Retirement is no longer a time to just sit back and relax because seventy is the new fifty, right? Well, it may be the second half of life for many. Have you thought about what that means for you and how you might be able to impact your world?
Volunteerism / Travel / A Business
Many think immediately of volunteerism, but beyond this, retirees are starting new businesses, learning new careers, learning hobbies, traveling the world to do missions related work. The opportunities are limited only by the minds of those who are contemplating such ideas.
You may say, "I'm too old to be learning and growing and doing. Let's bag that idea real quick. Colonel Sanders was over 65 years old when he co-ventured to start Kentucky Fried Chicken. Ray Kroc was in his mid- fifties when it all started for McDonalds as one of the first successful franchising operations.
What About Ben Franklin?
Think for a moment of Benjamin Franklin and some of his accomplishments from age 64-84:
1769 Elected president of the American Philosophical Society
1775 Returns to Philadelphia; Elected to Continental Congress; Submits Articles of Confederation of United Colonies
1776 Signs the Declaration of Independence; Presides over the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention
1778 Negotiates and signs Treaty of Alliance with France
1779 Appointed Minister to France
1782 Negotiates, with John Adams and John Jay, the Treaty of Peace with Great Britain
1784 Negotiates treaties with Prussia
1787 Elected president of the Pennsylvania Society for promotion of the Abolition of Slavery; Serves as delegate To the Constitutional Convention
1790 At age 84, Benjamin Franklin dies in Philadelphia.
Some will say, "these are great people, with great dreams I can't compare myself with these legends." That's true, one should not compare himself to someone else and his/her accomplishments, talents, abilities or dreams. This idea of pursuing the dream within; aspiring to a new level during the second half of life must a deep yearning within. This is actually what makes it all count.
You must believe in yourself and in your ability to achieve great things even if it impacts just one other person, is that such a bad pursuit. The purpose of reading about what others have done or to learn from the mistakes of others is to simply know it is achievable. We need to know that the pursuit is doable.
And even if it doesn't take us where we think we want to go it's okay because the fun is in the pursuit itself. To do that which satisfies the itch of life is in itself a wonderful victory.
So, go for it. You may also want to reflect upon your personal experiences, your talents, special training and the unique abilities you've developed; Consider the areas of life that bring you joy. See yourself as an asset that can be invested in the lives of others and answer some questions:
What kind of a return can I expect if I take the risk and invest myself into a project or activity?
What if I do step out and pursue the impossible?
How might these years be used to benefit the next generation?
Is there something I've always wanted to do but never had the time in the past or didn't have the resources that I now have in terms of time, freedom and money?
What do I really have to lose in this pursuit?
Is what I might lose really that important?
Is losing some money or losing years off my life what is really important? These years may be the last opportunity you have to make a difference in someone's life.
Consider too, that a change must not always take the form of an entirely different field. It may just be a change from one aspect of work to another. This may take the form of a real estate salesperson taking on the role of trainer, passing on her years of experience to new salespeople.
Change is Good!
Change is a natural part of life but in out modern day world we've become so accustomed to the routine that we may be neglecting the person who lives inside.
My Story
When I left the offline world of sales to engage in the online world of internet marketing I must admit that I did not know what I was in for, as I thought it would be easier than it has been. It took me almost a year just to learn some of the basic marketing concepts and to actually put them into place. But it has been a wonderful growing experience that I will always have with me and this experience will inspire me on to the next life event, whatever that may be.
Don't settle for the mundane! Challenge yourself to greater heights and reach for the sky. Whether it is learning or starting a new business or developing your skills to give of your time and energy to a volunteer endeavor, do it with all your creativity, energy and desire. You will very likely surprise yourself.
"I quit!"
