That’s the starting point of the IMPACT stage because whether you’re planning, entering, or already in retirement, your progress depends on the quality of your conversations and whether they are keeping you stuck or moving you forward.
Why conversations matter
When I work with someone who is struggling psychologically with retirement, the first thing I explore is their conversations. Often, they’re stuck in unproductive self-talk or going round in conversational circles with people who can’t give them what they need. If someone’s plans are off-track, there’s a good chance their conversations will be off-track, too. And if someone has no plans at all, they’re likely to be having no meaningful conversations whatsoever.
To Retire With IMPACT, one must have the right conversations with the right people at the right time and be connected to a support network that is able and willing to give them what they need.
What is a conversation with IMPACT?
A conversation with IMPACT is one that makes the difference you’re after by including the qualities and characteristics that you need to make the difference you are after. It might offer insight, direction, challenge, or support. It might bring clarity, encouragement, or realism. What defines it is not its content or form, but its outcome. It moves you forward.
The formula is always the same: if someone is thriving in their planning or retirement, their conversations will have the traits they need. Conversely, if someone is floundering, the conversations are missing something, and my job as a Retirement Coach is to find out what.
The wrong conversation with the right person is still the wrong conversation
Of course, not everyone we talk to can give us what we need. Someone may mean well, but if they lack the insight, skills, or interest to help us retire well, we’re wasting time and energy.
That’s why the IMPACT stage includes two critical steps:
- Upgrading or ending unhelpful conversations, no more going around in circles.
- Expanding your network, finding new people to talk to if your existing circle can’t provide what’s needed.
And yes, this includes the conversations you’re having with yourself. If your internal dialogue is full of doubt, criticism, or avoidance, then it, too, needs upgrading.
Where do you start?
Start with honest reflection. The Retire With IMPACT Quiz on this website can help you assess the quality of your conversations, both with others and with yourself, and whether they are making the ‘retirement’ difference you are after. High scores tell you what’s working, and low scores tell you what needs changing. Most people are surprised by what they discover.
From there, it’s about taking action, often small steps, toward better, braver conversations. That could mean opening up to a coach, like me, talking to yourself differently, or involving a partner, friend or colleague.
Ultimately, no financial plan, hobby list, or post-retirement travel itinerary will deliver what you need if your conversations are missing the mark.
You can’t move forward if you’re not talking to the right people in the right way
Planning and preparing for retirement is a collective effort, even if you start by yourself. Every breakthrough begins with a conversation with IMPACT.
The IMPACT stage allows you to identify what you need from your conversations, who to have them with and how to take the practical steps to make those conversations count.