Posts by inspired_admin

At this time of year, chances are you have just made your RSP contribution, gradually adding to the nest egg that will support your financial security on your way to an eventual retirement. But have you thought about what else you need to consider to better prepare yourself for this major life transition? When I lead seminars for groups of pre-retiring professionals, I observe that some participants say that they have no hobbies and have very few friends aside from their spouse and colleagues. When they realize this, they have a little angst, wondering what their life will be like on the other side of ‘retirement’. In the What’s Next seminar I lead in several provinces, 10 success factors are explored along with an understanding of happiness in the second half of...

In the course of leading my seminars for boomers in midlife or entering retirement, I have repeatedly noticed participants setting goals to improve their health and fitness.   Evidently, at this time of year, this is a goal that many people set, so we have the wind in our sails as we collectively set out to get in better shape all at the same time.  The photo here is of me last fall, cycling for fitness and pleasure almost daily (except through the coldest rainy days of our west coast winters) Perhaps holistic health and fitness is a central theme for you this year? If so, and if you reside in the BC lower mainland, consider attending my colleague Lise Wearing’s seminar Holistic Approach to Weight Heaven on January 26, in Vancouver. Visit her website...

My teenage son came home a few days ago with a stack of pieces from a puzzle he had found discarded in a public place.  Given his enormous curiosity and eagerness to explore new challenges, he decided that he was going to attempt to put the puzzle back together.  As he focused on placing together the pieces, I pointed out to him that, unfortunately, without the box and the image he was trying to re-create, he would be unlikely to complete the puzzle.  I told my son that I would be happy to gift him with a new puzzle on the topic of his inner most passion, which is concept cars. While I was observing him trying to assemble the pieces and admiring his focus and effort, I was reminded of the imperative of having a clear vision.  Just like my son could not recreate...

With the new year around the corner, our minds and hearts fill with new desires, aspirations and goals. As you may know, only about 30% of resolutions are achieved because most people don’t effectively follow through on the goals they set.  But while a lack of action often leads to lack of results, the lack of change in one’s mindset is the other important factor leading to unfulfilled goals or resolutions.  Here are 7 steps you can use to shift your mindset, grow your resilience and harness the power of resolve so you can accomplish your heart’s desires.  Read more Identify where you want to be by the end of the year in 3 or 4 most important aspects of your life such as your career, social life, fitness and health, earnings and savings, relationships, etc. Write...

In a professional development session I recently attended, I heard the facilitator and speaker, Hugh Calver say that “busy” is often just another word for “lazy”.  While this statement sounds provocative, as you think about it, you’re likely to realize that there is some truth to it.  Looking at your daily habitual patterns, do you have a tendency to fill your time doing what is easiest; that which does not require the time and effort to concentrate? Depending on your life stage, whether you are engaged at work or beyond the workplace in “retirement”, you might, for example, get busy with numerous e-mails or small tasks that are not part of something substantial you may be striving to accomplish. Although these numerous menial tasks may also need to be completed,...