NextAvenue.org has permission to reproduce this article.
A 2020 Edward Jones/Age Wave survey found that one third of new retirees struggle to find purpose after quitting their job. This is not surprising in many ways. Wayne Dyer, motivational speaker and author, once said, "If you are what your do, then you're not what you don't."
According to a new book, "Who Do You Want To Be When You Get Old?" Richard J. Leider, David A. Shapiro and David A. Shapiro argued that finding purpose in retirement shouldn't be a luxury, but a necessity.
The data is clear, Leider told me recently. Purpose is essential. It is vital to your health, well-being, happiness, and, ultimately, your longevity.
Leider is an expert on what he says. He has been researching the topic for more than 40 years and is the founder of Inventure: The Purpose Company. He also wrote nine books on purpose, six of them co-authored with Shapiro.
You'll find insights, tools, and exercises in his new book that will help you unlock your purpose as an aging person.
Please describe the best chapter of your life. What was it that made it so special? What are you doing to bring out those qualities in your next chapter of life? Reassess your calendar and ask yourself: How can I grow? Regularly make time for yourself to grow and give. What is the role model for you in aging? What are their qualities as a person who is growing older?
I spoke to Leider by Zoom ZM, -2.1% in July to find out more about his research as well as the book. Here are highlights from our interview:
Next Avenue: Purpose can mean different things to different people. What is purpose?
Richard Leider However, there are some defining characteristics that have remained the same.
It is an action-oriented verb. It answers the question "Why do you get up every morning?"
Also, see: I am a single father of 39 years with $600,000. I want to retire at 50. But I don't know how. What should I do?
You will likely need a gift if you are passionate about writing, solving technical problems, or cooking. Your purpose can be reflected in the combination of that gift and your passions.
Is it possible to find your purpose?
This is a common misconception. In reality, purpose doesn't wait to be discovered. Everybody has a purpose. However, it is rarely revealed to them.
It is up to you to choose to be curious, discover your purpose and connect with others. It is an ongoing process that changes as you age. Therefore, it is important to regularly reassess your purpose.
As a retired coach, I have seen people feel overwhelmed by the idea of purpose. Is it necessary to do something significant or life-changing if you have a purpose?
This is an extremely important point. Although I believe that purpose is about making a difference in people's lives, this does not mean you must pursue it with a capital P. For example, finding a cure to cancer.
Learn how to beat boredom in retirement
According to me, there are 1,440 opportunities for purpose (minutes) per day. Every minute can be used to reach out and touch someone. Even if it's in small ways, it feels good to make an impact and connect with others.
This book provides a three-step guideline for unlocking purpose. Find out how you want help others; find out who you want help, and discover what motivates you. Could you please elaborate on these three steps?
You need to examine your gifts if you want to continue growing as you age. Find out what you love doing. What is my legacy? Next, consider how you can use your gifts to help others, solve a problem or make a difference.
You will be on the right track to purposeful aging when you do this.
Do you have any final tips?
As a reminder, place a sticky note with the words Grow and Give on your mirror.
You will slowly feel a sense of purpose by reflecting on and acting on this question regularly.
Learn more: Are you in retirement hell? Retirement: The search for meaning and challenge
In the next chapter, make sure you are mindful of who you surround yourself with. The Harvard Study of Adult Development has shown that close relationships are more important in keeping you happy than any single factor. This includes IQ, genes, and social class. Talking to close friends about your purpose can help you clarify it and give you the motivation to take action.
Nancy Collamer, M.S., is a semiretirement coach, speaker and author of Second-Act Careers: 50+ Ways to Profit From Your Passions During Semi-Retirement. You can now download her free workbook, 25 Ways to Help You Identify Your Ideal Second Act on her website at MyLifestyleCareer.com (and youll also receive her free bimonthly newsletter).
This article was reprinted with permission from NextAvenue.org, Inc. 2021 Twin Cities Public Television, Inc.
Next Avenue has more:
