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Mistake #1
You don’t have a plan and you are not sure what you will do in retirement – this may sound an exaggeration in a place like Switzerland nearby to my home in France, but many people believe its just about having enough money. For happiness in retirement money is just one factor.
Solution:
Ask a professional coach to go through your life plan. A step-by-step approach will open up doors to ideas and creativity that you never knew possible. Spread your assets over different types of investments – never put all your eggs in one basket. Once you know where you are financially you have cleared your mind for other important areas to consider.
Mistake #2
It could be you believe that you are no longer important and now you have left your high position that you are Mr. or Ms. nobody. Nothing could be further from the truth. You are a unique person with those qualities that you have used during your career. How can you use those qualities to get to where you want to be? You are the person who can change things – not someone else or outside circumstances.
Solution:
Focus on what you would like to do next, not what others are expecting from you. Its what you want – take responsibility for your own life.
Mistake #3
I no longer feel confident to find another job – who would want me at my age. If you really want something enough it will happen. My brother was hired just before his 60th birthday. I’m not saying life has been easy for him career wise – quite the opposite. You can sit back and say, well I’m hopeless at networking and its never going to happen, or you can look at all the creative ways of changing your CV.
Solution:
Think of a job you would love that means going to work would be like a hobby. What was the biggest highlight in your career when you felt you were at your best? Take a look at your CV and think of some creative ways to change it – make sure you keep it short – not more than 2 pages.
Mistake #4
I can now sit back, do nothing and wait for something to happen – OK, if you’ve had a very stressful time in your previous life, take a vacation and do some fun things. Playing or just hanging out all day long may have been a fantasy while you were working but it spells disaster for the rest of your life.
Solution:
Think of an activity that you would like to try or have always wanted to do but not had enough time. Even if you think you may not be very good at whatever you try, doing nothing is not going to get your creativity buds going.
Mistake #5
My relationships with ex colleagues has changed and I have no friends – If you are always looking inwardly and feeling sorry for yourself, this is not going to get you moving in the right direction.
Solution:
Your past life is now past and its time to look forward to those interesting new relationships you can make. What do you enjoy? Think of one or two people who are doing things you would like to do or learn and ask them if you can join them as a taster. Organise your time wisely, otherwise you may be too active to retire!
If you are preparing for retirement, listen to the experts and be sure to plan ahead. No matter what, it’s never too late to start. As you can see, successful retirement is not just about money. Money is important but so are social relationships, health, activities and self-confidence. Good luck in your path towards a happy, healthy and resourceful retirement.
So what are you going to do today to take the first step towards a smart retirement? | 
