Most of the time, when I talking to people who are nearing retirement or already in retirement, I often get a feeling of distress from them simply because many of them reach a point in their lives where they feel they are no longer needed, or useful to anyone.

If this is your opinion as you sit in this room today, here is something important that I believe your should know about this type of mindset. This opinion is so far from the truth that I am often stunned that some people actually believe this way.

I have many friends that are retired and when I get around them, I am amazed at the depth of their knowledge, expertise, skill, and life experiences in their chosen career paths. Sometimes, talking to them is kinda like trying to drink from a fire-hose — and I love it.

My point simply is, as a retiree, you are literally a treasure chest of hidden riches – a gold mine of understanding, skill, & influence, and your former employers have tapped your life strengths to the tune of probably millions of dollars – now it’s time you tap your own gold mines and create powerful returns on the investments that you have made into your own life.

Okay, let’s get started with a few simple suggestions that you can use to tap into your strengths, gifts, talents and abilities in retirement

• Be confident and proud of your strengths– Most of us have a natural tendency to underplay your strengths – simply because none of us want to be known as a pompous “bragger”, but especially to those of you already in retirement – this is the time to be confident and proud. You have accomplished so much in your life and now is the time to take advantage of your skills. So, its OK to give yourself a small tap on the back. By capitalizing on your strengths, you can accomplish all of your goals and help others in your path.

• Find new goals –. Now that you have some time on your hands, really think about your goals and aspirations. What is it that you want to accomplish in your life? Has your dreams changed since you were a teenager? Do you still have the same interests that you did 20 years ago? How can you make your dreams become a reality?

• Start a business – Today, retirees are better educated and skilled. Use your knowledge and skills to start a business or nonprofit organization. Not only will you use your talents in a wonderful way but you’ll make a significant contribution to the world.

• Educate others – If teaching and coaching is your special talent then don’t hog it, share your knowledge with others. Conduct adult education classes or tutor students.

• Re-education – Reeducate yourself. After all, learning is a lifelong process and you could use your retirement years to increase your knowledge. Take this time to learn new skills or brush up on rusty ones.

• Community service – Pay back to the community that gave you so much by volunteering your services. For instance, if you’re a retired carpenter, perhaps you can make cribs for a teenage pregnancy shelter.

• Remain active –Stay active in the community. Perhaps you can run for political office, help someone with their campaign, become a deacon, whatever you’re called to do.

Okay, let’s take some of these points and really break them down into even more actionable steps – then following that, we’ll do a few exercises to cement these ideas into your mind – followed by a question and answers period and an open discussion.

Let’s get started…