When it comes to your retirement plans, you will often hear about the importance of precision: saving enough, investing wisely, sustainable withdrawal rates and meticulously calculating expenses to ensure a smooth transition from working life to retirement.
However, there's a paradox in the pursuit of a flawless retirement plan…
Aiming for a 100% success rate could lead to a 100% failure in living your retirement to the fullest.
In this blog post, I explore why incorporating a degree of trepidation and failure into your retirement plan is not only realistic but essential.
The Mirage of Perfection
A retirement plan with a 100% success rate often assumes a static, unchanging future. It doesn't account for the ebb and flow of life, the unexpected opportunities, or the unforeseen challenges. Life, in its essence, is dynamic and unpredictable. A retirement plan that doesn't embrace this reality is like a ship that never leaves the port because the captain fears the sea's unpredictability. Yes, the ship stays safe, but it also never reaches new destinations.
The Value of Flexibility
Incorporating flexibility into your retirement plan acknowledges the very real fact that you can't predict future (by the way no one can, no matter what they have you believe!). It means setting aside resources not just for living expenses and healthcare, but also for the unexpected – be it opportunities like a once in a lifetime trip or challenges such as unexpected home repairs. This flexibility allows you to navigate the uncertainties of life without derailing your long-term financial security.
Living Fully in Your "Go-Go Years"
The initial years of your retirement, or as I often refer to as the "go-go years," are when you will be most active and eager to explore new interests, travel, or indulge in hobbies you had little time for during your working years. If your retirement plan is too rigid or cautious it may limit your ability to fully enjoy these years. By accepting that it's okay to spend more freely during this period, you're not being reckless; you're ensuring that you live your retirement to its fullest potential.
Learning from “Failure”
Incorporating a degree of failure into your retirement planning means recognising that some of your investments might not pan out, some expenses could be higher than expected, and some dreams may need to be adjusted. These "failures" are not just setbacks; they're opportunities to learn, adapt, and grow. They teach resilience and flexibility, qualities that are invaluable in helping you navigate the later stages of your retirement.
The Balance of Risk and Reward
A successful retirement plan balances risk and reward. It recognises that to enjoy the rewards of retirement fully, you must accept some level of risk. This doesn't mean jeopardising your financial security but rather understanding that over-caution can be a risk in itself. By planning for uncertainties and acknowledging that not every decision will be perfect, you open yourself up to a more enriching retirement experience.
Embracing the Unknown
Ultimately, embracing trepidation and the potential for failure in your retirement plan is about accepting life's inherent unpredictability. It's about making peace with not knowing what the future holds and finding joy in the journey. A retirement plan that allows for flexibility, embraces the unknown, and encourages you to live fully in your "go-go years" is one that truly understands the essence of “Grab Life”.
While it's important to have a solid retirement plan in place, it's equally important to recognise the value of imperfection. A plan that allows for uncertainty, embraces change, and encourages you to seize the day is not just realistic; it's a blueprint for your retirement that is filled with adventure, growth, and joy. So, as you plan for your future, remember that a certain degree of trepidation and failure isn't just inevitable; it's essential.
