Why You Need to ReFIRE Instead of RETIRE

Do you look in the mirror and wonder when the wrinkles first started to appear? And what about all the gray hairs? Is it harder to get out of bed in the morning than it used to be? Do you worry the boss is going to start talking about downsizing and the older workers need to consider a buy out, or worse yet, a shove out?

As you consider the answer to those question you might feel some anxiety. You are entering into a significant pivot point in your life. Life is about to change in significant ways.

Soon, if not already, you will need to grapple with the retirement question. What do you think of when you picture retirement? Do you picture laying by the pool while your 401K builds your net worth? And do you dream of finally getting to live life for yourself?

Here’s the truth. The retirement pictured by our culture is not the reality for most people. And even for those few who are financially secure enough to jet set around the country retirement is not the way to go. (I’ve written a post about why shouldn’t retire. You might want to check it out by clicking HERE.)

Instead of jumping on the RETIRE bandwagon you should consider a far better alternative: ReFIRE your life. Don’t let the flame grow dim until life is over. ReFIRE your life and let the light burn brightly.

The ReFIRE, instead of RETIRE, concept is based on 6 powerful principles which enable you to make the rest of life the best years of your life.

1. The RE-SIGN Principle
   This fundamental principle challenges you to make the firm decision to sign up for more of life instead of less. Embracing this principle keeps you in the game of life. The definition of retirement is, “withdraw, go away, removal of something from service or use.” Who wants that as a future? As you work through this principle you see the amazing and powerful contrast between retirement and one who Re-Signs.
2. The ENERGIZED Principle.
   This principle recognizes the importance of passion which is achieved by getting in shape. Maybe you already feel a slump in your energy levels. You cannot REFIRE your life unless you increase your level of energy. You can do this by getting in shape physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The ENERGIZED Principle coaches you on how to get in shape in those three critical areas of your life.
3. The FREE Principle.
   This principle is designed to set you FREE from the chains of the past. Here’s an important truth: as long as you hang on to the ugly parts of the past you can never embrace the beautiful parts of the future. Through the FREE Principle you are coached on how to let go of the guilt of past failures, the guilt of self-condemnation, and the guilt associated with the disapproval of others.
4. The INVESTS Principle.
   This principle focuses on giving back to others. At this stage in your life you have accumulated a debt to those who have helped you. It’s time for you to invest in others and start paying back the debt. It helps you avoid the trap of becoming self-focused as you grow older. The INVESTS Principle walks you through the process of discovering the joy of helping others in their journey.
5. The RICH Principle.
   This principle helps you understand and attain true riches. Although money is important the RICH principle is not just about money. It is about the feeling of security as you transition out of your established career into a new life. You are rich when you are secure financially, relationally, spiritually, and emotionally. The RICH Principle coaches you in those vital areas.
6. The ENDOWMENT Principle.
   This principle helps you to understand how to leave behind a powerful endowment, or legacy, to your loved ones. It forces you to focus on what is really important in life. You are challenged to live with the end in mind. You can write and the end of the your life story the way you want and then live it out. You can create the future. The ENDOWMENT Principle coaches you through this important process.

When you RETIRE you fade off into the sunset. When you ReFIRE you light up the sky with the best years of your life.