When retirement comes into view, it’s only natural to look back on the success you’ve attained in your career. While it’s admirable to reflect on your achievements, it’s crucial not to get stuck in the past. Instead, you need to shift your attention forward so you can focus on enjoying a fulfilling next chapter.
As a retirement coach, I understand the challenges women face when it comes to moving into a next chapter. Feeling uncertain about your path forward can leave you stuck in retirement standstill.
I’ve learned that fulfillment comes from focusing on what you want to accomplish in what you do next.
With this in mind, I want to share below some transformational information – that can help you turn around and look forward to your next chapter and living your best life.
A Fulfilling Retirement
Let’s start with a simple yet informative definition of fulfilment from psychology:
However, it’s in the “doing something” where I see women getting tripped up.
Appreciating the difference between striving for achievement and leaning into accomplishment is key to enjoying a fulfilling next chapter.
Differences Between Achievement and Accomplishment
Achievement
During your career, achievements have been the keys that opened doors to opportunities, including promotions and prestige. Achievements are recognized based on demonstrating your ability to attain specific outcomes through your skills and effort. They’re a testament to your ability and serve as a gateway for career advancement and success.
But in retirement, the pursuit of achievement can become a trap. You’ll feel like you’re constantly chasing results on a treadmill, this time driven by your own expectations for success. I want you to know there’s a better way to feel fulfilled and break free from the constant striving required during your career.
Accomplishments
While achievements revolve around external validation of results, accomplishments are grounded in your personal values and what’s meaningful to you. It’s about knowing your authentic self. Feeling accomplished is based on taking action, but now the emphasis is on the experience and enjoying the journey.
So, when you want a fulfilling next chapter, avoid zeroing in on what you need to achieve. Instead, shift your focus towards feeling accomplished by redefining success in retirement on your own terms. Retiring from your career offers you freedom to reassess priorities and engage in activities that align with your values, purpose and passions. Embrace the experience, and take time to acknowledge and appreciate what you accomplish along the way.
How Accomplishments Contribute to a Fulfilling Retirement
Here are four ways that accomplishments contribute to a fulfilling retirement:
Motivation to Explore New Horizons
Emphasizing the journey encourages you to venture into uncharted territory which can lead you to discover new paths for your next chapter.
Rediscover Yourself
You are more likely to discover talents and passions that may have been overshadowed due to career-based expections to demonstrate success.
Supports Your Transformation
Prioritizing experiences promotes learning and personal growth as you navigate your new journey.
Promotes Well-Being
Feeling accomplished can boost your self-esteem and contribute to a more positive outlook on life.
It’s fundamental to appreciate the differences between achievement and accomplishment. When you retire, you have the opportunity to leave behind conventional results-based success. This is your time to re-focus on taking action that is personally meaningful to you.
The Key to Having a Fulfilling Retirement
The key to a fulfilling retirement is to redefine success for your next chapter.
By shifting your focus on accomplishments in retirement, you gain actionable insights that will empower you with confidence to embark, enjoy the journey and discover your way.
Interested in living an authentic life and enjoying a fulfilling next chapter? Find out how we can work together.
