If you’re reading this, you’re likely a high performer.
That means you’re crushing your career and making tons of money.
And therein lies the threat…
If you do it right, you’ll be able to quit the rat race super early – in your 40’s or 50’s.
The #1 threat to your financial independence will likely NOT be bad markets or high inflation or overspending.
The #1 threat will be BOREDOM.
I’m not even kidding.
People who dream of global world travel or a never-ending round of golf or a ceaseless expansion of their wine collection often find themselves back in J-O-B eventually.*
Not because they need the money, but because they miss the intangible benefits of their career.
Things like…
Growing – personally and professionally.
Being part of something bigger than yourself.
Achieving goals.
Those “boomerang” early retirees didn’t take the time and energy required to figure out how to transfer the intangible benefits of their careers to their life.
Figuring that out is MUCH easier without the pressure of HAVING to figure it out.
So start NOW, even if your Financial Zen Year is 10+ years out.
What could you do post-career to keep the intangible benefits of work, but without a boss?
Could you turn your dad band from a weekend jam into actually touring?
Or turn your photography hobby into a business?
Or start a non-profit for a passion of yours?
Take 20 minutes this weekend to start writing your ideas in a Financial Zen journal. Jot down anything that pops into your head. There are no wrong answers.
Then make it a habit by adding to your journal at least monthly.
When the time comes, you’ll find those 20 minutes once a month will lead to a life of fulfillment and growth, just as much – if not MORE – than your career did.
Don’t let a lack of planning prevent you from living your best life.
*People who never retire in the first place because they can’t think of anything better to do are the other side of the same coin.
