A Conversation on Intentional Time Use and Personal Structure in Retirement

What is my retirement going to look like? I'm excited about making more time available for tennis, art, and dancing. The ability to spread out my tennis to more than just evenings and weekends is fantastic. Currently, my weekends aren't my own to relax and do as I please, as I have tennis commitments. Which is odd as I solely control when my tennis is scheduled. That is 100% on me. So don't think I can't do what I want.

Do we think that way about other things? Even though we think we don't control it, aren't they just commitments that we've signed up for? No one else is responsible for what we say yes to. Just us. And are they things that we enjoy doing?

Flexibility will be the key and the bane of my retirement. The ability to have less structure will be good and a challenge for me. I love structure, so I'll just need to craft a different kind of structure. Will my time-blocking work satisfy my organization's desires?

Currently, as part of my weekly planning session on Sunday, I block out and schedule time to work on my weekly key three. I block out time for exercise, tennis, art, reading, and home projects. Also, having breaks between time blocks will be good.

Will scheduled time blocks be enough of a pull for me now? Will I respect the time blocks? More importantly, what can I do to build rigor and a "stick" into the blocks? I need to appreciate the fact that I have limited time left, and this is a way to live intentionally. Perhaps the focus is on living intentionally, and this is just one of the tools to achieve that.

I'm not focused on time blocking—I'm focused on USING time blocking to live intentionally.

I may intentionally choose to relax in the pool, but that is a choice, not my default position. This will be good. I also view retirement as a reward for all the hard work I have put in. A bit of a reward and an opportunity to spend more time on what I enjoy and love, as well as explore new experiences and activities. The ability to revisit old interests will be fantastic. There is a lot to do, including seeing my kids, grandkids, and in-laws. I have a lot of time on my hands to get after it. Art will be a great release and quiet activity.

Schedules – I don't want to go overboard. I'm a guy who loves schedules, time, spreadsheets, plans, and details. I love details. Vacation is enjoyable for me when everything is scheduled, and I'm doing something. I don't consider relaxing on the beach doing something.

Do I need to push myself to consider sitting on the beach doing something? Something productive? The fact I'm worrying about something being productive is a problem. Relaxing, spending time contemplating, and sitting with my wife on the ocean side is something. I'm doing something. I'm letting my mind and body recover and relax.

I have started identifying one action or task that must be done daily. Now, I am intentional about what I do. And it can be "enjoy the day with my family." Funny how I need to write that down! Do what you need to do to reduce unnecessary anxiety.

Does this conversation resonate with you? Do you have similar conversations? Let us know in the comments below.