Learn how to turn regrets into motivation to build a better retirement with guest Lori Emerick of Aspen Group Consulting.

Wouldn’t it be nice to live life without regret? Some say they’ve achieved it, but my guest on this week’s episode of “Retirement Revealed” explains how you can use your regrets to develop a more meaningful course of action as you prepare for retirement. Lori Emerick of Aspen Group Consulting, specializes in leadership coaching and retirement lifestyle design. Her work in understanding how to leave a legacy and use regret as fuel is worth your exploration, so stick around and learn how to apply this to your retirement!

Many life transitions, including retirement, can trigger what’s known as a “lifequake.” As Lori explained, borrowing from Robert Fowler’s work, this describes a period when multiple significant life events converge, often leading to feelings of instability and uncertainty. These events can include leaving a long-term career, becoming an empty nester, dealing with the health challenges of loved ones – sound familiar? It’s important to recognize that these feelings are normal, shared by many, and a natural part of major life changes. Understanding this is the first step toward navigating them.

Regret often carries a negative connotation. We tend to see it as something to avoid. But as Lori and I discussed, regret can be a powerful catalyst for self-discovery. It can shine a light on what truly matters to us and illuminate the paths we wish we had taken. Instead of dwelling on the past, we can use regret as a guide for shaping our future. By examining our regrets, we can identify our core values and make conscious choices that align with them. It’s about turning a potentially negative emotion into a positive force for change.

Retirement offers a unique opportunity to address past regrets and create a new chapter filled with purpose and joy. It’s a chance to ask yourself some tough questions: “What do I want my legacy to be?” and “What concrete steps can I take now to create the retirement I truly desire?” This might involve pursuing long-held passions, strengthening relationships, or contributing to our communities. It’s about redefining what retirement means to you personally.

One of the most effective ways to avoid future regrets is to “practice” retirement before it officially begins. This is something I strongly encourage all my clients to do. It involves gradually incorporating activities and interests that bring you joy and fulfillment into your current life. It could be as simple as taking a long weekend to explore a new hobby, joining a local club related to a passion, or even volunteering. Think of it as a trial run for your ideal retirement lifestyle.

A “curiosity list” differs from a traditional “bucket list” in its approach. As Lori pointed out, instead of focusing on grand, long-term goals, a curiosity list is a collection of smaller, more accessible activities that pique your interest. It’s a place to jot down anything that sparks your curiosity, without any pressure or commitment. This allows you to explore different avenues and discover new passions without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a low-pressure way to discover what you truly enjoy.

Lori outlined three key steps for transforming regret into positive action, which I found particularly helpful:

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2. Reflect with Compassion: This involves honestly assessing your past experiences, both positive and negative, without judgment. It’s about understanding the reasons behind your choices and treating yourself with kindness and understanding. This is crucial.
   
3. Identify Themes and Patterns: Once you’ve reflected on your experiences, begin to identify recurring themes and patterns. This helps you understand the underlying values that are driving your regrets and what truly matters to you at your core.
   
4. Set Intentions and Take Action: The final step is to translate your reflections and insights into concrete actions. This involves setting clear intentions for the future and creating a plan to achieve them. Finding an accountability partner can be invaluable in this process.
   

As we often hear from the guests on “Retirement Revealed,” retirement is not an end, but a new beginning. By acknowledging and addressing our regrets, we can create a retirement that is not only fulfilling but also deeply meaningful. It’s an opportunity to live with intention, pursue our passions, and create a legacy we are proud of. 

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Additional Links:

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• Aspen Group Consulting
  
• Contact Lori Emerick: lori.emerick@aspengroupconsulting.com
  
• Lori Emerick on LinkedIn
  
• PERMA Model – PositivePsychology.com
  

Connect With Jeremy Keil:

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• Keil Financial Partners
  
• LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil
  
• Facebook: Jeremy Keil
  
• LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners
  
• YouTube: Retirement Revealed
  
• Book an Intro Call with Jeremy’s Team
  

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