More than 9 million American adults have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and are experiencing difficulties handling retirement, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
That's a lot of people struggling with gaining contentment after leaving the workplace.
Handling retirement's essential tasks and modifying one's daily habits for maximum enjoyment are major challenges, and many folks never get a handle on it.
If you find yourself having trouble staying focused after leaving the workplace, here are 10 steps that may help improve your retirement experience:
1. Take a quick personal assessment
Understanding yourself is the critical element in the retirement contentment equation. Each of us possesses many experiences, abilities, aptitudes and interests that are unique and contribute to our retirement adjustment. A relevant step toward identifying potential areas of interest, involvement and contentment is identifying your strengths and unique capabilities. After compiling your individual list, you can focus on activities that may meet your needs.
2. Pay close attention to your routine daily activities
While assessing your options, note specific areas and activities that seem to sync with your personality and interests. These could signal a likely match between your true personal interests and your retirement situation; consider pursuing them.
3. Be a lifelong learner
If you don't have a computer, get one and learn to use it. Continued learning can be easily accomplished online whenever you get the urge. You can quietly and simply discover and explore the workings of a potential new hobby or interest, allowing you to determine whether or not it may be worth your involvement.
4. Talk to people who are doing things that interest you
Talking with those already involved in a particular area of interest is often the best, most effective way to gain an understanding of it. These people welcome questions from people curious about their area of expertise; you can mentally take the activity for a trial run before getting involved in it.
5. Observe and learn
Watching an activity first hand can help you decide whether or not to get involved in it. If you get an urge to jump in immediately, that's a clue that it may be right for you.
6. Nothing is complication-free
If, after compiling a list of potential interests and looking into a few, and you continue experiencing personal challenges with retirement issues, then consider talking with a retirement coach. Admittedly, I wasn't a fan of this relatively new retirement adaptation option. But after seeing and hearing from so many people struggling with the life of leisure, a coach might prove valuable in easing the process.
7. A few good friends are essential
There are times when we need someone who will listen without making judgments, and these people often turn out to be our lifelong friends. Over the years they've had the innate insight to simply listen, hear what's bothering us, and offer not only unbiased and meaningful support, but also valid suggestions. Never undervalue a good friend.
8. Give your ideas a test run
Now that you've identified a number of potential activities, go ahead and give them a try. You're ready and confident, so get out there and get on with it. You can't fail since you're merely functioning in a trial mode.
9. The retirement honeymoon phase
Being new at retirement is concurrently exciting and worrisome. During your years in the workplace, you were given a period of time to adjust when moving into a new job, and many bosses eased you into your new role. The same scenario plays well in retirement as well; you're new at it, so relieve the pressure and ease into the process. You can do this because you're the boss.
10. Professional outside assistance
In the most extreme cases when retirement adjustment just isn't flowing smoothly after trying most or all of the above options, a medical provider such as a therapist may be in order. There's no stigma, so forget that notion. Seeking professional assistance will enable you to assess your situation, identify the most worrisome challenges, and develop a clear, comfortable retirement plan for your future.
You aren't in this alone, as confirmed by recent studies indicating that approximately nine million other people are struggling with retirement along with you. Being proactive is the most positive, healthy approach for getting settled into a comfortable life of retirement. Congratulations on having the courage to take personal responsibility for your life.
