You’ve retired, or sold the business, or merely stepped back. What next? Statistics indicate a high mortality rate within 2 years of retirement for many. Those who have the best chance of succeeding have a life plan, a “what comes next” strategy. They have something to look forward to. So how do you make it happen? The first step is to make it easy to succeed. Recognize how tend to behave and act accordingly.

Did you ever notice we seldom fail to keep our word to others, but often fall down when it comes to promises made to ourselves? Looking in a mirror, it’s easy to make excuses for NOT taking care of business. We’re busy. We have obligations. We have people to please. In reality, though, promising, or telling others what we will do increases the likelihood we’ll actually do it.

So, if you can afford the time, money (even if it’s a modest amount or cash free) and accountability demands of a formal coaching or mentoring process, that’s often the surest way to make sure you stick to your commitments. Your next best bet, if money is a significant issue, is to work with someone you trust as Accountability Partners for each other. Accountability partners “gently remind” you of your commitments, while you do the same for them.

If all else fails, or you simply want to work alone, write down what you want to commit to, what you want next in life, and place the list in a prominent place. Vow to cross off items as they are realized and to keep the list up [in your face] until all items have been completed. Understanding the importance of who, and what, comes next, counts.

Answers to the 5 questions that follow will fill your list and help you form a picture of your “next” – your future. Where possible, and until you have clarity and/or achieved the answer to the question, put tentative deadlines on specific items where possible and not who/what help you might need to make items happen. Do what works for you – it’s your future, after all.

#1 What do I want to do with the rest of my life? Or, what’s my “bucket list” if you are a fan of the book/movie of the same name?

#2 Who do I want with me as I undertake new adventures?

#3 Where do I want to call home while I do these things?

#4 How can I minimize anger/worry about past and future? Or, how can I learn to travel light and travel happy.

#5 How do I want to be remembered?