The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on by fighting the old, but on building the new” – Socrates
I think one of the reasons I am floundering as I go into my second week of retirement is because I need structure. As a teacher, I wrote day plans every day. I planned my day – hour by hour. I always knew where I was going and what I needed to take with me. It helped me stay organized and made me accountable. One friend of mine, also a retired teacher, said she wrote day plans for herself the first few weeks of retirement so she had a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day! I now understand why she did this! At the end of September each year, we also handed the principal our “Annual Learning Plan (ALP)” that is, a list of Professional Goals, with strategies, action plans and timelines for us! While September was nutty and it felt like one more thing – it was, in fact, a great exercise. It was a way to reflect and write down where I was going and how I was going to get there! I think I need an ALP this year only I will call it an ARP (Annual Retirement Plan). I made a list of 50 things I wanted to accomplish when I turned 50…and that was so fun!! Why not do it for my year of retirement! I actually think it’s a great way to be productive. I will write an Annual Retirement Plan – with timelines and everything! My capabilities are endless and by writing them down – like my 50 list – they have a better chance of coming to fruition!
