Reinventing retirement isn’t about winding down—it’s about showing up differently.

Last week I went to a memorial service for a friend’s sister.

At one point, the family shared a moment of wisdom from her young grandson; words that helped guide them through their grief.

But first, let’s set the stage.

Barton Springs pool in Austin is a landmark. Its water is a crisp 68 degrees year-round.

In the summer, that’s about 40 degrees cooler than the air.

It can take a minute (or five) to make that first leap into the water.

The little guy stood at the edge, anticipating the cold. His mom nudged him. He hesitated, and then he made the leap.

As he swam back to the edge, shivering and beaming, his mom asked him how he felt jumping in.

His reply: “First I was nervous, then I was brave.”

Those seven words summed up how this family stepped into their loss.

It’s also how it feels to step into a new life chapter.

We don’t start brave.

We become brave when we act.

That was on my mind when I joined Corey Koehler’s podcast, Reinventing Retirement (listen or view the episode here).

It reminded me that retirement today isn't a finish line.

It’s a blank page.

I joke about “The R Word.” I’ve left full-time work, but I’m far from done.

Like changing lanes on the same highway. I'm still moving. Just at a different pace, with a different view.

The old story said: work hard, retire at 65, and ride off into the sunset.

But that doesn’t reflect how we live, or what many want, anymore.

Maybe reinventing retirement means redefining contribution ... on your terms.

As we live longer, work longer, maybe we seek meaning, not just money.

Whether you choose to earn, build, serve, or explore, the common thread is this:

You still have something valuable to offer.

Three truths about reinventing retirement

1. Adaptability Is Still Your Superpower

You’ve already lived through technological, personal, and cultural change.

You’ve adapted to life’s curveballs more than once.

At 55, after 17 hours of swimming, biking, and running, I crossed the finish line of an Ironman triathlon.

That experience taught me something powerful:

it’s never too late to do something that once felt impossible.

Adaptability now means staying open to curiosity, creativity, and what calls you next.

Whether you consult part-time, mentor a young leader, or learn to paint, you’re not “done.”

You’re growing in a new direction.

2. Own the Story Only You Can Tell

Retirement is a chance to reclaim your story.

You’re not your last job.

You’re a mosaic of values, experiences, and lessons that don’t expire at 65.

After both my parents passed, I realized I was now a grown-up.

That hit hard. But it also sparked something.

I began journaling, capturing what I’ve learned and what matters now.

Squeezing the juice out of the life I’ve lived.

I didn’t want it to go to waste; not for me, and not for others coming up behind me.

Your story still has weight.

And it can guide what comes next whether it’s service, expression, rest, or reinvention.

3. Meaning Thrives in Relationships

The most fulfilling chapters of life are rarely solo acts.

Whether it’s deepening family bonds, reconnecting with old friends, or sharing your wisdom in a community, relationships bring purpose to life.

I mentor aspiring small business owners. Some are in their 30s. Others, like me, are just getting started in their 60s and 70s.

I love it because it’s not just giving back, it’s growing forward.

Every conversation reminds me: I still have something valuable to offer.

This stage isn’t about climbing. It’s about connecting.

You’re not done—you’re just in a new chapter

Retirement isn’t a retreat, It’s a realignment.

And that means you get to choose.

After my parents died, I was frozen for a while. Nothing visible was happening.

But deep down, things were shifting.

l describe it as my “bamboo season”—a time of slow, underground growth before something new finally emerges.

Sometimes reinvention isn’t loud.

Sometimes it’s quiet, sacred, and necessary.

Because remember:

First you’re nervous. Then you’re brave.

Want a place to start? Try These ideas.

Take the VIA Character Strengths Survey It’s free and it’s one of my favorite tools.

I use it with my clients to help reconnect with what’s always been true about them.

Once you’ve got your results, hit reply or message me.

I’ll help you explore how your strengths can shape your next chapter.

Take a few minutes to reflect on these prompts as you consider your next chapter.

• What does contribution look like to me now?
• What do I want to be known for in this next chapter?
• Where do I feel pulled—creatively, relationally, spiritually?
• Who might benefit from my wisdom or time right now?

Your next chapter isn’t written yet and that’s the opportunity.

You’ve faced change before and found your way forward.

This time is no different.

-Mark

Mark Wigginton, MS, Certified Professional Coach​
Personal Coach | Career Guide | Today I'm Brave
📬 MarkW@FocusingOnResults.com​
🌐 www.focusingonresults.com​
🔗 Connect with me on LinkedIn​

P.S. If this message resonated with you, it might speak to someone else too. Forward it to a friend who’s ready for their next chapter—you never know what kind of shift a few words of encouragement can spark.

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