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3 simple steps to develop clarity, goals and action steps – and the retirement life you want

The ADA Framework is a straightforward and handy tool that we can use to solve any problem, make any changes, and design and realise any project.

Whenever we feel confused or stuck, we can ask:

How can I gain more awareness/clarity – and use it to make decisions and take action? And create the results I want?

 

In this article, following the steps A/Awareness, D/Decision, and A/Action will help you create a personal strategy for a successful transition into retirement. 

#1 – AWARENESS – Build a clear understanding of your starting point.

    1. Identify challenges and concerns:
      • What specific fears or concerns do you have about retirement?
      • What limiting beliefs might be holding you back?
    2. Explore desired outcomes:
      • Who do you want to be, and how do you want to show up?
      • How do you want to fill and structure your daily life?
    3. Self-assessment questions:
      • What personal strengths, skills, and passions could help you shape your retirement?
      • What values are most important in this phase of your life?

PRACTICAL TIP – Create three lists: One for current challenges, one for desired outcomes, and another for your personal resources. Use these as a foundation for your retirement strategy.

#2 – DECISION – Set priorities and choose goals.

    1. Define success:
      • How do you want to define a “successful” and fulfilling retirement?
      • What goals would make this new phase meaningful and rewarding?
    2. Describe the desired outcome:
      • Write a short statement describing your ideal retirement experience. For example: “I want a retirement filled with learning, travel, meaningful contributions through mentoring, and quality time with loved ones.”
    3. Set priorities and specific goals:
      • Which areas of life need the most attention, and how will you ensure they become your priorities?
      • What specific goals would you like to achieve within the first year of retirement?

PRACTICAL TIP – Use a vision board, mind map, or simple bullet points to outline your retirement plans, your priorities and your core goals. This will serve as a guiding document as you move forward.

#3 – ACION – Take first action steps, evaluate and adapt.

    1. Create an action plan:
      • List 3-5 key actions you can take in the next three months to begin exploring and building the retirement life you want.
      • Identify specific milestones and deadlines that will help you stay on track.
    2. Build a support system:
      • Who can help you achieve your retirement goals?
      • What networks or communities could you join for social and professional engagement?
    3. Evaluate and adjust:
      • Schedule regular check-ins (monthly or quarterly) to review your progress and adjust your action plan.
      • Reflect on what’s working and what needs to change.

PRACTICAL TIP – Use a tracking tool, planner, or journal to monitor your goals, progress, and lessons learned. Reward yourself when you hit key milestones.

IMPORTANT PRACTICAL TIP

Designing our retirement life is a huge task – and we don’t need (and can’t) do it in one go!

As soon as you start to feel overwhelmed or frustrated, it’s time to lean back and intentionally choose what to FOCUS on right now:

    • Choose ONE task or life area you want to work on.
    • Set SPECIFIC goals (the smaller, the better).
    • Set SHORT-TERM timeframes.

The following case study is supposed to demonstrate the importance of focus and the effectiveness of the ADA Framework:

CASE STUDY

Agnes was hesitant to do any retirement planning. The whole topic made her feel very uncomfortable.
 
After playing around a bit with the terms awareness, decisiveness, and action-taking, she realised that the idea of making detailed plans for all areas of her retirement life was just too overwhelming. She decided to focus and apply the ADA Framework on the one area that worried her most: mental health.
 
This is what she got out of the 3-step process:
 
A – Awareness: I am anxious and worried about my mental health. I want to stay mentally fit.
 
D – Decision: My mental health is an important life priority. The goal I set for myself here is to learn/study something new and challenging. My first choice is learning a new language.
 
A – Action: I will enroll in a Spanish language course for 6 months. Then, I evaluate and re-decide.
 
The results she got in this one life area – the awareness she built, the decisions she made, and the actions she started to take – were all Agnes needed to get going.
 
Over several months, she took other life areas through the ADA process as well and finally felt very confident about her retirement-planning capabilities. And her retirement life.

Summary of the three steps of the ADA framework:

Step 1 – Awareness

Identify current challenges, limiting beliefs, and desired outcomes to build a clear understanding of your starting point.

Step 2 – Decision

Make decisions about what you want your life to look like and describe it in a vision statement. Set priorities and choose goals.

Step 3 – Action

Take intentional action steps toward your goals, seek support, and stay adaptable and flexible when circumstances or goals change.

If you have any questions about the ADA Framework,  please get in touch (margot@letgo-moveon.com.au).

 

How to start designing a meaningful retirement life you love

Before choosing our priorities for retirement, defining our core goals, and planning our next action steps, we need to explore the key topics of our current and future life.

