Retirement is often described as the “freedom years”—a time to relax, travel, explore passions, and reclaim your time. The thought of being on a “perpetual vacation” may sound awesome at first but there's a stark difference between planning for two-weeks of time off and planning for 30 years of “play”. But perhaps the most not talked about subject of retirement is the invisible expectations that come from others the moment you step out of the workforce.

One of the most powerful questions I've used in an executive coaching session is “Does your calendar reflect what you value?” It’s true. Our time is often a reflection of our priorities, our habits, and sometimes… our autopilot. Retirement gives you a rare opportunity to take back your calendar—and make it mean something.