The My Next Phase Newsletter - Volume 3 | |||
Bruce's Story: The Satisfaction Cycle | |||
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An associate recently shared a story about a family member who, quite unexpectedly, self-navigated to retirement success. We analyzed his story using what we've identified as the five keys to fulfillment after work: physical activity, mental challenge, social connection, passion, and a plan. Indeed, this fellow, Bruce, checked every box. His journey is equally illustrative and inspiring. Bruce enjoyed his life's work as a Pennsylvania school administrator, and liked even more having summers off. He hit his 50's ready to shift gears, and took the state's generous, early retirement package. Bruce's financials were solid: two grown, self-supporting children; a modest mortgage; continued income from his still-employed wife; reliable pension. In keeping with his mostly positive, come-what-may outlook, Bruce was prepared, let's say, to experience whatever came next (i.e., not really prepared to retire). Then came a jolt - a kind few of us could envision -- scant days after his retirement party. Bruce's son Jake, 25, was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. Fast-forward to the happy ending: Jake withstood aggressive treatment with flying colors. His prognosis is positive. Witnessing Jake's marriage to a fabulous young woman this past summer transported Bruce to a surreal place. When Bruce first got Jake's news, he retooled his life around his son's care and comfort. His retirement took on new meaning. Bruce felt fortunate to not have the burden of work diverting his time, or his focus, and his vague notions about leisure retreated onto the horizon. |
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He readily deployed the "crisis" version of a retirement plan, shuttling between his suburban Pennsylvania home and Jake's New York City hospital bed, coordinating care, and doing anything and everything else necessary. Day after day, week after week. Month after month, and into two new years. Somewhere, somehow, in the middle of it all, Bruce found his way to a fundamentally fulfilling retirement. He found it in bike riding. Yes, bike riding become his focus. Bruce had always enjoyed recreational riding. But he had no idea how it could focus his life until he discovered Team In Training, which raises money for leukemia research and other potentially terminal health issues through sponsored rides. Beyond fundraising, Team in Training hooks new members up with local networks to train and travel with. What Bruce originally pursued to honor his son became one of his own life's anchors. Many 100-mile rides later - California, Colorado, New England and beyond - Bruce is in the best shape of his life. Maintaining his bikes, shortening his times and improving his teamwork all challenge him mentally, and physically. He's richer socially, connected to a whole new network of like-passioned comrades. He even has a new part-time job. Bruce is his local bike shop's first 60 year-old ride leader, guiding tours of the rolling, Eastern Pennsylvania countryside. There's an important disclaimer. In truth, Bruce backed into his non-financial retirement plan, borne of profound circumstances that called for pragmatism. His ingrained, flexible planning style flipped from a potential "planning negative" (a desire to keep options open and not commit) to a "planning positive," because it enabled him to easily shift gears to caretaker mode, while also opening him to a wide set of possibilities, including cycling. Under most circumstances, and for most people, a more proactive approach is the way to go (as we're certain even come-what-may Bruce would now attest). Stay tuned for future newsletters addressing the notion of enhanced self awareness, and how it holds the key to getting a jump on planning. To forward to a friend, please click here. To send a message or question to the My Next Phase team, please click here. To learn more about membership, please click here. Copyright ©2007 My Next Phase. All Rights Reserved | |||
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