We need clarity on where we are now and where we want to go/be.

Then, we can decide how to bridge the gap between the here and there and choose the priorities, goals, and actions to create a life structure that supports and enables the retirement life we want.

Exploration of the key topics of your life

I suggest you schedule a series of meetings with yourself on your calendar to ask and answer a series of questions.

The following list suggests essential life topics to consider and offers example questions to help you get started.

Adjust the list to your circumstances and requirements: Add to the list what you miss and take out what’s not relevant to you.

Topic 1 – Your Identity

Who are you right now? What are the essential parts of your current identity? – Which of these parts will you take along into your retirement? What do you need/want to change about the person you are right now? What are the essential parts of your new identity?

Topic 2 – Your Purpose

What are your current values, beliefs, and the things you stand and fight for? – What are the topics, goals, passions and interests you want to focus on in the future? How do you want to (re-)define the meaning of (your) life?

Topic 3 – Your mindset and mental fitness

How do you feel about retirement? What are your thoughts and emotions when you imagine this new phase of life? Are there fears or uncertainties holding you back? – What beliefs do you want to let go of? What new perspectives do you want to adopt? How will you keep your mind engaged, flexible, and resilient?

Topic 4 – Your relationships

What does your social network look like just now? Who are the important people in your life? What do you appreciate in your relationships, and what frustrates you? – Who will naturally drop out of your contact list? Who do you want to add? Which relationships do you want to change or intensify?

Topic 5 – Your physical health

How do you currently feel physically? What are your strengths and challenges regarding your health and fitness? – What habits do you want to keep, improve, or introduce to maintain and enhance your physical well-being? What role will nutrition, exercise, rest, and medical care play in your retirement plan?

Topic 6 – Your financial security

Do you have a clear understanding of your financial situation? Are your current resources aligned with the lifestyle you envision? – What steps can you take to feel more financially secure? What adjustments might be necessary to sustain financial stability and independence throughout retirement?

Topic 7 – Your personal development

What new skills, knowledge, or experiences excite you? Are there interests or talents you’ve never had time to explore? – What forms of learning and personal growth do you want to prioritise? How will you challenge yourself to continue evolving?

Topic 8 – Your professional and social engagement

Do you want to stay professionally active in some way? What role will work, volunteering, or mentoring play in your life? – What kinds of projects, initiatives, or social causes could offer you a sense of purpose and fulfilment? How will you balance engagement with flexibility and leisure?

Topic 9 – Your lifestyle, home, and living environment

Where do you want to live, and what environment best supports your happiness and well-being? Does your current home fit your vision for retirement, or would a change be beneficial? – How will you structure your daily life to include the activities, routines, and surroundings that bring you joy?


PRACTICAL TIP:

Don’t overcomplicate or overthink this exercise.

This is just the starting point of an ongoing journey.

However, the journey can only start if you take the first step. I recommend you do it in writing.

Write down whatever comes to your mind; there are no wrong questions or answers.

The goal is to understand yourself and your ideal retirement life better.

Important:

If you feel intimidated by the first two topics – identity and purpose – I suggest you put them aside for some time.

Instead, start exploring other life areas that you find more approachable. Finding your answers in those areas will automatically help you clarify how you want to define your identity and purpose.


In the next newsletter article, I will describe how the ADA Framework (Awareness/Decision/Action) can help us define clear goals and action steps – so we start to actively create the retirement life we want.

The key benefits of intentional planning and preparation for retirement. And the example of a Retirement Preparation Plan.

This newsletter issue’s topic is strongly related to the first issue because intentional planning and preparation help a lot in letting go of retirement uncertainty.


Most retirees who say they fully enjoy their retirement life also say they thoroughly planned and prepared for it.

And most of those who currently don’t feel fulfilled and happy agree and say they regret that they didn’t invest much time and energy in the planning and preparation of their transition into retirement.

Why is that? Why is the planning and preparation for retirement such an important success factor?

Let’s explore the two types of benefits of intentional retirement planning: the practical advantages and the positive impact on our mindset and emotional well-being.

Practical benefits of preparing for retirement

Planning ahead allows us to avoid stress and uncertainty as we approach retirement and makes it easier to structure and organise our daily retirement life as we want it. 

These are some examples of practical benefits:

Financial readiness

Evaluating savings, investments, and income sources helps us make necessary adjustments in advance, ensuring long-term financial security and peace of mind.

Lifestyle clarity

Identifying what we want our retirement to look like – travel, hobbies, work, volunteer work, or spending time with family, for example – helps structure our daily life purposefully.

