Image by Gerd Altmann
Editor's Note: While this article is geared to retirees and soon-to-be retirees, its precepts are very applicable to people still in the workforce or even just starting out.
In the golden hues of retirement lies an unexplored frontier not of cessation, but of rebirth and innovation. The narrative of retirement as the final curtain call is as outdated as an operating system that's due for an upgrade.
Embrace Your Next Chapter
Embrace your next chapter with courage, innovation, and purpose. Enter the concept of "rewiring" - a transformative journey that redefines the post-career phase as a vibrant field of possibilities, urging us to install the latest version of our lives with enthusiasm, wisdom, and forward momentum. This shift in perspective isn't just about changing how we spend our time; it's about upgrading our personal operating system to thrive in a world that values continuous growth and improvement.
Share Your Naked Truth
The path to rewiring begins with confronting the "naked truth," a moment of unvarnished clarity akin to the child's voice in Hans Christian Andersen’s The Emperor's New Clothes. This journey invites us to peel back the layers of pretense and face the realities of our desires, fears, and aspirations head-on. It's about embracing the liberating and refreshing vicissitudes of life, acknowledging that growth is perpetual, and that recognizing one's vulnerabilities is the bedrock of resilience and connection.
Take the story of a dinner among old friends, for instance. These were not just any friends but colleagues from my pixie-dusted days at Walt Disney World Resort, where creating magical moments was just another day at the office. The decision to leave spouses at home meant the evening was ripe for raw honesty, away from the watchful "looks" that could silence a room.
Over plates of old-school Italian and under the attentive care of Brandon, our waiter, the conversation meandered from light-hearted jabs to deep, soul-baring confessions. This wasn't just dinner; it was an unspoken pact of truth where each shared his naked truth, his concerns of how to be a better father, his hopes for a future still bright. The unanimous realization that evening was that men want to talk and put their truth on the table. The hunger for such conversations is universal, a testament to the power of sharing one's naked truth.
Returnships that Rock
To quote Louis Armstrong, "Musicians don't retire; they stop when there's no more music in them." This line, emblematic of the spirit of returnships (also known as return-to-work programs), resonates deeply with those who view retirement not as the end, but as a pivot to new beginnings. The story of Ben Whittaker in The Intern illustrates this beautifully.
At 70, Ben (played by Robert De Niro) finds a new lease on life, becoming an integral part of a modern startup, proving that the melody of contribution knows no age. Throughout the movie, Ben's wisdom, experience, and gentle demeanor become invaluable to Jules (played by Anne Hathaway) and her team, offering a different perspective and mentoring that many of them lack. In one scene, Ben says to Jules, “I hate to be the feminist here, but I think you're capable of anything."
Imagine then, the transformative power of returnships in the real world. They're not mere occupational interludes, but a testament to the enduring value of experience, wisdom, and the untapped potential within those daring enough to redefine their golden years. These programs bridge the gap between the seasoned expertise of the older generation and the dynamic innovation of the new, creating a symphony of mutual growth, respect, and understanding.
Aspire to Inspire
The greatest legacy we can leave is not found in the wealth we amass or the accolades we receive, but in the lives we touch and the inspiration we sow. The concept of "Aspire to Inspire" echoes this sentiment, serving as a clarion call to all standing at the threshold of retirement. It's an invitation to share your story, your trials and triumphs, and the lessons learned along the way.
Consider the circles of resilience, where stories of fortitude spark conversations, ideas, and the reassuring realization that we are all interconnected in our journey through life. Such is the atmosphere at my friend Kyle's house, where twice a year, forty strangers turned friends gather to share, listen, and find solace in the collective wisdom of experience. It's in these moments of serendipitous interaction that the true power of aspiring to inspire is revealed.
Get Ready for Your Upgrade
As you stand at the precipice of what could be the most exhilarating phase of your life, remember that to rewire is not merely to continue existing, but to thrive with purpose, passion, and a penchant for lifelong learning.
Whether it's through sharing your naked truth, embarking on a returnship that rocks, or aspiring to inspire those around you, your next chapter is waiting to be written with the wisdom only you can provide.
So, to those over 50 contemplating the twilight of their professional careers, I say: Your encore awaits. Upgrade your personal operating system. The world needs the music that's still in you. Let's not retire the melody of our lives but rather, let's rewire, redefine, and rejuvenate our collective future.
Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Book by this Author:
BOOK: Resilience@Work
Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future
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In this fast-paced world, the ability to cultivate resilience has become paramount. Be inspired by this business parable that sheds light on this essential skill. You will meet four individuals: Hurry, Worry, Ready, and Steady—navigating the challenges of an ever-evolving future. Hurry and Worry are introduced to a self-test, a catalyst for personal growth. Meanwhile, Ready and Steady, experienced in navigating every economic climate, share self-coaching wisdom on thriving in any situation.
It’s time for you to take charge of your destiny.
For more info and/or to order this hardcover book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition and an Audiobook version.
About the Author
Simon T. Bailey is the world’s leading expert in Brilliance. His groundbreaking research, State of Working America Report Thriving in Resilience and Brilliance, solidifies his insights in his 11th book,Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future.
With Disney Institute as his launchpad, he’s left an indelible mark on 2,400 plus organizations in 54 countries, including American Express, Deloitte, Visa, Signet Jewelers, and Taco Bell. He has made a remarkable impact on 120,000 professionals who’ve experienced his pioneering courses on the LinkedIn Learning platform. Simon has been recognized as Success Magazine’s Top 25, alongside Brené Brown, Tony Robbins, and Oprah Winfrey, as well as being on leadersHum Top 200 Power List. His viral video, released on Goalcast through META, has over 91 million plus views to date. Learn more at simontbailey.com.
