In Episode 4, we began three and six week tests, "going steady" with various retirement and semi-retirement scenarios. If you'll forgive the analogy, in Episode 5, we're "putting a ring on it" and getting engaged. In other words, we are making a longer term commitment - this time 90 days.
Again, the scientific method will still apply here, but the 90 day trial is a real "stress test" for the scenarios you are enjoying. 90 days will allow you to get past the "euphoria" of 3 and 6 week tests and really experience everything - good and bad.
Did 90 days feel like enough? Do you want more, or do you want less? How did you navigate the times you got bored in more of a natural ebb and flow of things? Again, data collection is crucial. You've made educated decisions based on 3 and 6 week data sets. Now you're commiting the same time as roughly a college semester. Pay attention and collect that data - activities, your mood, and anything else you want to score. Again, 1-10, no 5's!
What surprised you? What "Murphy's Law" situations arose? Were they deal-breakers? After all of this, if you're still net positive about the experience, consider the long-term of retirement or semi-retirement.
Will this be compelling enough to do for the rest of your life? Can you physically do it into old age (i.e. golf vs kiteboarding).
Finally, what will it take to actually do this? What in your life has to change? Are their stakeholders you need sign-off from? What are the logistics and timeline?
If you've reached this point, you're extremely lucky. And in our next episode, we'll take our plan to the next level.
For more information on Zurich Awes, reach him at https://www.zurichawes.com/
Or Call him at (763) 577-1900