Housing and location decisions

Deciding on living arrangements in advance – for example, downsizing, relocating, or ageing in place – prevents rushed decisions with potentially negative consequences.

Health and well-being planning

Evaluating healthcare options and insurance coverage and engagement in healthy activities and routines support a higher quality of life and health.

Decluttering and organising

Simplifying possessions, paperwork, and digital assets reduces stress, creates space and clarity, and makes daily life more manageable.

Emotional and mindset benefits of retirement planning

Beyond practical preparation, actively planning for retirement fosters a positive outlook (“I’m active and in control”) and emotional resilience (“I’m well prepared”).

It allows us, for example, to:

Feel in control and empowered

Rather than facing retirement passively, planning gives us a sense of agency over our future.

Reduce anxiety and uncertainty

Knowing what to expect and having a plan in place eases worries about the unknown.

Maintain a sense of purpose

Structuring our retirement around meaningful activities keeps us engaged and motivated.

Strengthen relationships

Preparing in advance allows us to discuss expectations with loved ones and cultivate a strong support system.

Stay active and engaged

A well-thought-out plan encourages ongoing learning, social interaction, and personal growth.

How can you enjoy the benefits of intentional planning when you are already IN retirement?

It’s never too late to make a plan – and act on it.

If you’ve already entered retirement without a structured plan, don’t worry – there is still plenty of time to create a life you enjoy. Retirement is not a rigid destination but an ongoing journey.

Start by assessing where you are now and identifying areas you would like to improve. Focusing on one or two manageable steps, such as organising your finances, exploring new hobbies, reconnecting with old friends, or setting a loose daily routine, can make a significant difference.

Approach this stage with curiosity and openness, and allow yourself the flexibility to design a life, step by step, that truly aligns with your needs and aspirations.

Example of a Retirement Preparation Plan – to help you get started

The example plan not only offers a selection of action areas you could choose from – it also reminds you of the benefits you will enjoy while you are acting:

Define your vision

    • Practical Benefit: Helps create structure and direction for daily life, reducing uncertainty.
    • Emotional Benefit: Provides a sense of purpose and excitement for the future.

Review your finances

    • Practical Benefit: Ensures long-term financial security and prevents unexpected difficulties.
    • Emotional Benefit: Reduces stress and builds confidence in financial decisions.

Organise important documents

    • Practical Benefit: Saves time and avoids legal or financial complications.
    • Emotional Benefit: Provides peace of mind knowing everything is in order.

Declutter and simplify

    • Practical Benefit: Creates a more manageable and stress-free living space.
    • Emotional Benefit: Provides a sense of clarity, spaciousness, lightness.

Plan your daily structure

    • Practical Benefit: Keeps the day organised and fulfilling.
    • Emotional Benefit: Prevents feelings of aimlessness and boosts motivation.

Strengthen social connections

    • Practical Benefit: Prevents isolation and keeps relationships strong.
    • Emotional Benefit: Enhances happiness and mental well-being.

Prioritize health and wellness

    • Practical Benefit: Supports longevity and physical well-being.
    • Emotional Benefit: Boosts confidence, self-care, self-control.

Explore new opportunities

    • Practical Benefit: Keeps the mind sharp and engaged.
    • Emotional Benefit: Encourages curiosity and personal growth.

Communicate with loved ones

    • Practical Benefit: Avoids misunderstandings about expectations in retirement.
    • Emotional Benefit: Strengthens family bonds and emotional security.

PRACTICAL TIP:

Browse these suggestions, then pick ONE action area you want to focus on now.

Remember: Even big plans can be realised – if we approach them step by step.

In the coming articles, we will discuss successful retirement planning and organisation in more detail as well as a broad range of tools and strategies that help us create the retirement life we want and love to live.

Uncertain about retirement? Here are the concerns of stepping away from work and how to overcome them.


This is the first issue of the newsletter, ‘Retirement Success Strategies for Professionals’.

We start our exploration of expert tips, practical tools, and proven strategies for a fulfilling retirement today – with an awareness exercise.

There is no need to take action immediately.

The purpose of this first article is to help you uncover and better understand your current beliefs and concerns about retirement.

The coming newsletter articles will offer

    • guidelines and exercises to help you overcome any retirement-related challenges and obstacles,
    • as well as tools and strategies for the design and realisation of your personal retirement action plan.

Don’t forget to sign up for my email newsletter – to ensure you don’t miss any of the Retirement Success Strategies.

 

Now let’s dive in!

Uncertain about retirement? Here are the concerns of stepping away from work and how to overcome them.

As a professional nearing or already in retirement, you may find yourself facing unexpected challenges. Some challenges arise from your concerns and beliefs about retirement, and you may not yet be aware of all of them.

