This post is a duplication of our newsletter, The Weekly Reset, where we review a key theme each week. In the spotlight this week: Purpose. What do you think gives you purpose after work life ends?
A note from Johann
Finding your life’s purpose
In retirement, it is about defining your contribution
One of the most serious concerns of retirees is knowing who you are after retiring. Identity and your purpose in life are easily defined when you are working and have a full-time job. When you have retired and retirement is the platform of your life, it is much harder. It is because there is no clear line of responsibility and because there is no manual of instruction that will teach you how to navigate the streams of what looks like a lot of emptiness.
It is all very well pointing to grandchildren and enough time now to devote yourself to the family, but that doesn’t take up all that much of your time. Playing a good deal more golf also fails to do it. Some say they are doing more odd jobs around the house, but these are just small part-time involvements.
The real question is, what would give me a definite sense of purpose that might replace the commitment I felt before retiring?
Resolving this issue is much like the career decision that had to be made after leaving school. It is what you will be busy with on a regular basis and what you would like to be identified with that would give you a proper sense of purpose.
The exercise of plotting and creating this is difficult, but not impossible. Well regarded and experienced coach Craig O’Flaherty says when considering what will occupy you in retirement it is about asking four critical questions:
Do I really love it
Am I good at it?
Does the world need it?
Will I be recognised and be paid for it?
When these thoughts have been given enough time and consideration and when there is an intersection of the four, the challenge to find your retirement occupation is likely to be easier.
Coupled with these questions is the even more important issue to ponder. It is about the values of your life and the stage of life you are now faced with. It is this; what is my contribution? What is the greater good that I am here to serve? Jordan Peterson says the key to a satisfying life is to take on responsibility that will enable you to know what your contribution to the world is.
It is responsibility that will give your life meaning and it is responsibility that will help you to define your contribution.
Johann
Our top pick this week:
Why Living With Purpose Is Easier Than You Think
This article elucidates purpose in such a way that it transcends age and that’s why we have selected to include it in this week’s series. For those who are looking to define their purpose outside of their work and careers, this read can help to clarify things.
“According to William Damon, a developmental psychologist at Stanford, purpose has two important dimensions. First, purpose is a “stable and far-reaching” goal. Purpose is a goal toward which we are always working. It is the forward-pointing arrow that motivates our behavior and serves as the organizing principle of our lives. Second, purpose involves a contribution to the world.”
Click here to read the whole article on Happify
Our Spotlight video:
What gives us Purpose after work?
We look at one of the biggest challenges facing retirees. What gives us purpose after work? We often find our identity and purpose wrapped up in our vocation. So how can we address the void that exists once we leave full-time work?
Retirement offers both a challenge and opportunity in forcing us to find purpose beyond our vocation.
Click play to watch our spotlight video of the week
Other Highlights of The Week:
Finding Meaning and Purpose In Old Age
This article addresses why we might lose a sense of meaning and purpose as we age and what we can do about it.
“Old age is often associated with wisdom and experience. Many people are happier as they grow older, due to a more developed emotional intelligence and increased depth, and a resulting balanced inner life. However, there are two things that tend to decrease as we age: the sense of meaning and purpose.”
Click here to read the article on Emoha
Weekly Poll
This week’s poll: On intergenerational wellbeing
Option A: I am focused on building a legacy.
Option B: I am still looking after my own prosperity.
Option C : I generally try to help the next generation.
Click here to answer the question in our Facebook group
Last week’s poll and finding: On purpose after work
Option A: Purpose is just a buzzword – 3%
Option B: Our jobs give us purpose – 1%
Option C : Our purpose is bigger than our jobs – 55%
Option D : You never really find your purpose, you strive toward it – 41%
Most Popular Post of The Week
People Age Better If They Have A Purpose In Life
Click here to read the article on Time.com
Most Popular Quote of The Week
Retirement offers both a challenge and opportunity in forcing us to find purpose beyond our vocation
Click here to follow our Instagram page
To get more information and resources like this in your inbox weekly, subscribe to our newsletter here.
