I am in awe of retirees with monthly goals and quarterly accomplishments, but all that sounds too much like work to me. I’m more of a slacker.
Goals and accomplishments lead to performance appraisals, which nearly always pissed me off. In my experience, the powers that be are compelled to find some sort of flaw, because after all, no one is perfect, but they never actually picked a valid criticism. It was like a grab bag. Oh, look! Here’s something she’s good at. Let’s call it a development area!
The best advice I ever got was no matter what they said … good, bad or indifferent … just act earnest and say thank you so much. I love this job. I’ll work hard to improve. Then go home and brood.
My goal in retirement is to lighten up. So far so good. I keep a little note card on my desk to remind me of the general stuff I try to do on a semi-regular basis. I don’t do everything every day, but I check it out and go, oh, I forgot to do weights or oops, the kitty needs a brushing. Better get on it.
You can tell by my list I’m the planner slash social director. Dale just won’t do it, so it falls into my court. Exercise takes up a significant chunk of time … especially golf, the ultimate sink hole.
Everything on the list should be self-explanatory, with the possible exception of the rebounder. That’s a mini-trampoline, and I try to do a couple of hundred jumps when I think about it. Astronauts use them to improve bone density after space flight. Since my estrogen was strip mined 20 years ago with my first cancer, I have bone density issues and do what I can to help out.
Although I don’t want to over-orchestrate my life, I do keep a separate list of specific short-term actions, most of which relate to home improvement. And although we don’t have a big travel Jones, I keep a spreadsheet of ideas for local road trips and other potential adventures.
Everyone is different, but I had a couple of readers ask about my planning. This is really the extent of it. I’m pretty happy with how it’s working out. Yes, some things slip through the cracks, but I try not to fret. I will eventually get to it.
This looks like a pretty good list! It doesn’t look like it was written by a slacker.
Well, slacker-in-training!
I agree that it’s a good list. I’m assuming it’s an as I get to list, as opposed to a today list?
Yes, I do keep a to-do list for the short-term items, but I try not to let it rule me. You are such a thorough planner. I feel like I got a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval if you think it’s a good list!
While your list is simple, it’s actually more comprehensive than mine. There are many things I do every day that never make my list. My daily lists are for things I would otherwise forget to do!!! Or for somewhat realistically planning what’s achievable on any given day. I would not call you a slacker at all. Just enjoy the fact no one is judging you so no need to brood!! 😉
I do leave some stuff off — these are just the general categories that keep popping up. As you said, it keeps me from forgetting. Definitely love being in the non-judgment zone.
These types of posts are always so interesting…
I think there are a few dials to twist here to adjust and try find a balance.
1) some folks (like myself) were born and are wired to “like doing things.” Not workaholic or Type A but just like being engaged in things. Obvious upsides but the lurking downside is anxiety or depression if that need can’t be met/fed.
2) some folks have the “just chill” wiring and are very good at self contentment. Like above, the benefits in retirement are apparent, but the downside being apathy, disengagement, and becoming an unhealthy couch potato (TV/computer)
3) some folks get comfort from everyday being groundhog day, for others groundhog day is slow rot.
4) is my house my prison or my castle?
If number 1 is getting the best of me, I found reading is my path to #2. I’ve read voraciously since I was a child and gave it up for no apparent reason 10 years ago. But I’m back to it!
All about balance. For some of us it has taken awhile.
Interesting thoughts! I’ve been accused for being in the #1 category, but the longer I’m retired … the less so. However, I’m far from a couch potato. I think you said it best — balance!