get really carried away.
- Don’t just sit and suffer. Instead get into action.
- Don’t try to go it alone. Reach out to someone wise who loves you.
3 things to do:
- Get the facts and get solidly grounded on where you stand right now.
- Get clear about the desired results you want, the things most important to you in the long term.
- Look at alternative ways to get there and pick the one best for you.
Personal victory
P.S. That evening when I was so scared, I used this process to focus my nervous energy, take stock, and look for my way forward. After I laid it out for myself, I reached out to several family members as “sounding boards” and they each loved it. One result is that I’ve booked my top-of-the-bucket-list trip to New Zealand (including “natural splendors,” Maori culture, and the Hobbit film set). I’ve said for years that’s my #1 destination and the scare motivated me to do it now while things are fine. Then whatever happens in the future, I can look back and say “check-done.” That’s how I’m making it happen!
What’s Next?
How do you get clear about your retirement focus?
To begin, get really clear about what you want for your retirement and then take practical steps to start making it happen right now. Use that clarity to guide you as you transition to retirement and begin living your new retirement life.
Want some help with systematically doing that? I’ve created the Retirement Game Plan, based on the pragmatic steps I’ve taken to create a retirement I love. Check it out and see if those steps could help you too.
More to come… I’ll be sharing more about ways to create a great retirement.
Make it happen!
Eric @ ExploringRetirement.club
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