I help my clients make big decisions regarding their work and business life. Many come to me when they are transitioning from being an employee to being self-employed. Others are business owners who want more and “better” clients. Recently I am seeing more people who are thinking about semi-retirement or full retirement. As part of our work together, I help these clients explore the difference between being prepared to retire and being ready to retire.
Being prepared involves doing. It is concrete and objective. For example, you have saved enough money to live comfortably and have a business transition plan in place. Being ready is about feelings. It is emotional, subjective and personal. When you are ready you feel confident and eager to move forward with the changes you have planned.
In addition to helping my clients prepare for retirement, we also work on getting emotionally ready. Part of emotional readiness involves identifying and alleviating fears and getting more comfortable with uncertainty. We work to uncover the initial excitement they felt at the prospect of retiring and explore when and why that feeling changed.
Difficult emotions are bound to resurface from time to time. I help my clients develop strategies for navigating those periods so they can keep moving forward with their plans.
Sometimes clients really aren’t ready. Their gut tells them that something is not right. I help them reflect and really listen to themselves. We explore why their insides are screaming… don’t do it. It can take courage to say no, especially when your decision affects others.
Being ready is just as important as being prepared. How do you know if you are ready? If you really want to be ready to retire, focus on the emotional side. If you stop and pay attention to your thoughts and how your body feels, the answer will usually come forward. When you are ready you feel lighter and a sense of eagerness. When you aren’t ready there is tightness in your body and you just can’t get comfortable with your decision.
Most people get scared or fearful before making a significant change. Be aware of your feelings and get the support and help you need to realize your retirement dreams.
I specialize in helping people transition into self-employment, semi-retirement and full retirement.
Call me for a complimentary consultation. I’d love to help you!
MarGO!
Blog post written by Margo Geller and Debra Livingston
