Instructions

To help address identity replacement issues, develop a “curious list.” A curious list is exactly what it sounds like: a list of things a person may be interested in and, at some point during retirement, would like to consider learning more about.

What makes the curious list different from a “bucket list” or “honey-do list” is that it does not require a specific commitment of time or energy. Instead, it simply denotes that you wish to spend some amount of time and energy exploring a subject at some point in the future. For example, you could be curious about sky diving, but that doesn’t mean you are committed to do it. You could simply read a book about it, watch a documentary, or talk one of your friends into taking the plunge.

The secret of the curious list lies in that it creates a desire to do more, be more, or learn more. When a person is curious about something, he or she wants to take the next step and see what’s around the corner. Through small and simple steps, a person can build momentum in areas of interest, while gaining useful insights, fostering experience, and ultimately adding energy and direction to life – all crucial elements to cultivating a new identity and filling time with meaningful tasks.