While I am still a good number of years away from the traditional retirement age of 65, the idea of what that phase of my life will look like has crossed my mind many times.
Of course, I am fully aware that God’s plan will lead the way for me.
During a recent men’s Bible study meeting, I chatted with a friend who is newly retired. In fact, he is still in his 50s, but he separated from the military after 30 years of service.
The conversation went something like this …
“Hey, Dan! How is retirement life?”
He responded with a big smile, “Man! It’s been great! I like the fact that I don’t have to be anywhere, and I don’t have to answer to anyone. I get up in the morning when it feels right, and I do only what I want to do!”
We both continued a conversation about the upcoming MLB season and eventually went our separate ways. However, the response he shared regarding his new life away from work duties resonated with me.
What if I Start Now?
As I noted earlier, my official retirement age will not be here for some time, but perhaps I can start adopting some of that lifestyle now.
That is, what if I start planning more and more time with what is truly important to me.
For example, if someone were to ask me what I remember the most about the last 3 months, I am likely to first mention the fun family vacation we had in Las Vegas to celebrate the arrival of 2024.
I am also excited about some of the volunteer activities where my wife and I can share quality time together.
Oh … here recently, I conducted a free Agile Seminar Workshop for any student who wanted to attend. I also encouraged them to bring guests. It was fun, and I enjoyed sharing career experience with them.
If I were to paint a picture of what my retirement years might look like, it seems that I have a good start.
No Job Titles
While teaching a class recently, I mentioned that the Toyota Way reinforces the importance of removing job titles. The point here is that hierarchy can often be an impediment to collaboration, innovation, and transparency.
I find it far more welcoming when people can walk into a room and share ideas as equals. There is not one person who sits at the head of the table and pretends (or desires) to have all the answers. Instead, people have the psychological safety to express their ideas without concern of punitive actions.
You see … I am looking for a life that is peaceful and tranquil, and I envision that my retirement years will be like that.
As our daughter Helena continues her practice drives to Antonian High School each morning with me in the passenger seat, I observed a retirement home I had overlooked before.
“Helena, I’m not sure about that retirement home. For me, I want to be near mountains where I can walk alongside the streams on a cool day.”
She nodded in agreement, and silence ensued for the next few minutes.
Perhaps I am getting a little bit ahead of myself … Let me focus on the here and now and appreciate all the beautiful blessings I am enjoying now.
But … It’s …
Inspiring Quotes
“Peace is liberty in tranquility.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero
“Let go of the thoughts that don’t make you strong." – Karen Salmansohn
Homework Inquiry
During the next week, here’s your homework inquiry: How will you bring peace and tranquility to your life?
I use this opportunity to share with you a unique story and a couple inspiring quotes. Oh ... as a professor at heart, you guessed it, I have a homework inquiry for you. This is a powerful question that might just trigger you to take action on something that really matters in your life. If you feel the Catalyst Newsletter brings benefit to you.