It is Better to Wear out than Slowly Rust Away

Mary L. Duwe, CFP®, Master Coach

When I returned to college at 40, I was feeling the experience of each year as I mingled with other 18 and 20 year old students sharing classes and notes. This was challenging for me until I met Helen, a 78 year old student who was also majoring in psychology. I asked Helen, “What made you decide to go back to school and get a bachelor’s degree at this time in your life?”  Helen answered, “I would rather wear out than slowly rust away.”

I have never forgotten her powerful insight.  Whenever I feel like I am too old to begin something new or to take on a fresh challenge I think, “It is better to wear out than to slowly rust away.” As a result of my discussion with Helen I now approach life’s opportunities with encouragement and enthusiasm. This approach is exemplified in The New Retirementality. This new definition of retirement allows life to be continually refined, renewed and refreshed. 

This is a new perspective for retirement and the reason it is called The New Retirementality. Retirees are now considering this phase a transition to a new beginning instead of the beginning of the end. Research indicates individuals extend their lifespan by embracing this approach because it changes the very fabric of how individuals spend their time and organize their priorities. This shift in perspective is changing how individuals think and feel about themselves during retirement. It is the window through which to see oneself as an ongoing and valuable contributor to society.

Most of all it is about helping people change life’s choices. These important changes in perspective are improving the life experience by encouraging new challenges, opportunities and discoveries in what could become the very best years of one’s life.

I helped clients financially prepare for retirement for 25 years prior to transitioning into my own new retirementality as a life and business development coach; I have never been happier.  My life is continually filled with meaning, purpose and joy.

While I was a practicing advisor the number one concern for my clients during retirement was outliving their savings. While this is still a major concern for the working population, the focus for retirement has moved more towards ensuring quality of life. Comfort in retirement means more today than having enough money to meet expenditures, golf and travel. It means retiring from your career into a life that defines success by its significance.

This new definition moves us away from an old restrictive model for living that ultimately devalued the contributions of the retiring adult. Today there is a sense of appreciation for the experience, mastery and mentorship of the maturing adult.  This new model promises a deepening experience in life, an expression of personal authenticity and a renewed passion for the idea that the possibilities are endless.

Mary L. Duwe, a veteran advisor, Certified Financial Planner®, and Master Coach, brings a depth of experience and desire to help advisors improve their lives and practices. She has practiced as a successful financial planner since 1984 and is licensed in securities, life insurance, and real estate. Mary has a BS in Psychology and received her coach training from CoachU. She continued her training with the Graduate School of Coaching, Legacy Learning (Franklin Covey Coaching) and has completed the Emotional Competence Inventory Accreditation (EIC). As an experienced Emotional Intelligence Development Coach, Mary works with advisors to reorient their lives and their businesses for greater success, meaning, and fulfillment. Mary is the master coach for Mitch Anthony’s Institute of Financial Life Planning. She prepares financial advisors to deepen their client relationships and coaches the process of Financial Life Planning. According to Mary, “The right conversation will make all the difference.” Contact Mary at mary@maryduwe.com or mary@mitchanthony.com. Phone: 715-693-8002.

© 2007 Mary Duwe