The goal of today’s awareness exercise is to help you recognise any limiting thoughts and worries, allowing you to approach your retirement life with an open mind and make intentional decisions about it.

These are some of the most common concerns you may encounter, along with suggestions for navigating them:

 

->   IDENTITY AND PURPOSE

Loss of professional identity

Leaving behind a career that has defined our success, status, and self-worth can create an identity crisis. (‘Who am I? Who do I want to be now?’)

Suggestions – Start redefining who you are beyond your job title. Consider advisory roles, mentoring, or engaging in activities that align with your skills and values. Explore new passions and redefine success on your terms.

Fear of losing influence and relevance

The idea of becoming “invisible” or less valued without our professional role can be unsettling.

Suggestions – Recognise and celebrate your achievements while redirecting your attention towards continuous personal growth. Writing a book, for example, engaging in a community project or pursuing intellectual interests, can provide a sense of continued achievement.

Uncertainty about what’s next

Without a clear purpose beyond work, the future can seem empty or directionless.

Suggestions – Start to develop a vision for the next phase of your life. Try new activities, travel, or volunteer. Use your expertise in new professional or community roles. Test different options to discover what excites you before making long-term commitments.

 

->   LIFESTYLE AND DAILY-LIFE STRUCTURE

Disrupted daily routine

Without a structured workday, we may feel aimless or unproductive.

Suggestions – Establish a new routine with planned activities, exercise, social engagements, and personal projects. Treat your time as a valuable resource and plan it intentionally.

Adjustment challenges

Going from a high-pressure, fast-paced career to a slower lifestyle can be mentally and emotionally challenging.

Suggestions – Ease into retirement gradually. Consider taking on part-time work, consulting, or setting short-term goals to maintain momentum while adjusting to the change.

Limited personal interests

If work was our primary focus, we may struggle to find fulfilling hobbies or activities.

Suggestions – Experiment with different pursuits – sports, arts, volunteering, travel, or learning a new skill. The key is to stay curious and open-minded.

 

->   RELATIONSHIPS AND SOCIAL NETWORKS

Social disconnection

Losing daily interaction with professional networks can lead to feelings of isolation.

Suggestions – Maintain and expand your network. Join an interesting association, attend industry events, and stay connected with colleagues. Additionally, reconnect with old friends, build new friendships through shared interests, join sports clubs, etc.

Changed family dynamics

Spending more time at home can shift relationships with our spouse or family in unexpected ways.

Suggestions – Engage in open discussions about your expectations and aspirations, as well as your need for personal space. Create a balance between togetherness and individual activities to maintain harmony.

Peer comparisons

Seeing former colleagues pursue impressive post-retirement careers may cause self-doubt.

Suggestions – Define success on your own terms. Focus on what brings you joy rather than competing with others. Everyone’s retirement journey is unique. Focus on your achievements and future goals.

 

->   AGEING-RELATED CONSIDERATIONS

Fear of ageing and decline

Retirement can be a stark reminder of ageing and potential health concerns.

Suggestions – Prioritise physical and mental wellness. Stay active, eat well, challenge your mind, and maintain regular medical check-ups to feel in control of your health.

Negative social stereotypes

Cultural narratives sometimes equate retirement with being less capable or relevant.

Suggestions – Challenge these stereotypes by staying active and engaged. Be curious and open to personal growth options. Retirement is an opportunity to reinvent yourself.

Finality of retirement label

Phrases like “the last chapter” can feel limiting and disempowering.

Suggestions See retirement as a journey, not an endpoint. View it as a time of reinvention and new opportunities rather than closure. It doesn’t matter what others think about retirement; what and how you think about it matters. And that’s 100% your choice.

 

PRACTICAL TIP:

Take the time to thoroughly review the list and identify your own concerns.

Also, read carefully through the list of action suggestions offered below each concern.

They will open your mind to the fact that each of the listed concerns – and any other worries you might have – is actionable and solvable.

 

I hope this little self-reflection exercise helps you better understand your current thoughts and concerns about retirement life – and motivates you to explore the first steps you could take to start creating the life you want.

In the next article, I will discuss why intentional planning and preparation for retirement is an essential prerequisite for the realisation of your retirement dreams.


 

Enjoy retirement more – with less unwanted habits

Break bad habits easily: The 10-minute rule for retirees

Breaking an unwanted habit doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A simple and effective technique is postponing the habit for 10 minutes. This small shift can make a huge difference in changing behaviours and regaining control.

How the 10-Minute rule works

Instead of forcing yourself to quit a habit abruptly, practice delaying it. When the urge arises, tell yourself, “Not now, but in 10 minutes.” This small delay reduces impulse actions and gradually weakens the habit.

