Find self-fulfillment

It's likely that the prospect of retiring excites you — but also makes you a little nervous. Do you wonder if your new life will be fulfilling?

It absolutely can be. "The key is to plan ahead," says Nancy Schlossberg, author of Retire Smart, Retire Happy: Finding Your True Path in Life. "Before retirement, a lot of people spend time on their financial portfolio, but you also have to focus on shaping your new life."

Here are three ways to help you achieve post-retirement personal fulfillment.

Evolve your post-work identity

Knowing yourself is key to self-fulfillment. Do you know who you are without your profession? For many recent retirees, this self-redefinition can be difficult. Try this exercise: Imagine what title you'd like on your business cards six months after you retire. This can provide clues to the future new you — as a golfer, Habitat for Humanity home builder or international traveler.

Redefine relationships

Many people don't miss work when they retire. But they do miss socializing with colleagues around the office water cooler. In fact, 22% of retirees who participated in the 2006 New Retirement Mindscape^® study said the loss of social connections at work is the hardest thing to deal with in retirement. To keep that same feeling of connectedness during retirement, it's important to think about how to replace your work relationships.

As your new identity evolves, think about who your new peers will be. For some, joining an activity club or doing group travel fills the gap. Others take interesting classes to meet like-minded people.

Retirement also often involves renegotiating relationships with family. It's a good idea to discuss now with family what your mutual expectations will be once you retire. Often, retirement provides a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with family.

Find meaningful involvement

One of the biggest challenges of retirement is figuring out how to replace the sense of purpose that comes with a job and career. Keeping active and staying involved are important. Volunteering and part-time work are a great way to do this. You can make a positive difference to others, while building meaningful new relationships for yourself.

Whatever path you plan for yourself during retirement, it's important to recognize that there is no right or wrong approach. How you choose to spend your time is entirely up to you. Your future can be as unique as you want to make it — and every bit as wonderful.