What the Titanic Taught Me About Retirement and Purpose

I watch a special on the Titanic the other day. What a majestic ship it must have been. The special involved showing the ship projected full size and let the researchers literally walk up to it.

One of the things that the researchers talked about was that two of the richest men in the world at that time, Benjamin Guggenheim and John Jacob Astor had been on board the ship.

Both chose to remain behind with all the other men and let the women escape from the sinking ship. The one thing that struck me was that despite all their wealth the one thing they could not buy was more time.

It makes me think of the phrase “Life is fragile, time is priceless. Am I using mine with purpose?” Guggenheim and Astor represent a profound truth. You can have everything in the world but time.

This makes me think about my retirement, that it should be about legacy not leisure. The goal is not about financial security, which is important, but meaningful living. Tell me what are you doing with the time you have.

What do you want to be known for. I didn’t view retirement as the end of the road but as the beginning of a new purpose. If you have always wanted to write that great novel then write it.

It doesn’t matter whether or not it becomes a great seller. Maybe you love working with people. Volunteer, Mentor make a difference in someone else’s life. Pursue your dreams and do not wait till tomorrow.

I did not sit on my hands when I retired. My spouse and me traveled because we were both healthy. We reached a point where health became an issue and I pivoted to writing, blogging and now teaching.

Does the extra income help, of course so. Does the teaching impact where we go, again of course so. I am doing what I enjoy and helping others. The students in my class vary from late teens and early twenties to those that have retired.

They keep me on my toes and involved in the world. Is financial planning and having money important, of course but you should not make it your sole pursuit. Enjoy life and make a difference in someone’s life.

The Titanic reminds us that life can change instantly. Purpose begins long before that last paycheck. It’s a mindset of intention and legacy. Live boldly, live in the present and make each chapter count.

Time is both mine and your most precious resource. I am not wealthy but I am thriving, living and living with purpose. Come and join me living boldly. let me know what you think of my blog.

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