Example 1: Reducing screen time

Many retirees find themselves reaching for their phones out of boredom, stress, or habit. Instead of immediately checking notifications, try this:

    • When you feel the urge to grab your phone, pause and say, “Not now. I’ll check it in 10 minutes.”
    • Place your phone in another room or face down to resist temptation.
    • Set a visual reminder on your lock screen, such as a motivational quote or calming image.

After 10 minutes, you may realize that the urge has passed, and you no longer feel the need to check your phone.

Example 2: Cutting back on coffee

If you want to reduce caffeine intake, applying the 10-minute rule can help:

    • Place a sticky note near your coffee machine with the words, “Not now.”
    • When you feel like having another cup, delay it by 10 minutes.
    • Engage in a different activity, like drinking water or stretching, to distract yourself.

Over time, you might find yourself drinking less coffee without feeling deprived.

Why This Method Works

The goal isn’t to completely eliminate the habit immediately. Instead, postponing it weakens its automatic nature. Here’s why this technique is effective:

    • Reduces impulsive actions by giving you time to reconsider.
    • Breaks the cycle by delaying instant gratification.
    • Increases self-awareness of triggers and habitual behaviours.
    • Encourages mindful decisions rather than acting on autopilot.

Small delays lead to big changes

By using the 10-minute rule, you take small yet powerful steps toward breaking unwanted habits. Over time, you might even forget to indulge in them at all! Try this technique today and notice the difference in your daily routines.


If you are determined to enjoy a meaningful retirement, my newsletter ‘Retirement Success Strategies for Professionals’ is for you.

Every week, I will share proven strategies & practical tools that will help you create the retirement life you want.

Sign up for the newsletter here.

Retirement Success Strategy: The power of a second goal

What happens after we set ourselves a challenging goal?

The next step is usually figuring out how to achieve it. We identify the actions needed or the behaviours to develop. We might even create a detailed action plan. Then, hopefully, we follow through.

However, as we all know, sticking to our plan isn’t always easy. Motivation often wanes.

One way to boost motivation and willpower is to attach a second desirable outcome to our original goal.

Strengthening motivation with a second goal

Consider these examples:

    • Joining a running club improves fitness (original goal) and helps you meet new people (additional goal).
    • Decluttering your home creates more space and order (original goal) while clarifying your values and priorities (additional goal).
    • Volunteering in a community project gives a sense of purpose (original goal) and helps you build new friendships (additional goal).

Exercise

Think of a goal you struggle to achieve. Ask yourself:

    • How could the actions I take to achieve this goal also lead to another rewarding outcome?
    • What additional benefits might I gain that I haven’t considered?

Write everything down. Don’t just think about it – put it on paper! Brainstorm all the added benefits that come with working toward your goal.

Then, when motivation dips, remind yourself that you’re not just achieving one goal—you’re achieving multiple benefits at the same time!

My experience with this strategy

I recently used this approach to boost my motivation for writing my weekly newsletter.

While I usually enjoy it, there are times when I struggle. This exercise showed me how many valuable outcomes stem from my writing habit:

    • I provide helpful retirement-organising tips to my subscribers (original goal).
    • I develop and refine new organising and retirement success strategies (additional goal).
    • These strategies improve my coaching sessions (another bonus).
    • And they help me simplify my own life (yet another outcome!).

Now, I no longer see writing my newsletter as just a single task. It’s an opportunity to grow, contribute, and improve multiple areas of my life—all at once.

By linking additional meaningful outcomes to your goals, you can do the same!


If you are determined to enjoy a meaningful retirement, my newsletter ‘Retirement Success Strategies for Professionals’ is for you.

Every week, I will share proven strategies & practical tools that will help you create the retirement life you want.

Sign up for the newsletter here.

Retirement and Goals – Are your goals still the right fit for your life?

What’s your relationship with your goals?

Do you like choosing goals and then investing time, energy, and effort in achieving them?

I believe goal-setting is important because it keeps us moving forward and helps us live our lives intentionally.

Goals provide us with direction, motivation, and focus.

I also believe that it’s important to regularly re-evaluate our goals and ensure they continue to guide us in the right direction, in the direction we want to go NOW.

    • If, on our journey to the goal, our priorities change,
    • or if we realise that this particular goal is too far away
    • and that it costs us too many resources to get there,
    • and that it is not that important to us (any longer),

then we are free to say, ‘No, I changed my mind. This is no longer one of my priorities. I no longer want to go there.’

