Hi Reader

Welcome to edition #48 of The Super Sunday Retirement Roundup.

In this weeks jam packed newsletter, I discuss:

Retirement Fears
Exposure Therapy
Strategies to Take Control of Your Time
When You Should Retire
Retirement Intelligence
Your Greatest Asset in Retirement

So, as always grab your favourite hot beverage, your notebook and pen and tuck into some intriguing, thought provoking and inspirational stuff!

And please get in touch to let me know what resonated with you or to discuss any of the points in more detail.

My Latest Thoughts

How to Have a Fearless Retirement

How 'Exposure Therapy' Can Help You Embrace the Second Half of Life

Retirement is often painted as the long-awaited time of leisure, exploration, and freedom. Yet, for many, the mere thought of retirement sparks an unexpected fear. The fear of the unknown, loss of purpose, financial instability, or even sheer boredom can make the prospect of stepping away from work unsettling. What if the key to overcoming these fears isn’t just financial planning or self-help books, but something borrowed from the world of psychology... 'exposure therapy'

Don't worry... this is not the lay on the couch, spill your life history type therapy!

What is Exposure Therapy?

Exposure therapy is a well-established psychological technique used to help individuals confront and reduce anxiety associated with specific fears. Typically used for phobias, PTSD, and anxiety disorders, exposure therapy gradually introduces individuals to their fears in a controlled way, helping them build resilience and lessen their emotional reaction over time.

So how does this relate to retirement?

If the mere thought of not having a structured workday, losing professional identity, or dealing with financial uncertainty makes you anxious, then exposing yourself to these elements before retirement could help desensitise you to the fear.

The Story of Jack: A Retirement Phobia in Action

Jack, a 63-year-old corporate executive, had spent four decades building his career. He thrived on early morning meetings, high-stakes decisions, and the constant hum of his inbox. The idea of retiring sent him into a spiral of anxiety. “What will I do all day? Who am I without my job title?” he often asked his wife, who was more than ready to start traveling and enjoying their golden years.

Instead of avoiding the thought of retirement, Jack decided to dip his toes into the experience gradually—like exposure therapy.

He started by taking every Friday off, forcing himself to engage in hobbies, meet new people, and explore life beyond work. After a few months, he realised he actually enjoyed his newfound freedom. The fear wasn’t as big as he’d made it out to be.

Retirement Anxiety: The Unspoken Phobia

Fear of retirement is rarely talked about, yet it affects countless individuals. Common anxieties include:

Loss of identity – Many derive a sense of self-worth and social status from their careers. Who are you without your job title?

Boredom and stagnation – Will the days stretch endlessly without purpose?

Financial insecurity – Even with savings, will it be enough?

Social isolation – Work provides built-in social interactions. Without it, will loneliness creep in?

Health concerns – A sudden shift in routine could impact physical and mental well-being.

While these fears are valid, avoiding them only reinforces anxiety.

Exposure therapy, in this case, might be the unexpected yet effective way to face retirement head-on.

How to Use Exposure Therapy to Prepare for Retirement

Simulate Retirement in Small Doses: Start by taking a “mini-retirement” or sabbatical for a few weeks. Structure your days as if you were retired—fill them with hobbies, relaxation, and social activities. This can help you get a sense of what you enjoy (or don’t) and how to adjust your lifestyle accordingly.
Reduce Your Workload Gradually: Instead of retiring cold turkey, try scaling back your hours, working part-time, or transitioning into consulting. This gradual exposure to less work helps ease you into the retirement mindset while maintaining some structure and purpose.
Develop Non-Work Identities: Engage in activities that provide fulfilment outside of work. Whether it’s volunteering, joining clubs, learning new skills, or deepening personal relationships, discovering new sources of identity before retirement can make the transition smoother.
Test Out Different Budgets: Financial stress is a major source of retirement anxiety. Try living on your projected retirement budget for a few months while still employed. This experiment exposes you to the reality of your financial future and allows for adjustments before it’s too late.
Expand Your Social Network Beyond Work: Many retirees struggle with loneliness. Start fostering friendships outside of work now by joining groups, attending community events, or reconnecting with old friends. Exposure to new social circles before retirement makes the transition less isolating.
Face the ‘What Will I Do?’ Question: Retirement is a blank canvas, which can be both exciting and intimidating. Begin experimenting with hobbies, travel plans, or projects before you retire. Exposure to different activities can help you discover passions you may not have known existed.

The Tale of Linda: A Retirement Glow-Up

Linda, a former teacher, had always imagined retirement would be peaceful, but when it finally arrived, she found herself bored and restless. She missed the energy of the classroom and the fulfilment of shaping young minds.

So, she started small—volunteering to tutor local students a few days a week. The exposure to a new, flexible routine reignited her passion without the pressures of a full-time job. Soon, she was not only tutoring but also traveling and picking up painting.

Retirement anxiety? Conquered.

The Power of Proactive Exposure

By treating retirement as something to be gradually explored rather than a daunting cliff to jump off, exposure therapy can make the transition feel natural rather than terrifying. Just as someone with a fear of heights gradually ascends taller buildings, those fearing retirement can expose themselves to elements of post-work life in manageable steps.

Instead of seeing retirement as the ‘end’ of something, exposure therapy can help reframe it as the beginning of a new, fulfilling adventure—one that doesn’t need to be feared but instead embraced, one step at a time.

So, if the thought of retirement sends shivers down your spine, why not start facing it now?

A little exposure today might just make your second half of life shine even brighter.

Read These Articles

👉 3 Simple Strategies to Take Control of Your Time - By Jordan Grumet

In his recent article, Dr. Jordan Grumet offers three actionable strategies to help you regain control over your time:

The Joy of Addition: Incorporate activities that bring purpose and joy into your daily routine, transforming how you experience time.
The Art of Subtraction: Identify and eliminate tasks that drain your energy, creating space for what truly matters.
The Power of Substitution: Replace less fulfilling activities with those that align more closely with your goals and values.

By applying these strategies, you can make meaningful changes to your schedule, ensuring your time is spent on what truly enriches your life.

👉 When Should I Retire? - By ME!

In my latest blog post "When Should I Retire?" I challenge the conventional notion of retirement as merely a financial milestone. Instead, showing that retirement is a deeply personal decision, suggesting that you should consider your unique circumstances, desires, and readiness beyond just monetary factors. I encourage you to reflect on their personal goals and values when determining the right time to retire.

The Humans vs Retirement Podcast

👉 Episode 74 - How to Build Retirement Intelligence with Bob Laura

In this brand new episode of the Humans vs Retirement Podcast, we delve into the concept of retirement intelligence with Bob Laura, a pioneer in retirement psychology and social science. Bob emphasises the importance of identity, purpose, and personal fulfilment over mere financial wealth. He introduces the Retirement Quotient framework, assessing readiness through emotional and spiritual well-being. We also tackle misconceptions about retirement, the rise of 'grey divorce,' and the necessity of establishing new routines to maintain mental health and social connections post-retirement.

Listen in via:

The Super Sunday Retirement Roundup

How to Have a Fearless Retirement - Edition #48 of The Super Sunday Retirement Roundup