Olympic Commercials

The 2018 Winter Olympics is almost over. If you’re an early riser, you can stream live the closing ceremony at 6 am Sunday morning, Feb. 25.  For the past two weeks I’ve been inspired by the athletes’ commitment to their Olympic goals and athletic achievements. I’ve also been inspired by the commercials during NBC’s coverage of the games. I believe we can take inspiration from these messages to create our best lives in retirement. 

“Start Your Impossible”—Toyota

We can all come up with reasons to not start something that we’ve always dreamed about doing. And when we’re retired, it’s even easier to use excuses to ignore that little (or not so little) voice in our head that says, “You always wanted to …”

You might be on a fixed income. You might be in your 60s, or 70s, or 80s. Your dream or goal might seem too big—too impossible. And yet, what if you just started? What if you ignored the negative voices, and acted “as if” it’s all going to work out?

Do something, before you have all the answers. Before you have all the money. Before you know exactly how to do what you want to do. Just start.

“Because I Can”—Diet Coke

I’m addicted to Diet Coke, and evidentially there are a lot of people like me. When people ask, “Why are you drinking Diet Coke before 9am?” this commercial suggests a response, “Because I can.”

There is a lot we can do in retirement that might seem unreasonable or impractical. For example, each month I drive 9 hours (round trip) to clean my dad’s house. I could expect him to do it, or to hire someone to clean. Instead, I choose to do it “because I can.” I’ve learned it’s not about the cleaning. Instead, it’s an opportunity to visit with Dad and show my love through action.

Once we admit to having free time, and not being so busy, there is a lot we can do, because we can, because we’re available. Don’t let soul-sucking “reasonableness” keep you from doing something. Just do it, because you can.

“We’re born to do what can’t be done. Do what you can’t.”—Samsung

What dreams have you placed in a category of “can’t be done?” If there’s anything on your list, now is the time to test these assumptions. The way to do what can’t be done is to just start, in some little way, to move in that direction.

I thought buying a second home couldn’t be done. Still, I started looking online (love Redfin and Zillow!). I met with a realtor, making it very clear from the start that I was “just playing.” Now, three years later, I’m writing from my second home.

“If you’re going to do something, make it matter.”—Hewlett Packard

A lot of retired people simply focus on “keeping busy.” I have a problem with “keeping busy,” which is probably why this advertisement from the 2012 Olympics stuck with me all these years. Don’t just do something to stay busy—do something that matters—to you, to the world, to something or someone!

You don’t have to solve world hunger, unless that’s is what you want do, but whatever it is, give it your all. Satisfaction doesn’t come from the status quo or “good enough.” We might be tempted in retirement to be easy on ourselves, to lower our expectations. But happiness and a sense of gratification come from matching our gifts and skills with equally challenging tasks. Make it matter!

“Thank you Mom”—Proctor and Gamble

Olympic athletes express gratitude for the countless hours, sacrifices, and support they received from parents, coaches, and others who believed in their dream.

Research shows that expressing gratitude is a sure way of experiencing more happiness in life. According to Sonya Lyubomirsky, author of The How of Happiness, “Gratitude is an antidote to negative emotions, a neutralizer of envy, avarice, hostility, worry, and irritation.”

Make it a daily practice to write down five things for which you are thankful. Write a letter or make a phone call to someone who has had a positive impact on your life. Even better—deliver this message face-to-face. Focus on the present moment, expressing appreciation for your life as it is today. If you want to be happier in retirement, be more grateful.

Copyright 2018. Patrice Jenkins. All Rights Reserved.

Landing the Plane

At the end of a pre-retirement seminar, a guy in the back of the room, whom I’ll call Bob, raised his hand. He said, “I view retirement as ‘landing the plane’.” He went on to explain that he’s been on a 35-year plane ride and now it’s time to come in for a landing. As the date approaches, the tray tables are to be returned to their upright position. All carry-ons tucked under the seat in front of him or in the overhead compartment. Computers and other electronic devices shut down. 

 

At first Bob’s description was a little depressing to me—the ride is over. It’s time to be grounded. But that’s not how Bob sees it. He views the plane as a means to get to his next adventure—retirement.

Ironically, just a few days before I met Bob, I’d written a blog post about going from “95 to zero” in a weekend. Bob’s perspective on approaching and preparing for retirement is the opposite of slamming on the brakes. He’s planning psychologically by picturing a plane landing. Maybe he’s doing other things too, such as taking on fewer responsibilities at work, increasing his social network outside of work, and exploring new interests and opportunities. When the captain turns off the seat belt light, Bob will be ready to grab his bags and go.

