The Retirement Dream I Didn't Expect to Have at 46

Early this morning, I had a dream that I was retiring. I wasn’t excited. I wasn’t sad. I simply…was.

Outside, a gentle morning rainstorm was falling. The kind of rain that makes you drift in and out of sleep...comfortable, warm, and completely at peace. Somewhere in that cozy morning slumber, I had reached retirement.

Then I woke up.

I looked around my bedroom, smiled, took a deep breath and reminded myself that I'm 46 years old. Retirement isn't exactly around the corner.

Before getting out of bed, one question quietly settled into my mind: when is that for me?

What if I work another 25? What if it was 5? AHHHHHH! Can I continue doing what I am doing today for 25 years???? Would I have set myself and others for success if it was 5??? AHHHHHH!

The truth is, I have no idea what age or year will be my retirement. God willing, it is not soon and I can continue doing what I love. But the truth also is that maybe this dream was a bit of a reminder that the best leaders are builders. Not in preparation of something, but on a daily basis. Because it is best for their organization, team and self.

My rainy reflection sounded something like this: Are the habits and behaviors I'm practicing today setting my future self and my team up for success?

Am I taking on more than I need to because it's easier to do it myself?

Am I unintentionally creating burnout because I believe I'm the expert? Or maybe I've convinced myself, that it is easier if I just do it (which by the way works opposite and is a sign of a SELFISH leader instead of SELFLESS).

It made me realize something.

Preparing for the future isn't just about saving for retirement.

It's about building people.

Every time we teach someone, invite someone alongside us, or trust someone with a responsibility, we're investing in two futures at the same time. Theirs and ours.

When we build others, we're also building a healthier future version of ourselves.

Less stress.

More trust.

More capable teammates.

Stronger relationships.

Greater impact.

So today, instead of asking yourself: "What do I need to get done today?"

Try asking a different question. "What can I do today WITH someone else?"

Who is coming with you? Who could learn alongside you? Who could benefit from your experience? Who could eventually carry part of the load because you invested in them today?

Write this question on a sticky note and place it where you'll see it: What can I do today to accomplish a task WITH someone else?

Then make a plan.

Because leadership isn't about proving you can do it alone. It's about creating a future where no one has to.

And someday, whether retirement is 5 years away or 25, your future self will quietly look back and say...

"What a ride that was TOGETHER!"

KFG! Keep Forward Going,

xxoo,
Krista

I’m Krista Ryan

My job is to help you learn a little, laugh a lot, and get clear on action steps for your success.

It may have taken a life changing event to shake me awake and decide I no longer wanted to live a comfortable life… I wanted to embrace the discomfort and live a life of courage and intention.

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