Archives: January 2009

31 Jan 2009, Comments (0)

Be clear about what you want

Author: Susan Kersley

Stephen Covey in his book The Seven Habits of Highly effective People' suggests that you begin with the end in mind. This is so important when you retire as it's too easy to while away the days getting very little done. But come to terms with the fact that you may not get things done quite as quickly as you did when you worked; you may be much better at mixing leisure with tasks/ 'work'/things to be done.

Make the plans, develop the big vision. Decide what might stop you and what your very first steps must be. Then commit yourself to doing those first steps….you are on your way to having the life you want after work!!

When you have recently retired you can be very active and do so many things, so get moving, get going with them while you have time and energy on your side.

14 Jan 2009, Comments (0)

Are the medical investigations really necessary?

Author: Susan Kersley

Years ago I read an article called 'the cascade effect' It was about people having medical investigations as a result of which further tests were indicated and as the tests got more complicated and the person may experience side effects from the tests themselves.

If you are asked to undergo some tests make sure you really understand the pros and cons of doing so. Look on the internet too to find out how effective the test is in diagnosing something and if there is a positive result does that mean you have to proceed to a more invasive test.
I am not saying 'don't have a test' just be really clear why and for what it is being suggested.

I'm writing this because I've just jumped off a cascade of tests which were getting more and more complicated when I suddenly thought to myself 'why am I agreeing to all this when I don't understand why I need these tests?'

Many times I suspect further investigations are suggested because of the doctor's concern about litigation. So if you decide to refuse a suggested investigation you do need to discuss the pros and cons thoroughly so you come to an informed decision!

9 Jan 2009, Comments (0)

Retirement is about doing things differently

Author: Susan Kersley

Doing something differently, whether something small or changing something bigger in your life  means going through several steps or stages:
•    realising something has to change
•    deciding what  has to change
•    recognising that it’s you who has to change and deal with the situation in a different way
•    taking the first step
•    keeping motivated in spite of people trying to dissuade you
•    finding the people to support you and trying to ignore those who tell you not to do it
•    being aware that when you make changes you are likely to reach a stage when you wonder if               you’ve made a big mistake
•    however bad things seem to be, keeping your mind’s eye on your ultimate goal
•    overcoming any obstacles in your way so you can move on with renewed certainty
•    reaching your desired goal and sometimes recognising you could have got there a whole lot more quickly if only you knew then what you know now!
This process was described in much more detail by Joseph Campbell and is known as the ‘hero’s journey’.

During your life you probably go through a similar process many times.
If you are at any of the stages in your latest journey then find those who support what you want to do and have the strength to keep going in spite of those trying to stop you!

Whatever you want to change in your life, be it time management, your weight, your habits, your confidence, your work life balance, your motivation,your career

Book News

My books are all available on http://www.amazon.com and http://www.amazon.co.uk Just search ‘Susan Kersley’ These include my two books for doctors ‘Prescription for Change- for doctors who want a life’ ABC of Change for Doctors’ and a more general book for those about to retire (including doctors!) ‘Get ready for retirement – how to have a life after work’

Please take a look!

Retirement for doctors; Retirement for baby boomers.
To those of you thinking of retiring: what are your biggest challenges about moving on? Is it:
•    change in your identity?
•    change in what is important to you now?
•    change in what you do each day?
•    change in what you need to be able to do?
•    change in where you spend your time?
•    something else?

Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/susankersley (Let me now if you are on Twitter so I can follow you too!)

2 Jan 2009, Comments (1)

Be confident and possibilities in retirement

Author: Susan Kersley

If you feel nervous about something you have to do in a few days time and you say to yourself, ‘I am confident’, over and over, you will find that your confidence increases phenomenally.

Affirmations can be much more detailed than that. They could be something about where you want to be, whom you want to be with and what you want to be doing.

Keep your eyes, ears and senses alert and you can find amazing opportunities for a fulfilling and happy life. When an opportunity comes your way, grab it. Make choices, be brave, and take chances. This is the time in your life when you can do that and remember that the opportunity may not come your way again.

An excerpt from 'Get ready for Retirement – how to have a life after work'

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