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How to Prepare for Your Golden Years
One of the things that we don’t like to discuss is that we’re all getting older. In fact, many of us believe that if we ignore this reality, it might go away. The problem is, failing to prepare for your golden years may lead to regret — never mind adding an extra burden on family members and friends. Here are 11 guidelines to consider:
Live before you die. Spend your time doing want-to’s rather than have-to’s. That’s a sure way to live life without regret. As was said in the movie Braveheart, “Every man dies. Not every man really lives.”
Be spontaneous. Don’t just create a bucket list…live life hard. I know someone who waited too long and then was unable to fulfill her dreams.
Be a collector of moments, not things. Make every moment matter. As the saying goes, “Every day is an opportunity to make a new happy ending.”
Reject negativity. Be positive and optimistic. Don’t let regret, worry, or self-pity rob you of your precious days.
Invest your time. When you have a choice between time and money, pick time.
Pursue your dreams. Don’t let fear or obstacles get in your way. Others can stop you for a moment. Only you can stop yourself for good.
Be the real you. Have the courage to live your own life rather than living the life others expect you to have. As the saying goes, “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
Give thanks. Don’t wait a lifetime to tell that special someone that you care. And if you have unresolved issues, push to gain closure.
Play show-and-tell. Prepare your friends and family to live without you. You’ve always been there for your friends and family. Ensure that you’ll be there, in spirit, when you’re gone.
Get your affairs in order. Review and update all appropriate legal documents. Make sure papers, passwords, and other key items of information are simple to find and easy to understand.
Make a difference. When most people look back on their life, they measure success by having lived life with purpose. It gives them great pleasure that they gave back more than they received.
Are You Preparing for Your Golden Years?
Please leave a comment and tell us what you think or share it with someone who can benefit from the information.
Additional Reading:
Moments Lost
Make Time: There’s No Dress Rehearsal in Life
Make Every Moment Matter
You May Regret Not Reading This
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Love your list! I have one more that I would add. It’s very much in line with the idea of investing your time. An area of extreme importance to me in this season of my life is to “Give Back”. Give back particularly in your area of strengths and abilities. I don’t believe we spend the first years of our live developing those assets to spend the last years sitting on them. As a mentor/advisor for young entrepreneurs, I have found this has been the most rewarding season of my life. My young mentees are so appreciative of hearing and learning from my experiences (read failures and successes). I’m surprised there are not more people my age who are doing the same. This is so important, these young people really need the expertise of wisdom to help them chart and walk their path. Not all young people are of the mindset of Zuckerberg, who made it pretty clear of his disdain for the usefulness of older people. A few more grey heads in his inner circle might have spared him from the extreme pain his organization has been experiencing.
Awesome point, Colleene
“I don’t believe we spend the first years of our life developing those assets to spend the last years sitting on them.” I applaud you for sharing your wisdom with young entrepreneurs. Your gift will serve them through life.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
Great list Frank! Thanks for putting this out there. As we started to contemplate our Golden Years several years back, we saw the importance of moments rather than things. We’ve taken several momentous vacations as a family now (Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean cruise) and those memories are priceless! Not only have we “checked off” bucket list items by doing this, but more importantly we’ve valued ourselves enough to spend the money, have the experience, not plan it all out and be spontaneous and do it our way. It’s exhilarating and I highly recommend getting in touch with what’s really meaningful, spending time with those you love, being spontaneous and sharing amazing moments.
Hi Kirsten
It sounds like you’re having a blast. And, why shouldn’t you? When you work hard your whole life, you’ve earned the right to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Enjoy the trip 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
According to a new study from Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance , women are not as prepared for retirement as men. With a projected lifespan longer than men, women need to save more for their golden years to insure a financially secure retirement.
Yes. I heard about the study. Thanks for sharing 🙂
When most people hear the term retirement, they immediately think finances. My point is that there are other areas to take into consideration—if you want to live well in your golden years.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank