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I'M BACK! How have you been? I've really missed writing my weekly newsletter and now I'm refreshed and re-energised I can't wait to get back into the swing of things...

Talking of refreshed, you may notice things have a fresh new look and feel... Welcome to The Retirement Fix!

I hope you like it!
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FEATURED ARTICLE

Why You Need Retirement Rituals, Not Just Habits

You brush your teeth every morning (hopefully). That’s a habit.
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You sip your coffee slowly on the back porch while listening to birdsong and silently promising not to check your emails today… that’s a ritual.

See the difference?

Retirement is often sold as a kind of extended holiday or endless weekend. But after a few months of blissful freedom and wearing the same pair of shorts for seven consecutive days, many retirees find themselves asking: “What now?”

The answer? Rituals. Not habits. Let me explain why.

Habits: The Mindless Machines of Daily Life

Habits are the things we do almost automatically. They’re the software running quietly in the background, like brushing your teeth, taking your meds, or shouting at the TV when your sports team is losing.

They’re useful, of course. Habits keep us functioning but they don’t feed the soul.

You don’t finish brushing your teeth and whisper, “Ah yes, this is who I am now.” (If you do, we need to talk.)

Rituals: Habits With Soul

Rituals are different. They’re habits infused with intention and meaning.

They’re not just about what you do, but how and why you do it.

A habit says: “I walk every day.”
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A ritual says: “Each morning, I walk through the park and notice one beautiful thing that reminds me to be grateful I made it this far.”

See the upgrade?

Rituals connect you to something deeper, whether it’s your past, your values, your sense of identity, or just the present moment.
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And in retirement, that connection is everything.

Why Rituals Matter More in Retirement

Retirement isn’t just about not working, it’s about rebuilding your life with intention. When you take away the structure of a 9-to-5, you need something more meaningful to fill the space.

Rituals provide:

Purpose – Something to get out of bed for that isn’t just the dog.
​Anchors – Without a schedule, days can blur together. Rituals break them up and keep you oriented.
​Joy – Because retirement shouldn’t feel like a never-ending to-do list of nothing.
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And rituals don’t have to be big or fancy. Here are a few ideas:

• A Friday night kitchen chat while making pasta – low stakes, carb fueled time to catch up on life without formal agendas or forced feelings.
• A quick note in your phone each Sunday called “What Actually Mattered This Week” – because future you will appreciate the reminder when the weeks start to blur.
• Ten quiet minutes with your coffee and no phone – same chair, same drink, just you and your thoughts.
• Trying to keep one houseplant alive and chatting to it while you water it – it’s low pressure, slightly ridiculous, and surprisingly grounding.

Habits help you survive. Rituals help you thrive.

Anyone can build a habit. But building rituals? That takes curiosity, creativity, and courage.
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The good news? You’ve got time and more wisdom than you probably realise.

So this week, take one ordinary habit and see if you can elevate it to ritual status.
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Add a little meaning. A dash of reflection. Maybe even a theme song. (No judgment if it’s from the '80s.)

Because retirement isn’t just a new phase, it’s a new identity. And rituals are how we step into it with grace.

Need Help?

Curious what a retirement ritual could look like for you? Reply with a habit you already have, and I’ll help you take it to the next level.
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RETIREMENT RESOURCE

The Purpose Plan Worksheet

This weeks resource is a worksheet I've put together to help you start to uncover your purpose for your retirement.

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PODCAST

The Four Phases of Retirement

Listen in as I talk to TEDx and YouTube star Dr Riley Moyes about his groundbreaking Four Phases of Retirement Check Out The Full Conversation ->

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SKETCH OF THE WEEK

The Retirement Fork in the Road: Where Excitement Meets Reality

RETIREMENT ARTICLES

What I've read this week

• Tasting Retirement - HumbleDollar​
• 4 Key Decisions for Early Retirement - Morningstar​
• The Truth About Retirement: Don't Fall For This Trap - Paul Long​
• Money vs Purpose - Jordan Grumet
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