Living my Best Life
It took me three months to adjust to early retirement and now it seems to be in full swing. I was just sitting in my desk every day, trying to figure out how I was going to fund my retirement. Now that I have that sorted out, I’m getting out of the house more and travelling or camping regularly. But this was just the start of a retirement with purpose, and I am finally starting to figure out what that purpose will be. The short answer is, I’m starting a non-profit.
Climbing Mountain Peaks
I have a goal of climbing six mountain peaks in Southern California and I have only climbed one so far. I have started my training by camping in places I could also hike. So far, my training has been hampered by location issues and hiking permits. But I felt strong when I was on the trail last week and I’m confident I can conquer this goal. It may seem like an ego-driven goal to some, but climbing these peaks is more of a metaphor for me. I honestly feel if I can climb these six peaks, I can also accomplish the remaining goals in my life. It’s an exercise in discipline and a quest for fulfillment.
Finding New Purpose
It’s easy to look at early retirement and concentrate all your energy on making the numbers work. It’s also easy to fill your calendar up with trips and adventures. What is not so easy is finding a new purpose for your life, after you have dedicated four decades to a career and three to a family. This was a bigger piece of the puzzle than I had anticipated and the reason something felt off when I first retired. I am only now starting to create a new purpose for my life that will give it the meaning I once had. I’m now on a mission to fund some charitable causes and this feels a lot better than just earning money for travel and luxuries for myself. I have always wanted to give away more of my income to others, but the uncertainty of my finances in retirement had me hyper-focused on taking care of myself.
Living with Intention
Whenever I lose focus on the goals in my life, I tend to drift along and putter away my days. I check my investments and social media, instead of working on my business ideas or handling the many small tasks that pile up. Career life used to be pretty simple. I would show up, work hard, save money and pay the bills. Daily structure was provided by the company and responsibilities to the family. Financial independence is a lot messier, because I have to provide the structure and goals that were once defined for me. I could easily kick back and pass the time away. I have a lot of friends who are doing this. I have worked really hard, and I would deserve it. But I didn’t retire early to lead a life of leisure. I retired early so I could do something meaningful with my life, instead of riding out the clock in a desk.
The Bottom Line
Life is a series of decisions, the most important of which is, what are going to do with your life? If you choose to let your precious time and health slip through your fingers, you will almost certainly regret it later in life.
“Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?” – Bob Marley
“It’s easy to look at early retirement and concentrate all your energy on making the numbers work. It’s also easy to fill your calendar up with trips and adventures. What is not so easy is finding a new purpose for your life, after you have dedicated four decades to a career and three to a family.”
Immense wisdom right there, and I think this is The Big One, and the one that most of the FIRE community seems to miss.
One of the reasons I’ve yet to pull the plug is, not the numbers, it’s finding a new purpose. Without it I’m not sure I’d make the best of retirement.
On the other hand, staying in the job and “riding out the clock in a desk”, is no longer that appealing either! Time is passing, and there’s no rewind button…
Awesome comment Tony.
You will find your purpose in retirement, once get rid of the constant distractions of work.
If you can get out now, I strongly recommend it. The time is so precious, and the freedom is intoxicating.
Thanks for stopping by.
Bret