Pondering upon Retirement: Is It Still Possible to Establish a Lasting Impact?
After dealing with terminally ill individuals for numerous years, Bonnie Ware often heard their reflections on life, which commonly included regretful sentiments. This led to the publication of her well-known book, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying.
Ware believes the book resonates with people, serving as a reminder that our time on Earth is limited, enabling us to shape our lives according to our choices. She asserts that its energy encourages individuals to alter their paths, acting as a wake-up call and granting permission to alter their strategies.
Embracing the notion that our eventual demise is inevitable, regardless of when it occurs, promotes an unsuspecting sense of freedom. When we confront our mortality without fear, we are paradoxically liberated to live more freely.
Retirement can be compared to a form of death, given its transformative nature. Leaving a 30-year teaching career behind to embark on an encore career as a leadership and change management consultant was a demanding transition for me. As I bid farewell to a half of my life in teaching, my professional family, and the life I had known, I experienced a sentimental time in my life. Regardless, I have no regrets about making this change, which I regard as part of the transition process in crafting a meaningful life.
Upon venturing into retirement, it is essential to avoid drifting through life without purpose, acting as if we are lost at sea. By contemplating our legacy daily and creating a concept I call Breadcrumb LegacyTM, we may be better equipped to avoid the five regrets frequently expressed by the dying, as highlighted by Ware:
- "I wish I'd had the audacity to live an authentic life, adhering to my real desires instead of succumbing to external expectations."
- "I wish I hadn't been so engrossed in my work."
- "I wish I'd had the audacity to communicate my feelings."
- "I wish I had nurtured and maintained my relationships with loved ones."
- "I wish that I had permitted myself to find joy."
Whilst the idea of legacy is often associated with the twilight of life, it also captures the essence of retiring careers. With one phase of our lives concluding and a novel chapter unfolding, we are compelled to question our legacy and imprint on the world.
Some time ago, I penned an article for Our Website entitled "Transforming Retirement into Your Legacy." Shortly afterward, I stumbled upon an article highlighting Tom Jones, a legendary musician from the 1960s and a Las Vegas performer, who is now considering his legacy. Having disregarded the concept previously, it has only grown in importance to him as he approaches his 80s.
According to the article, Jones admitted, "You don't fully grasp the implications of your life's journey, the image that shapes. Suddenly, I realize – what have I become? ... When I'd witness an impression of me, I'd think, 'goodness, is that me?' ... As we age, we ponder these thoughts. We don't desire to leave this world having only that as our legacy."
Enlisting the assistance of industry experts, Jones plans to reshape his legacy. He acknowledges that time is fleeting and aspires to contribute meaningful work to his legacy before it's too late. "You have to recognize, how long do I have? ... One cannot avoid contemplating it. I am not going to live forever." Jones further stated, "I am not embarrassed by my past recording accomplishments ... but time is of the essence. I wish to persevere in doing important things. That is what my legacy should be."
In conclusion, time is of the essence to leave an enduring legacy and, like Tom Jones, we possess the power to revise our legacy if we are dissatisfied with it. Our lives and legacies are constantly evolving on a daily basis, leaving an indelible mark on our world in varied forms — a collection of personal breadcrumbs. Moreover, there is always an opportunity to circumvent the five regrets of the dying, seizing the courage to be true to ourselves and express our feelings, reconnecting with our friends, and choosing joyful experiences over dejected ones. Retirement provides us with ample time to deliberate our life goals and aspirations, shaping the legacy we wish to pass on to our loved ones and the world.
- As Tom Jones looks towards retirement and his 80s, he recognizes the importance of shaping his legacy, acknowledging that time is fleeting and he wants to contribute meaningful work before it's too late, aiming to avoid the regret of leaving a lackluster legacy.
- Embracing the concept of life as a series of phases, Bonnie Ware's book, "The Top Five Regrets of the Dying," encourages individuals in retirement to reflect on their legacy, pushing against the tendency to drift through life without purpose and instead crafting a meaningful breadcrumb legacy.
- The transformative nature of retirement can lead to a sense of grief and loss, as individuals bid farewell to past careers and lives, but this period offers an opportunity for self-reflection and the creation of a lasting legacy, serving as a testament to our time on Earth and our decisions along the way.
