By Sabrina Roblin
One of the biggest obstacles to change of any kind is fear. Any transition, especially one as big as letting go of a long time career for what we traditionally call retirement, can ignite a lot of fear. When fear gets the best of us at this stage of life it can manifest in many different ways including but not limited to holding on to the career job long after it’s time to let go, not taking any action toward change, confusion, indulging in food and drink, and self isolation. Courage – a strong heart and thoughtful action – are needed when fear takes hold. Remember courage is about taking action in spite of the presence of fear. So here are six tips for breaking through to clarity and action:
Call a friend or colleague – have a good conversation with a trusted significant other, friend or colleague where you name your fear and get it out in the open which will reduce it’s grip on you.
Ask for help – this is a leadership skill that many of us forget or are too embarrassed to use. Our school and work cultures have trained us to think we have to know everything when in reality we don’t. Reach out to a professional for help.
Affirmations – craft one or more affirmations that work for you and post them where you can see and say them every day. An example is: “Every day I am taking action to manifest a fulfilling next chapter in my life”.
Take an action – Taking even one action that leads you forward can be the spear head that breaks open the momentum for more. For example: take a colleague to lunch, call the non-profit you’ve been interested in and ask about their volunteer program, do some online research on an idea you have.
Get in Motion – Go for a walk, get to the gym, spend a morning at the beach, or ride your bike. Physical activity fires endorphins in the body which create positivity, which can open new perspectives and ideas, and make us feel better and more motivated overall.
Create a Support Structure – The Survivor shows on TV may make good entertainment but they are counter to how people survive in the real world. Behind any successful person is a support team/structure that helped them to be who they are. No one has done it alone. Who is part of your support – family, friends, colleagues, professionals? Reach out to them and get them actively involved in supporting your transition.
So choose one of the suggested tips above or move on one of your own. It will start forward movement, loosen fear’s grip and you’ll feel better overall. If you are looking for a support structure to make the move to your next chapter in life, here at Life Reinspired we specialize in guiding you through the planning process and providing a cohort of like-minded individuals for the journey.
Come turn up the heat with us at LIFE REINSPIRED. Contact us for more information or find out more about our programs and upcoming workshops.
Recent Comments