Retirement is an opportunity to look at things differently.

Who are you?

What do you contribute to society?

How do you leave your very unique mark on the world?

What gifts do you have that could help other people, if the world only knew you?

Gift Analysis

Have you taken one of those personality tests?  Or, have you taken a career direction questionnaire?  These ask you very specific questions and use an algorithm to help describe you, your interests, and your unique gifts.  No one test can truly begin to capture who you are, but they can sometimes point in the right direction.

I have taken many such tests.  And, I’ve learned a lot about myself.  Not a single one has been completely accurate, but each has taught me important things.  I’ll use a few to help make a point.

  •  I am very high energy and have trouble following rules that don’t make sense to me.
  • I am highly intuitive and perceptive, and I let these guide a lot of my decisions.
  • I am a visionary leader type more likely to try to take the lead than follow.

I hope you can see in each of these statements, I have some gifts that could be very useful.  And, my gifts can cause trouble.  Ask my parents, I’ve never been good when told to do something ‘just because’ and be quiet.  But, give me a complex problem to solve and some latitude to solve it, and watch out! I love those challenges.  I am so big picture I must surround myself with those who can ‘translate’ me to the essential detail-oriented people around me. Communication is one my greatest gifts and one of my biggest downfalls.

Have you fully explored your gifts?  Are you aware of the areas where you require the support of others with different gifts?  Have you seen the beauty of being in a place where your gifts are fully utilized and you are surrounded by trusted people whose gifts compliment yours?

Focusing your Gifts on the Tasks at Hand

The Millennial generation is likely to change jobs at least 14 times over their career.  This generation likes new opportunities, chances to live in and experience new places, and finding jobs that fit their desired lifestyle.

Contrast this with my father and his generation where company loyalty was highly regarded.  My father proudly served one company from the end of his training until his retirement.

Many of the executives I have talked with have both started and grown their current company, or have moved within the same industry working their way up the ladder.  These positions are what they do, and they do them well.

For some, especially those with a work ethic like my father’s or someone who takes great pride and responsibility for their company, the thought of leaving can be complex.

How can the company require your every minute with constant phone calls and people lined up for your input – then – no longer need you at all?  How can it continue to function smoothly without your presence and guidance?

What will you do with yourself once you are no longer at work every day?  [This is a question that nearly all people nearing retirement ponder.]

Using Your Gifts in New Ways

Part of the Retirement Wellness Strategies approach is to help you explore all of this.

  • What makes you so effective in your current position?
  • What do you most enjoy about your current position?
  • What are the biggest stresses of your current position?

Then, the parts that I find most exciting –

  • How could your gifts be used in new ways?
  • What can be your next mark on society (using the gifts that are so uniquely yours to be used in ways only you can use them)?

Consider the leadership, financial planning, strategizing, outreach, and implementation skills of a retiring executive.  Think what an impact those skills could have for a nonprofit that is addressing a particular societal need (as one of a thousand examples of repurposing gifts).

Retirement that is strategically planned can be incredibly fulfilling.  There is no need to dread or be fearful of life beyond your current position.  Open yourself to amazing possibilities!

We will walk you through this process with proprietary tools using a proven strategic planning process.

Contact Retirement Wellness Strategies today at 410-472-5078, michelle@retirewellness.com, www.retirewellness.com.

For further application, check out my personal blog.