Retirement: Two-Year Anniversary

December 17, 2023, was the 2nd anniversary of my retirement. “The Road Ahead: I Just Retired” and “One Year Later, the Road Ahead: I Just Retired,” provide a snapshot of my retirement journey through this time last year. My retirement anniversary conveniently arrives just before the annual tradition of setting resolutions for the New Year.

I thought, why not use my retirement anniversary to conduct an annual “retirement self-performance review”? I know it sounds like the antithesis of a chilled-out retirement vibe, but hear me out. Soul-searching and honesty with oneself can be beneficial.

Using an altered version of the typical performance review format from my working days, I came up with the questions below. If you choose to take part, you can use them or create your own. Even better, write your answers on paper, which may help you identify essential truths and avoid getting stuck in your default narratives.

6 Questions to Ask Yourself

1. What feels satisfying about my life in retirement?
2. Is there a void where I’m not living in alignment with my purpose, values, and goals?
3. What’s the status of important relationships in my life?
4. How are my finances?
5. What is the status of my health?
6. Do I need a course correction to cultivate my ideal version of retirement?

Honestly answering the questions above may help you learn to appreciate the things going well in your retirement and to identify (and change) things you’re not happy with. Below is a short version of my answers and associated thoughts two-years into my retirement.

What Deep Satisfaction Did I Experience This Year?

I love to travel, and this was a big travel year for me, as in international travel. I was fortunate enough to enjoy an amazing trip to Japan. Best of all, it wasn’t a destination on my bucket list, although it should have been. If interested, you can read about my journey at Wanderlust in Japan and Elsewhere.

And the jewel in the crown, I took a dream trip to Italy this past fall, which I’ve yet to write about. One of the best things about it was that I planned a 21-day custom itinerary from start to finish based on my pace and preferences. I researched and booked airline tickets, hotels, tours, and everything! Better yet, my plans flowed well and my partner and I had a wonderful Italian adventure!

For many, that may not sound like a big deal. For me it was, because historically when I’ve traveled abroad, I booked through a tour group. Why? Two main reasons: (1.) I felt intimidated by the prospect of planning the trip myself, and (2.) I was afraid of navigating alone in a foreign country; it was easier and felt safer to travel in a group.

All said and done, I felt great satisfaction stepping out of my comfort zone and overcoming my self-limitations. It represented personal growth for me. Yes, it was a lot of work, and there’s nothing wrong with traveling abroad via a tour group. The good news is, the means of travel I choose in the future will be a free choice, rather than one based on my fears.

The Void: What’s Out of Whack?

Mostly, I lived up to my current vision of retirement, finding a good balance between productivity and relaxation. Although, I experienced more days that felt like repeats. Feeling stuck in a rut, I suppose. Why is this feeling occurring more often?

Also, I’ve always thought there might be a book in me. Not a brilliant book, but a book, and I wanted to pursue trying to write one in retirement. I thought I would have at least started writing it by now, but I haven’t. No doubt in my mind, I’m procrastinating. Why? I have yet to find the answer to that.

Relationship Status?

I feel ok about my relationships, although I believe there’s always room for improvement. There is a strong consensus that maintaining social ties is an important part of healthy aging. That’s debatable if you’re an introvert, but I think it’s quality rather than quantity that matters most. Isolation is not healthy and can contribute to depression.

How Are My Finances?

I normally manage my finances well, living within my means. Although this year, I allowed myself to splurge on the two international trips I mentioned, sharing costs with my partner. Finances do matter, but we don’t live in a vacuum. My sweet parents left this world too early, without the opportunity to enjoy their retirement. This highly motivates me to strike a reasonable balance between fiscal responsibility and spending on the things that bring me joy.

What Is the Status of My Health?

I mostly eat healthy, that is, unless I’m traveling, the holidays arrive, or I pass by the bakery that makes my favorite snickerdoodles! Eating healthy and getting enough exercise is another cornerstone of healthy aging. At the least, evidence seems to support that all of us can benefit by tweaking our diet to add more fruit and vegetables while reducing or eliminating processed foods and sugar. I know, easier said than done.

Getting enough exercise is always a challenge for me, but I try. When I eat well and exercise regularly, I sleep better and feel better. I have less digestive issues and my osteoarthritis improves. Shoot for moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes a week of a vigorous-intensity activity, such as hiking, jogging, or running. At least 2 days a week of strength training is great, and practice activities to improve balance, such as standing on one foot.

What Is My Course for the Upcoming Year?

I’m still figuring it out, but I’ll congratulate myself for recognizing and pursuing what brings me joy, purpose, and well-being. I also hope to explore ways in which I can be of more service to others based on my unique, God-given talents.

For the things that feel out of sync, I’ll dig deeper to uncover their underlying causes. I can choose to release anything that doesn’t serve me and prioritize what truly matters. I’m a firm believer in making a list of my goals, breaking them down into smaller goals, then taking baby steps towards achieving them.

The next time your retirement anniversary rolls around, perhaps you’ll consider conducting a “retirement self-performance review.” Until then, Happy Holidays to all!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you happy in your retirement? Do you periodically evaluate how you’re doing and set new goals? Do you think it’s important to do so?