We are free to decide to go somewhere closer (a similar but smaller goal) or change direction completely (choosing a completely different new goal).

How can we know for sure that changing direction and giving up a goal is the right thing to do?

We can ask ourselves questions like the following (and answer them honestly!):

    • Does the goal still align with my values and my current priorities?
    • Does working on the goal energise me or make me feel exhausted?
    • What impact would letting go of this goal have on my well-being?

Letting go of a goal isn’t failure; it’s prioritising what’s important NOW.

It’s about being honest and courageous and making changes – if what we want to achieve has changed.

So, how is your relationship with your goals?

When did you deliberately decide to let go of a goal? What made you change your mind? Was it a good decision to let it go? Why yes? Why not?

Are you currently pursuing a goal that seems no longer worth the time, energy, and effort? Are you torn between thinking you need to stick to it and wishing you could let it go?

Could questions like those above help you find the right answer?


If you enjoy exploring ideas and tools like this,

you’ll love my newsletter, ‘Retirement Success Strategies for Professionals’.

Every week, I share proven strategies and practical tools that you can apply to create and enjoy a meaningful retirement.

Sign up for the newsletter here.

Take these 2 steps to enjoy your daily life in retirement – instead of feeling overwhelmed.

If you feel overwhelmed in your daily life, it’s usually because you are experiencing something as being ‘too much’.

The ‘too much’ could be

    • too much work/too many tasks to do,
    • too many appointments/events/calls to attend,
    • too many discussions/arguments in your relationships with your spouse/boss/sister/etc.,
    • too many choices when you get dressed,
    • too many options of things to do over the weekend,
    • too many ideas for the content of the next blog post, too much/many … (fill in the blank).

The ‘too much’ is not a fact or reality; it’s no real thing. It’s something that’s created by your thoughts.

You are not feeling overwhelmed because there is too much; you feel overwhelmed because you think there is too much.

You feel overwhelmed because you have a human brain.

The brain can focus only on one thing at a time.

If we have various things going on in our life, our brain spends a lot of energy trying not to forget anything. That’s why it jumps from one thing/thought to the next and backwards, trying to take care of everything simultaneously.

So, the natural response of the human brain is to create feelings of being overwhelmed if we try to keep too many things in our heads and if we haven’t decided on what to focus on.

You can take the ‘too much’ burden from your brain’s shoulder.

You can help your brain move away from being overwhelmed and relax.

There are two steps to solve the ‘too much dilemma’:

Step 1 – Write down everything that’s going on in your head. Everything.

For example:

    • If the ‘too much’ is about your work, create a to-do list and write down every task that you think you need to do.
    • If it’s about your relationship with your sister, write down anything that worries or frustrates you.
    • If it’s about weekend planning, write down every activity you could possibly choose to do.

Step 2 – Pick one thing from your list to focus on now. Just one.

For example:

    • Prioritise the tasks and work and choose the one you will start working on.
    • Pick one of the worries about your sister and plan how you want to sort out that worry.
    • Make a list of all activity ideas for the weekend, then choose one you want to do and, therefore, plan/organise now.

That’s it.

Give it a try.

Next time you feel overwhelmed,

    • accept it as something normal (it’s just your human brain talking to you),
    • write down what is on your mind,
    • and choose one thing to focus on.
    • And do that thing.

IMPORTANT: Your brain is not stupid. It will only trust you if you prove to it that you are trustworthy.

Writing everything down is always helpful, but it’s not the whole solution here. You need to pick and do the next step. Otherwise, your brain will not trust you, it will not relax, and it will keep you overwhelmed.

Knowing and living your values in retirement: For more joy and fulfilment

Why it’s important to redefine your values in retirement

During your working years, your schedule was often shaped by external demands.

As you move into retirement, life can feel like a blank canvas. It’s the right time to make use of the new freedom and intentionally define how you want to live NOW and what truly matters to you NOW.

The key to a fulfilling retirement lies in understanding your core values and aligning your daily activities with them. By doing so, you create a life of purpose, stability, and joy.

A simple exercise to discover your values

To gain clarity about your values, take time to reflect on questions like these:

    • What’s really important to me in the different areas of my life?
    • Am I currently neglecting important values?
    • What do I want to achieve in my life, today and in the years ahead?
    • Where do I want to focus my time and energy right now?

Step-by-Step Guide

#1 – Identify Life Areas
Start by listing the key areas of your life. Your list might include:

    • Relationships (family, friends, community)
    • Health and fitness
    • Work, hobbies and interests
    • Home environment
    • Financial well-being
    • Personal growth

#2 – Define your values
For each area, write down what’s most important to you. For example:

    • In your home environment, you might value order, comfort, and a sense of sanctuary. Or is it spaciousness? Peace of mind?
    • For personal development, you may prioritise lifelong learning and curiosity. Or building new habits and routines. 

