Imagine a world free of alarm clocks, bosses, long commutes, office politics and limited vacation time.

Wouldn’t it be nice to call the shots, spend more time with your family and friends, doing only those things that you love to do and are passionate about?

Imagine having the time and money to do what you want, when you want, where you want, with whom you want, at the time you want, on your terms?

That’s true financial freedom and autonomy, and I invite you to join me and others like you, who crave it badly.

You see, I define retirement as making work optional. Regardless of your age or net-worth, it’s about discovering your purpose, living with passion, total self-reliance, transformation and creative self-expression.

My view is not that “Life is too short,” but rather that “Life is too long not to be doing those things that are fun and rewarding,” and that the majority of people in our society and culture don’t spend enough time examining these issues. I endeavor to help you clarify, simplify and gain control of the big picture of your life.

I firmly believe that if you love what you do, you’ll never “work” another day in your life. I know this for a fact because a few years ago, I stopped “working” full-time for someone else. Instead, I designed a home-based business I love and began “playing” full-time for myself and the private clients I serve. 

If you’re like the majority of baby boomers who don’t plan to retire in the traditional sense, and instead plan to re-enter the workforce, downshift into more satisfying and fulfilling careers (even if they’re less lucrative), work part-time or start your own business, why wait? The question I get most is: “Can this be done without jeopardizing my retirement plans?” My answer is a big, resounding YES! 

The questions that follow are some of the same questions I ask my private clients while discovering or rediscovering their goals. So let's play! Go grab a refreshing drink and grab yourself a pen or pencil. Then, take a few minutes and answer these questions. Don’t over analyze them, just answer them from your heart (not your head).

1. If money and health were no issue, how would you spend your time?

2. What types of activities would you like to participate in that you're not now? Who would you participate with?

3. What would you like your ideal future to look like in five years? Ten years?

4. What is your greatest passion? (If you're not doing this, what is holding you back? Money, time, confidence, experience, etc.?)

5. What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

Money is just a tool that helps you get what you want. What do YOU want? My wish for you is that the next phase of your life is filled with fun stimulating activities, exploration, passion, happiness, good health and true financial freedom. Go for what you truly want!

About Bill Losey. Wilton-resident Bill Losey, CFP® is the author of Retire in a Weekend! The Baby Boomer's Guide to Making Work Optional. He also publishes Retirement Intelligence™, a free weekly award-winning newsletter. Bill can be reached at www.MyRetirementSuccess.com.