Much like the arrival of spring, retirement can be a time of fresh starts and new beginnings. Navigating this major life transition can also give retirees an opportunity to "spring clean" more than just our overstuffed closets and garages. Retirees can clean out the things in life that no longer bring them joy and make room for more growth, more fulfillment, and more memorable experiences. 

Start by looking back on your career and identifying what you liked most about your job. Then, think about how you can clear away the things that made work feel like work, such as:

1. Stress

Even if you loved your job, you probably didn't love the deadlines, targets, and high expectations that were often sitting on your shoulders. Consider kicking off retirement by giving yourself a break. Schedule a long vacation to celebrate this major milestone. Before you start filling in your new schedule, give yourself a week or two -- or three, or more! -- to enjoy having the freedom to do whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it. And when you do start to build out your new daily routine, think about ways you can add stress-reduction into the mix via exercise, meditation, journaling, or taking a hikes with your spouse. 

2. Busywork

We don't always get to do what we do best at our jobs. But while paperwork and meetings are necessary to keep a company running, they aren't necessary if you want to repurpose your skills in retirement. As a consultant, teacher, or volunteer, you can choose how and when you work. Take a part-time job at a nonprofit that's important to you such as your church. Mentor the next generation of talent in your field. Or start your own dream company, hire yourself as CEO, and hire other people to keep the gears turning. 

3. Networking

Over the course of your career, you probably made some very strong connections with other professionals in your field. Some of these people might be genuine friends. And some might just be connections you needed to maintain for your professional development. In retirement, you shouldn't feel the pressure to "network" with anyone you wouldn't want to play pickleball with or meet for a cup of coffee. And while connecting with seniors who share your interests can enliven retirement, it's also important to invest more time in your most important relationships: your friends and family. If you're lucky, this network might expand to include in-laws and grandchildren!

4. Earning 

As we're advancing through our careers, there's always another promotion to work towards and a bigger paycheck to earn. Many of us wrap up too much of our identities and our feelings of self-worth in how high we're able to climb, what we're able to buy, and how secure our money makes us feel, especially in comparison to our friends, family, and neighbors. 

But if you're that focused on "keeping up with the Joneses," are you really living the best life possible with the money you have?

And if you're so focused on earning your next paycheck, then will you ever be ready to stop earning, crack open your nest egg, and start enjoying a better journey ahead?

As you begin taking a life centered approach to planning for that next phase of life I pray that you uncover what will make your journey more rewarding.