I've always believed that there's "gold in the gap." The tension we can experience when we feel a shortfall can spur us on to break through thinking or taking action. But I've recently taken another look at gaps and concluded that, instead of feeling the divide, we could also consider a shift in our thinking, resulting in seeing the possible connections that exist.

This scarcity-to-abundance reframe can be especially useful in the adventure of life in retirement,  where we can fixate on what we might lack, causing us to see gaps as obstacles. In these instances, I invite clients to shift their perspectives, looking at those gaps as bridges to exciting new possibilities. Here are some ideas to move in that direction:

Discovering the Strength in Connections

When we shift our focus away from what we might not have and instead appreciate the powerful connections that exist between our experiences, skills, and dreams, we can discover attributes in ourselves, like adaptability, creativity, and versatility.

Embracing Learning and Growth

Rather than seeing gaps as limitations, we can view them as learning opportunities that paved the way for personal development. By reimagining these gaps as intentional stepping stones, we can stand on the bridge between where we've been and where we're going.

Fusing Skills for New Horizons

Our skill set is unique, made up of our talents waiting to be combined. The expertise gained in one area can easily merge with skills from another, creating a dynamic fusion that sets us apart. By harnessing the connections between seemingly unrelated abilities, we can build bridges leading to meaningful pursuits in retirement.

 Networking: Building Bridges Together

Even though we're post-career, we can still put into play our networking skills, the very essence of bridge-building. Each person we connect with adds a piece to our bridge, opening doors to collaborations, mentorships, and fresh opportunities. Embrace these connections as pathways to purposeful living.

Rethinking the Retirement transition by building Bridges

By seeing the bridges we create between our experiences, we can discover innovation, resilience, and the confidence to navigate new territories. By reframing gaps as stepping stones to growth, we construct bridges that guide us to a more enriched version of our retirement experience.

I hope you'll paint a new narrative highlighting the bridges we've built over the gaps we once saw. As we continue our journey in retirement, remember that the bridges we construct connect us to a world of possibilities.

Conflux Retirement Coaching is about merging the best of who you are with who you want to be. Let’s connect and explore what will be meaningful and fulfilling for you in your retirement life chapter.