#3 – Evaluate alignment
Ask yourself: Are my current activities and priorities aligned with these values? If not, where can I make adjustments?

#4 – Take Action
With your insights, consider how to ‘value your values’ in daily life. Reflect on these questions:

    • How can I pay more attention to what’s important to me each day?
    • Is there a new project or hobby I can start that aligns with my values?
    • What small, consistent steps can I take to live in accordance with my values?

Living your best life

Knowing and honouring your values allows you to navigate retirement with intention and clarity. It helps you focus on what truly matters to you, ensuring your days are filled with meaning and purpose.

Take the time to explore your values and make adjustments to live in harmony with them. Retirement is your opportunity to create a life that reflects who you are NOW and what you cherish most NOW.

Finding clarity in retirement: How the Rule of 3 can help

The Rule of 3 is a super helpful tool we can apply whenever we are feeling overwhelmed by endless to-do lists or unsure about what to focus on next.

This simple yet powerful approach brings clarity and structure to our day, helping us direct our limited attention, time, and energy intentionally and efficiently.

The Rule of 3 is straightforward: it’s about prioritisation, focus, and action.

How to Use the Rule of 3 with the ADA Framework

You can apply the Rule of 3 by following these three simple steps, which I call the ADA Framework:

Step 1: A – Gain Awareness

Start your morning with five quiet minutes.

    • Take a moment to reflect: What do I want to accomplish today? What are my top priorities?
    • This is your opportunity to pause, lean back, and set your intentions for the day.

Step 2: D – Make Decisions

Next, make two crucial decisions:

    • Choose your top 3 priorities. Write them down—just three things. This forces you to focus on what truly matters.
    • Pick your No. 1 priority. From the three, choose the one task or goal that deserves your immediate attention.

Step 3: A – Take Action

Start working on your No. 1 priority while setting the other two aside. Focus solely on this task until it’s completed.

    • Once done, move on to the next item on your list.
    • Repeat the process until all three tasks are complete.

This method ensures you work with intention and avoid the trap of multitasking or distraction.

Broader Applications of the Rule of 3

The Rule of 3 isn’t just for managing daily tasks—it’s a versatile tool that can simplify any area of your life. Here are some ways you can use it:

Weekly, Monthly, or Yearly Goals:

    • What are three things you want to accomplish this week? This month? This year?

Relationship Improvement:

    • What three actions can you take to strengthen your relationship with someone?
      (Write them down, pick one to start with, and take action.)

Morning Routine:

    • What three habits or activities do you want to incorporate into your mornings?
      (Choose one to focus on first.)

Decluttering Your Home:

    • What three areas of your home need decluttering?
      (Write them down, pick one area, and start decluttering.)

Improving Your Health:

    • What three steps could improve your physical or mental well-being?
      (Decide on the three most promising changes, focus on one, and start implementing it.)

A Practical Way to Regain Control

The Rule of 3 is especially valuable when you feel stuck or overwhelmed. By narrowing your focus to just three priorities—and starting to work on one—you can regain control and make meaningful progress.

Ready to Try It?

Experiment with the Rule of 3 for a few days to organise your tasks and experience its benefits firsthand.

Or, apply it to a specific life area that currently feels confusing or frustrating.

Whenever you feel stuck, ask yourself:
“How could the Rule of 3 help me gain clarity and get moving?”


If you have any questions or want to discuss the planning, organisation, or management of your retirement life –

LET’S TALK.

You can easily book a free Zoom Meeting with me HERE.

5 reasons to spend more time planning your retirement than planning your next vacation

Picture this: you’ve just spent hours, maybe even weeks, researching the perfect destination for your next vacation. You know the best places to stay, eat, and explore, and you’re ready to make the most of your precious time off.

Now, imagine if you dedicated that same energy and excitement to planning for one of the most significant chapters of your life: your retirement.

Many people think of retirement planning primarily in terms of financial security.

And while finances are very important, a successful retirement goes beyond saving and investing. Just as you would plan for a memorable vacation by choosing locations, events, and activities that match your interests, retirement planning should be about intentionally designing all areas of your life, not just the finances.

5 reasons why retirement planning deserves (and needs!) more of your time, attention, and energy than your next vacation:

#1 – Retirement is a major life change, and careful planning can ease the transition.

A vacation changes your daily life just for a few weeks. The retirement transition changes the rest of your life.

It requires adjustments to your identity, purpose, relationships, and daily life structure. Taking the time to plan for these changes helps you manage them successfully.

