Your Future (Retired) Self, Ep #303

If you want an amazing retirement you need to start thinking about your future self. We discussed the idea of your future self on a previous episode where I interviewed my coach, Dr. Benjamin Hardy.

In this episode, we’re taking a look at another book on the future self, Your Future Self by Hal Herschfield. I’m listening to the audiobook now and this topic has me thinking about how it applies to retirement. Listen in to hear more about this book and my exciting announcement about my own explorations into the topic of the future self in retirement.

Listen in to hear about my exciting announcement about my own explorations into the topic of the future self in retirement. Click To Tweet

Outline of This Episode

[2:55] 4 observations on how your future perspective impacts your present
[8:15] 4 areas that you can reflect on to improve your future self
[12:15] The risk vs the value of starting Social Security at 62 versus 65

Create a vision of your future self in retirement

When you retire you can make the choice to intentionally create something meaningful and fulfilling or you could simply hope for the best. If you’re planning to have an even better retirement, then you’ll want to intentionally put in the work to make it happen.

Working to create your future self starts with envisioning your future self. Where do you see yourself specifically? What do you want to be doing in retirement?

Having a clear vision of your future self and the life you want to lead during retirement can serve as a powerful motivator for taking action in the present. Envisioning specific moments and milestones can help you connect emotionally to your future self and make better decisions regarding retirement planning. These moments transport you into the future and can inspire you to reconsider your financial and life plans.

Working to create your future self starts with envisioning your future self. Click To Tweet

4 areas that you can reflect on to create a better you

Personal connection – If you connect your present self with your future self you will enhance your commitment to self-improvement. Recognize that you are on a continuous journey. Your future self is an extension of who you are today which is why you should take steps now to create a better future. Try visualizing 3 future events that you would be excited about in retirement.

Financial preparedness – Taking proactive measures to prepare for retirement is crucial. What are three actions you could take this month that your future self would thank you for?

Automation – Automating financial processes, such as savings, retirement contributions, bill payments, and charitable donations, can significantly improve retirement planning outcomes. By establishing automatic defaults, you’ll be more likely to adhere to your financial resolutions and maintain a consistent savings discipline.

Balancing present enjoyment with future security – While it’s critical to plan for the future, it’s equally crucial to find a balance between saving for retirement and enjoying the present. Overemphasizing future security may lead to missing out on opportunities to enjoy life in the present. Financial advisors can help individuals find this balance and provide guidance on when it’s appropriate to spend and when it’s necessary to save.

Overemphasizing future security may lead to missing out on opportunities to enjoy life in the present. Click To Tweet

These lessons remind us of the significance of having a clear vision, taking action, seeking support, and finding a balance in our retirement planning efforts. Check out Hal’s new book to dive deeper and while you’re at it grab Benjamin Hardy’s book too.