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1. If you have enough money, your retirement will take care of
itself.
WRONG. WRONG. WRONG. This is the biggest and most dangerous lie about
retirement. Of course, money is important. Yet, money is only one of 15
"must haves" for a thriving retirement. While taking charge of your
life, having dreams for the future, and a purpose that pulls you out of
bed in the morning are not as quantifiable as, say, $1.3 million in
assets, they are just as crucial.
2. You lost your shirt in the stock market and you'll have to work
seven years after your dead in order to afford to retire.
Maybe, if you're buying into the conventional wisdom that you'll need
80% of your current income to maintain your current lifestyle. But,
honestly, are you that crazy about your current lifestyle? Jump out of
that narrow box you're in. Be bold. Think big. There are lots of great
ways to supplement your retirement income and/or create new revenue
streams beyond your wildest imagination.
3. You can't afford to live a meaningful life.
Understand this. You can't afford NOT to live a meaningful life. In
fact, it's essential to a thriving retirement -- right up at the top of
the list with the "must have" of money. You owe it to yourself to take
the time in your retirement planning to discover a clearly defined
purpose -- one that enriches your world and puts a great big smile on
your face.
4. You've worked hard all your life and now you deserve to rest and
play.
Research shows that the traditional "all play, no purpose" retirement
can be deadly. Sure you enjoy your leisure time and need your rest, but
are you ready for that proverbial pasture quite yet? Remember, in order
for leisure to be leisure, it must be a diversion. So, if that's all
there is in your life, what (and where) is the purpose?
5. Your partner will be thrilled to join you in traveling around the
country in an RV, playing golf 24/7, and/or...
Think again, because it's highly likely that you're not even remotely on
the same wavelength. Again, it's really important to take time in your
planning. Find out what your partner expects from retirement long before
you retire. And while you're at it, make a commitment to the health and
growth of your relationship, now, before you retire. It's impossible to
have a happy retirement if you're in a dismal relationship.
6. Retirement means the end of life as you've known it.
Don't be fooled into thinking that what you do in your present life is
more important than who you'll be in your retirement. Seize the
opportunity to grow and stretch into the best possible you. By moving
away from the materialistic "What am I", of your pre-retirement life and
moving toward the more spiritual "Who am I", you'll be traveling on the
path of a rejuvenating and revitalizing retirement.
7. You're too old to make a difference.
Baloney! Okay, you're not as young as you used to be, and the world is a
great big mess. But, don't just sit there. Dare to dream. You may not be
able to end world hunger, but you could end hunger on your block or in
your community. And, if you happen to stumble upon a way to end world
hunger in the process, more power to you. What's important is that you
harness your amazing wisdom, resources, creativity, brilliance and
ingenuity to impact your small corner of the planet. What are you
waiting for?
© 2008 Lin Schreiber's Revolutionize! RetirementTM.
Reprint permission available by request.
Contact Lin
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