The Body’s Role in Retirement Decisions
The Wall Street Journal published an article titled “Are You Emotionally Ready to Retire?” proposing eight questions to consider before making this significant life transition. Intriguingly, the answer to the first question points readers to their own bodies—a perspective that aligns perfectly with our holistic approach to financial planning.
Listening to Your Body’s Wisdom
The article’s first question asks: “Every Sunday night, as I anticipate returning to work, do I look forward to finishing tasks, seeing friends and colleagues, and perhaps learning something new? Or, do I dread another week of tedious tasks and difficult people?”
This invitation to soul-searching through body awareness—paying attention to gut feelings at weekend’s end—reveals wisdom that our rational minds might miss. Consider the article’s example of a CEO who retired “early” at age 67, finding renewed happiness in new pursuits. His decision emerged from listening to his stomach’s signals when his mind wasn’t yet clear.
Understanding Multiple Forms of Intelligence in Financial Planning
The importance of multiple forms of intelligence cannot be overemphasized, especially in major transitions where money plays a central role. While making skillful financial decisions requires addressing both known and unknown obstacles, many of these obstacles present themselves through our physical and emotional responses rather than purely logical analysis.
Balancing Analysis with Intuition
At Colman Knight, our retirement planning process includes:
- Financial projections and “what if” calculations
- Thoughtful conversations interpreting the data
- Exploration of your dreams and core values
- Support in recognizing and honoring body wisdom
The Personal Journey of Retirement Planning
What we can never do—what no one but you can do—is feel the interior sensations and wisdom that arise in your body offering precious unique information about your authentic choices. While brain science continues to reveal the complexity and interconnectedness of body and brain, you don’t need to wait for all the studies to be complete. You can go directly to your gut, receive and honor its unique intelligence.
Making Authentic Retirement Decisions
In retirement planning, receiving important gut feedback about what truly matters in your life is an essential practice. This means taking time to notice what activities, relationships, and work genuinely energize and nourish you. It means paying attention to when you feel most alive and engaged, and when you feel drained or disconnected.
This embodied awareness can provide crucial guidance that financial calculations alone cannot offer. When you’re considering retirement timing, your body often knows before your mind has processed all the variables. Physical sensations, energy levels, and emotional responses provide valuable data about your readiness for this significant life transition.
Rather than clinging to earlier career moments or fixating on future projections, this approach encourages you to stay present with your current reality. Your body’s wisdom exists in the now, offering immediate feedback about your choices and circumstances. This present-moment awareness can help you navigate retirement decisions with greater authenticity and confidence.
Remember, retirement isn’t just about financial readiness—it’s about aligning your life’s next chapter with what truly matters to you. By integrating body wisdom with financial planning, you create a more complete picture of your retirement readiness and desires.
Taking the Next Step in Your Retirement Journey
Whether you’re just beginning to consider retirement or actively planning your transition, we invite you to explore a more holistic approach that honors both your financial needs and your body’s wisdom.
Small steps you might consider:
- Notice your physical responses to work and retirement discussions
- Pay attention to what brings you joy and energy
- Consider how your current choices align with your retirement vision
- Explore how your body wisdom might inform your retirement timing
The Colman Knight Approach to Retirement Planning
Our holistic financial planning services integrate:
- Traditional retirement planning expertise
- Appreciation for body wisdom
- Regular portfolio rebalancing
- Lifestyle consideration and adaptation
- Ongoing support and guidance
Ready to explore a more integrated approach to retirement planning? Contact us to learn how our holistic financial planning services can help you create a retirement strategy that honors both your financial goals and your inner wisdom.
