Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

What is the boomers fountain of youth? It’s not about what you see in the mirror, but the way you create a good retirement and the new seniors life. Now is the time to explore, discover and take risks.

When was the last time you took a serious risk, really put yourself out there? When was the last time you felt like you were hanging by your finge
ails, but loving every minute of it?

One of the stereotypes about growing older is the desire to play it safe and not take on new challenges. We think back to our youth and most of us cringe at some of the things we did or didn't get away with. We may think, “Oh, my God, I can’t believe I did that.”

Slowly, over time, we settled into ruts, or grooves where we took on a routine and patterns in our lives. There were mortgages to pay, children to raise, and jobs to go to, so the idea of being adventurous was relegated to a fantasy in the back of our mind or an occasional vacation challenge.

Now that retirement is in the forefront of your mind and you’re thinking about what kinds of experiences you want to have, consider taking on more challenge in your life. It doesn’t have to put you in bodily harm; in fact, it doesn’t have to be physical.

When was the last time you learned something new? I always wanted to learn how to dance, but my husband worked evenings, so we couldn’t take lessons. He retired recently and we are now learning how to Salsa. Not only are we the oldest people in the class, but we have to switch partners through the night. A willingness to make a fool of yourself occasionally is part of taking risks.

Not only does taking risks make life more interesting, it also increases your self-esteem. Mamy people retire and start living very small lives. They become afraid to try new things and the more they resist experiencing life, the more the world closes in on them. They lose confidence until is becomes a downward spiral.

The good news is you can reverse the process anytime you want. You don’t need to take huge chances, but can start with small steps. What’s something you want to do, but have been reluctant because of fear?

Have you heard that the acronym of f.e.a.r. is false expectations appearing real? Write down your fears and identify the risk you can be taking with them. Look at whether or not they are real or imaginary illusions you have created.

As we get older, we tend to be less conce
ed what people think of us. As we age, we’re less conce
ed with the approval of others. Are these still issues that prevent you from taking chances?

Is there someone you can invite to take the risk with you? Something that appears formidable if we do it by ourselves, may be more manageable if done with someone else.

Retirement and aging offers wonderful opportunities to experience life in a whole new dimension. If you look back over your life, are you more regretful of the risks you took, even if they weren’t successful or the ones you let pass you by, because they were too scary.

Mark Twain made the statement, “I’ve had many worries in my life. Most of which have never come to past.”

Now is the time to experience life. Now is the time to take risks. Now is the time for new challenges.