Here is what experts say actually drives fulfillment in your next chapter. That’s how Bruce Feiler, author of “A Time to Gather” and other books, spells out the three factors that give life meaning. With these three ingredients in place, the odds of a satisfying retirement soar, he says.
By making intentional decisions aligned with your goals and values, leading an active social life and contributing to a cause that elevates your spirit, you’re bound to feel more happy and fulfilled. Don’t Short Yourself offers weekly money tips to help you earn it, stack it and grow it. I would like to receive updates and special offers from Dow Jones and affiliates.
I can unsubscribe at any time. As people live longer, it’s not unusual for retirement to last 20 to 30 years. Here’s how to assess how well you know and apply these three critical elements: **Agency:** Examine how much control you feel you have over your everyday life.
By choosing “what we are, what we create and what we do,” as Feiler says, we’re more apt to serve as our own director, rather than letting external factors direct us. **Belonging:** Consider the key players in your life. Do you have positive relationships with friends and family? Do you attend community events or other group gatherings eagerly?
Or do you feel alone and isolated much of the time? **Cause:** Explore how deeply you believe in something larger than yourself. Does your desire to give back or tackle societal problems energize you? Do you pounce on volunteer opportunities?
When donating your time to make a difference or improve the lives of others, do you feel fully alive and happy? Even if all three elements are present in your life, try adding more, the author says. Let your motivation level determine the size and scope of the project.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
