3 Simple Yet Thoughtful Questions Building Your Confidence in Retirement
It’s more about our state of mind than the money
Your life is like a book with many chapters, some exhilarating, others not so much.
The highs and lows we’ve experienced have woven the tapestry of our lives. You now have more years behind than years ahead. Yet, your retirement chapter can be the most fulfilling addition to your life’s book.
I wish for you to have an uplifting winter season of life. It’s the last of your four seasons. You’re in the fourth quarter and nearing the goal; you are about to score. Think about winning BIG.
These three questions needing answers will ensure your winning ways.
What are these questions, and why is each one important?
My three questions:
- How aware am I of my present reality?
- Does my behavior exhibit a genuine sense of gratitude?
- Am I living a life deserving the respect I’m receiving?
1. Reality
Am I aware of my present reality? When approaching retirement, it’s time to do some self-talk.
- Do I have an ongoing internal discussion with myself about a personal truth?
- Are you enjoying life now?
- Is my physical body in the best of health?
- Am I satisfied with the state of my relationships with my spouse, my children, my siblings, and my friends?
- When I survey my Christian faith, is it vibrant?
If I do not face my reality, it will slam me in my face someday.
In his book Leadership Beyond Reason, John Townsend makes this statement:
“Reality happens, and it always wins.”
Peter Koestenbaum addresses reality this way:
“Face reality as it is, not as you wish it to be.”
Most of us, me included, go about our days, never thinking of the reality we are in at the moment.
So today, why not do a check-up from the neck up? Give thought to the state of you.
2. Recognition
I’m not talking about us gaining recognition from others. No, I’m talking about how thankful we are for what’s going on around us.
- Do we recognize and appreciate the gift others are to us?
- Are you living with a sense of eternal gratitude?
- Do you show appreciation to those who have poured into your life? The people who have helped you gain success in your endeavors?
- Does your behavior exhibit a genuine sense of gratitude?
- Are you a kind person?
- Most important, do you recognize the successes of others?
- And grieve with them in their losses?
“The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more you will have to express gratitude for.” — Zig Ziglar.
3. Respect
- Are you worthy of the respect given by others?
- Lately, what have you done that is deserving of respect?
- Do you offer verbal admiration to family members and friends for their achievements?
- I’m sure we can give more pats on the back for jobs well done.
We gain the respect of others by giving to others, more than taking from them.
“One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” — Bryant H. McGill.
Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners. Laurence Sterne
Take the time to consider these three
Reality — who am I really?
Recognition — Is my gratefulness for others clear?
Respect — Am I affirming others?
The light in our soul shines brightest when engaged in the present.
You and I will have happy retirement years. Not because of the money because we have our emotions in check.
We will score big in our last quarter
Others will remember the great attitude we exhibited as we crossed the goal line of life.
Do you need more wisdom for your journey into and through retirement? How about some common sense? Our Lord is waiting for you to ask.
“He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.” (Proverbs 2:7, NLT).
I aim to educate, entertain and inspire with each article I write. Hopefully, I did all three.
Click on this for more inspiration.
See you next time on these pages,
Richard
Read more of the essential life lessons from an experienced octogenarian in Armstrong’s Timeless Views here. It’s Free.