The plane vision works for Bob. What image will help you visualize the transition from full-time employment to hours of unstructured time and freedom? If you were reading a guidebook about your next destination, what would it be? Perhaps the title would be “Going from Success to Significance” or “Moving Toward What You Value.” If so, what can you do now to prepare for a smooth landing?

By imagining how you want to live this next stage of your life, you’ll have a greater sense of direction and purpose. You’ll have your bags packed and be ready to arrive.

Copyright 2018. Patrice Jenkins. All Rights Reserved.

95 to zero

“I feel like I went from 95 to zero in a weekend!” 

This is how a 66-year-old friend describes his experience with retiring from an engineering career. He went on to tell what it felt like the first Monday morning without work.

“My wife got up and went to work. I was left home. Alone. Not sure what to do with myself. The first two weeks were really rough. I’m still trying to figure it out.”

When I think about going from 95 to zero, I imagine driving a car and then suddenly slamming on the brakes to avoid hitting something. The force of momentum sends everything flying forward—including my spine and forehead. If I had advance warning, I’d brake gradually, slowly coming to a stop. Nothing would be forced out of place. My body would comfortably adjust to the change in speed. No shock to absorb. 

Since most of us have advance warning of retirement, why do some people go full speed, and then suddenly hit the brakes? Is there a way to move over to the slower lane, even when everyone around us is still moving at 95? If we can’t literally slow down, is there a way to mentally tap the brakes before being hit with retirement? I think so.

Begin now, even at 95 miles/hour, to get in touch with interests you had before you got too busy with work. Did you play a musical instrument in high school? If so, explore opportunities to play with a community band, take lessons, or join a worship team at church. You might not remember how much fun it is until you try. Plus you’ll be part of a community, which is often missed in retirement.

Increase your physical activity. Investing in your health is as important as investing in your workplace.

Talk to other people who have already retired, especially friends who experienced something similar to your situation—being totally absorbed in work and then nothing. Ask what's working and what's not? What lessons have they learned along the journey?

Consider gradual retirement instead of cold turkey. It’s not that one leads to more happiness. What matters is for you to have a choice.

Use weekends and vacations to practice retirement. Purposely leave your schedule open so you experience unstructured time. Use this time to consider what matters to you—what will bring purpose and meaning to your life.

Also consider the idea that maybe you retired at the right time, but stopped working too soon. Retirement and work are not mutually exclusive. Instead, retirement makes you available to that next thing—and that next thing might be work—just something different and for different reasons.

I’m warning you there is something in the road around the bend—RETIREMENT. Begin now to tap your brakes.

Copyright 2018. Patrice Jenkins. All Rights Reserved.

In Love with Retirement

Today started out like most days—preparing two poached eggs while watching the CBS This Morning show. The record-breaking snowstorm along the East coast had the interest of most viewers. But it was something said on a commercial that grabbed my attention. (And as you’ve heard me say before, “When something grabs your attention, pay attention.”) 

The advertisement was for a financial services firm. The advisor answers a phone call from a familiar client.

“Hi Sara. What’s up?” 

John, I’ve decided to retire early.

“That’s wonderful! Come in and we’ll talk.”

Seconds later my focus went back to poaching eggs, just right—runny yokes without watery whites. I didn’t see much more of the commercial other than John doing his research, running the numbers, and preparing to meet with Sara. I assume he had good news for her—that she could afford to retire earlier than expected.

A lot of people decide to retire early, so why did this commercial have such an impact on me? I think it was the way Sara said, “I’ve decided to retire early.” Her voice projected energy, confidence, and a sense of adventure. I wish I could ask Sara why she decided to retire early. I imagine she knows what she wants and has decided that work is getting in the way. She’s ready to take on this next stage of life.

Just the tone of Sara’s voice brought back memories of my first love for retirement. Freedom to do anything. Sunday nights without setting an alarm clock. Travel. Time to exercise and prepare healthy meals. I think many of us start out retirement with a zest for living. But along the way, the “honeymoon” phase fades. We get into ruts and routines, just keeping busy. We lose our first love.

Sara has reminded me to view retirement through a fresh lens. To approach each day with a sense of adventure. To invest my time and talents in something that matters. To live intentionally.

Imagine you just called your financial advisor to say, “I’ve decided to retire early.” What have you retired early for? What is the next big thing you want to make happen? The New Year is a perfect time to fall in love, again, with retirement.

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Copyright 2018. Patrice Jenkins. All Rights Reserved.