#2 – Intentionally planning your retirement puts you in the driver’s seat.

Just like planning a successful vacation relies on managing all the details, achieving a fulfilling retirement requires you to take control of the important aspects of your life.

To be in command of your future, you need a solid plan.

#3 – Your retirement planning will greatly affect your future lifestyle and well-being.

Like selecting vacation activities that keep you happy and engaged, a well-planned retirement can impact your overall well-being and mental health.

Thoughtful planning for your future lifestyle enables you to honour your values, passions, and interests, allowing you to create and live the life you desire.

#4 – Creating a new life structure in retirement requires time and a clear plan for preparation.

Even on a vacation, you usually need some days to adapt to the changed flow of your days. When you enter retirement, the loss of the daily rhythm of work can cause confusion and a lack of direction and focus.

By planning your retirement thoughtfully, you can create a life structure (identity, purpose, connections) that keeps you engaged and excited about each day.

#5 – Planning involves envisioning your future, and you deserve a clear vision for your retirement.

Just as you envision the joy and relaxation of a vacation, give yourself the gift of envisioning your ideal retirement.

Take time to dream, brainstorm, and design the next chapter of your life so you can look forward to it with excitement.

Take some time to sit down and plan your ideal retirement future – you’ll thank yourself later.


If you have any questions or want to talk about the planning, organisation, or management of your retirement life –

LET’S TALK.

You can easily book a free Zoom Meeting with me HERE.

6 tips for setting new goals that help you achieve what you want in your retirement

Entering retirement offers the opportunity to set new, meaningful goals.

It doesn’t matter whether you already have concrete ideas of your retirement life in mind or not. Sitting down and intentionally setting goals will not only help you give your daily life structure and direction. It will also allow you to move forward with a fresh sense of purpose.

Here are six practical tips to help you create new goals that align with what you truly want in this next stage of life.

#1 – Choose a goal – even if you don’t have one.

Even if you don’t have a specific goal at the moment, the act of setting a goal can be a really powerful and useful exercise.

It gives your mind and life focus and direction; it strengthens your motivation to realise your personal potential; it helps you get what you want. So, think about the different areas in your life and pick one you don’t feel happy about.

Now, choose a goal to help you make positive changes in the chosen area.

#2 – Get specific, but don’t think about the how yet.

Be very specific about your goal.

Talk about your goal in the first person and the present tense. Decide on time-frames, deadlines, and other details. However, don’t think about how you will achieve the goal yet.

For now, you focus on the what and when.

#3 – Write the goal down.

Take your goal out of your imagination and make it real and tangible.

The best way to do this is to write it down. Writing down your goal on a piece of paper gets it out of your brain. You now can look at it, you can adjust it, you can carry it around, and you can (and should) read it again and again.

Your goal now acts like a GPS destination, indicating where you want to go.

#4 – Stretch yourself with the goal, and ‘welcome’ any negative feelings.

Offer yourself a real self-development opportunity – make sure that you push yourself beyond your current comfort zone with your goal.

If it seems easy to achieve, it’s not a real goal! You will know you have stretched yourself sufficiently if negative emotions such as fear, doubt, or shame arise. Don’t push these feelings away; accept them as normal parts of the process.

Honouring and managing these feelings will not only ensure that you achieve your goal but also allow you to become a more robust and better version of yourself.

#5 – Uncover any negative thoughts and question/replace them.

Search for the negative thoughts that cause uncomfortable feelings.

It might be something like ‘This is too hard to do’, or ‘I don’t know how to do this’, or ‘I don’t know if this is what I want’. Uncover all the thoughts behind your feelings of disbelief or doubtfulness or fear – and write them down.

Then, remind yourself that these thoughts are just choices. Your human brain is bringing them up to protect you – it wants you to avoid any risks by keeping everything as it is – but that doesn’t mean you have to believe these limiting thoughts. 

Tell your mind, ‘No worries – I’ll figure this out.’

#6 – Have a brainstorming session with your future self to design an action plan.

When you are ready to start working on your action plan, you can ask your future self for help.

Imagine yourself at the place in the future when your goal has been completed. From that place, look back to where you are now, and you tell your present self the how – all the steps you took to accomplish the goal and what you did to overcome the obstacles on your way. Write these steps down; they build your action plan.

Now, you are ready to take the first action and work on achieving your goal!

With these tips, you can set new goals for your retirement life that will help you start moving and creating the life you want to live in retirement.


If you have any questions or want to talk about the planning, organisation, or management of your retirement life –

LET’S TALK.

You can easily book a free Zoom Meeting with me HERE.