I presented in Madison tonight on the topic of retirement and aging. When I ask the question, “What are you going to do in retirement?” my two favorite vague responses are: travel and get healthy. But when I challenge their responses and ask “Where are you planning on traveling,” I usually get, “All over.” And when I ask, “How are you going to get healthier?” I hear, “Exercise and eat better.”
In my experience, planning places and countries to visit yields results. If I don’t know where I’m going, I get no where. Similarly, starting a new habit, such as exercising and eating better, takes dedication. I’m a walker, always have been. When I try adding new exercises to my routine, it takes at least two weeks to get out of the awkward stage and actually enjoy it.
My point: if you’re thinking about retirement, move beyond thinking and act. What do you want to do? Who do you want to be? But don’t wait until the day you leave your job. Start now. New habits take time.
