Retirement is one of the most significant transitions many of us will ever face.
For years — sometimes decades — your work shaped your rhythms, your sense of purpose, and even the way you introduced yourself to others.

Then suddenly (or gradually), that landmark begins to fade into the background.

Clients often tell me:

“I thought I’d feel free… but instead, I feel a bit unanchored.”
“Who am I now without my role?”
“What should this next chapter look like?”

If that resonates with you, let me say this clearly:
You’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything wrong.

You’re simply in an identity transition — and that can be a deeply meaningful place to stand.

Retirement Isn’t About Stepping Back. It’s About Stepping Into Something New.

When the familiar structures of work fall away, something surprising happens:
Your deeper values, longings, gifts, and curiosities begin to surface again.

This isn’t the end of purpose.
It’s the beginning of a new kind of purpose — one that’s more aligned, more grounded, and more spacious.

As I write on page 1 of the Retirement Identity Challenge, retirement invites us to shift from a career-centered identity to a values-based identity — one shaped by who we are, not by what we’ve done.

And that shift, while liberating, takes intention.

That’s why I created a simple three-part challenge to guide you through the early layers of this transition.
Here’s a preview.

1. Rediscover the Values Guiding Your Next Season

The first exercise helps you identify the 5–10 values that matter most to you right now — not the ones that guided your career, but the ones that are calling to you today. (See page 2.)

You’ll narrow them down to your top three.

This creates clarity.
Because when you know what matters most, the shape of your retirement — your relationships, your rhythms, your investments of time and energy — becomes clearer.

Your values become a key component of your new compass.

2. Rewrite Your Identity Statement — Beyond Job Titles

This exercise begins with two simple words:
“I am…”

You then let the statements flow — without using your past job title unless it feels essential. (Full instructions on page 2.)

It’s amazing what happens when you give yourself permission to show up without titles or roles attached.

Clients often discover:

“I am someone who values learning.”
“I am drawn to creativity.”
“I am someone who loves adventure.”

Your identity expands.
Your imagination reawakens.
Your sense of possibility grows.

3. Follow Your Curiosity — One Small Step at a Time

Identity isn’t rebuilt by thinking alone — it’s rebuilt through experience.

That’s why the third exercise invites you to try something new each week:
a hobby, a class, a volunteer opportunity, or an old interest you’ve been missing. (See page 2.)

At the end of each week, you reflect:

Did I enjoy this?
What did I learn about myself?

This gentle practice often leads to new passions, friendships, creative pursuits, volunteer roles, mentoring paths, or even renewed callings.

One small step at a time, a new identity begins to take shape.

This Season Holds More Possibility Than You Realize

Retirement isn’t the end of your story — it’s a new chapter in the adventure.

It’s a chance to:

Recenter on what matters most
Clarify who you are becoming
Explore the possibilities opening before you
Build routines that feel life-giving
Rediscover your unique voice and values

You don’t need to rush this.
And you don’t need to navigate it alone.

Download the Retirement Identity Challenge

If this message resonates with where you are right now, I’d love for you to take the next step.

🎁 Download the free Retirement Identity Challenge
Your guide to rediscovering who you are now — and who you’re becoming.

👉 https://encompasslifecoaching.podia.com/the-retirement-identity-challenge

This simple guide will help you gain clarity, name what matters most, and move forward with confidence in this new chapter.

Grace and clarity,
Tim

P.S. If retirement has felt disorienting or unexpectedly emotional, that’s normal. You’re in a season of becoming — and it would be an honor to walk alongside you as you navigate this transition.