Retool not Retire

After many years studying retirement and living it for a few, I could say without hesitation the answer is:

RETOOL!

When instituted, Social Security was drawn upon on average for about two years as people's lifespans were much shorter. Just a glimpse into how the emphasis seemed to be on the life's work and the responsibility for ones own livelihood and happiness. Perhaps working at one career , one company and fulfillment was a little discussed luxury.

And let me say that thinking about and saving for later years is critical and for many a matter of surviving and paying for essentials much less being able to think about fulfillment. There are many books about the economics and habits of saving for later years and optimizing your budgeting and savings habits referenced in other blogs and books.

A book called "The 4 Hour Workweek "was written by Tim Ferriss. It says retirement as its own goal is flawed for three reasons:

1: It assumes that there's nothing you can enjoy doing during the phase of life when you are physically capable and have seemingly many more choices.

2: The cost of living is such that most will need to generate some type of income; it doesn't need to be penance if you give that some thought along the way and get paid for something you enjoy.

3: If you believe you have done well enough and have sufficient resources, then what you did to generate it and how you are wired would have you going a bit stir crazy after a few weeks of doing nothing.

RETOOL- but with what guide or instructions? You get to decide that.

One resource is a book by Joshua Metcalf called "Chop Wood Carry Water." Caught my eye since the head football coach at the national champion Ohio State University, Ryan Day, had all of his players read it and talk about it the year they won the national championship.

"It is healthy to acknowledge our feelings, but when it comes to action, we are much better served to act on our principles rather than feelings.

Happiness is easy and me-focused. Fulfillment is hard and others-focused.

Fulfillment comes from a life lived in faithful commitment to principles and at the end of principles there is life, freedom, hope, joy and peace"

As I've said, we've been told to focus on the number, the dollars, as the be all and end all to a fulfilling life, and it is important in most cases.

But it is very likely simply a price of entry not the sole answer to many years of productive satisfied living.

You can build your own house, your own life and enjoy the process along the way so you will have all the wood and water you will need!