Most people look at retirement as a time to kick back and relax. You’ve earned it, right? While relaxation is an important part of retirement, having a strong purpose is the real driving force behind living a good life in your golden years.
Setting Goals in Your Senior Years
There’s a good chance that you set goals for getting to retirement, but for most, that’s where the planning ended. Contrary to conventional belief, retirement is a great time to set new goals that don’t revolve around work and raising kids, but instead revolve around your own personal growth. Some call these new goals a “bucket list.”
There may be a few things that you always wanted to do but never had the time for, possibly something like finally starting your own business or building your dream home. Whatever your goal may be, the tips below will help you master goal setting in your golden years.
Know Your Purpose
A survey from the MetLife Mature Market Institute found that for people ages 45-74 purpose is a critical part of having a good life. Regardless of what we want to accomplish, purpose determines where we go in life. It sets our priorities and leads to productivity. It’s the values that we hold closest to our hearts and gives us strength to persevere. Focus on the big picture when thinking about what matters most to you, and you’ll find your purpose.
Have at Least Basic Health Goals
While having goals is healthy in general, focusing on your health-related goals does you one better. The old saying, “If you don’t use it you lose it,” is far too accurate. If we aren’t physically fit, our productivity plummets. It decreases our focus and makes all our goals harder to reach. If you’re not convinced, consider this: physical disability is a leading cause of depression in people over 65!
Create a Daily Energy Plan that hits on every facet of health – mental, spiritual, emotional and physical. Choose activities like exercise classes, tennis or even tai chi to turn physical activity into rewarding social interactions that hit on all four areas of your health.
Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks
Some of the most fulfilled people in life are those that approach every day as a student and constantly search for new learning opportunities. Just because you’re retired that doesn’t mean you can’t pick up a few new skills!
Today there are many adult education programs that are designed specifically for senior citizens. Tech classes can familiarize you with the latest devices that help you keep up with all your family and friends. An art class can be as therapeutic as it is educational. From a young age, education gives us purpose that touches other aspects of our life, and that doesn’t change as we get older.
Retirement can also be the perfect opportunity for pursuing the career you always considered having, but decided wasn’t practical. Take the first step in your second career by taking a few classes or volunteering to gain experience.
Keep Goals Realistic, but Plan to Go Big
When setting your goals don’t be afraid to go big when it comes to your ONE Thing, but remember to set smaller goals along the way that will get you there. The ONE Thing 4-1-1 is an excellent resource for lining up your goals week-by-week. By lining up your goals you’ll create a domino effect where small accomplishments build on each other to achieve big results.
Living with purpose is something that doesn’t stop when you retire. If anything, purpose becomes even more important for the overall health and well-being of senior citizens. So get ahead and start your goal setting during your golden years!
Original Source: http://www.the1thing.com/the-one-thing/living-your-golden-years-with-purpose/