By Dave Smith, The Ultimate Retirement Coach

I retired early and made my first retirement move in the middle of COVID-19. At first, retirement felt amazing—a honeymoon phase like an endless vacation. But that feeling didn’t last. I started asking myself: “Is this it? How do I fill my days? What motivates me to get up in the morning?”

Financial planning for early retirement had been my focus for decades. I achieved that goal—but felt unfulfilled. It’s a tough topic: those still working have little empathy for someone “free” from the daily grind, meetings, and office drama. I had entered the disenchantment phase of retirement.

The turning point came the morning after a Saturday night of drinking while watching the Ohio State Buckeyes play. I woke up with crystal clarity: this wasn’t working. I was too young and had too much to live for to continue this way. I needed a change.

I started by closing the chapter on alcohol. That small but powerful action freed time, energy, and focus to pursue what truly mattered: completing my CFP coursework, consulting in the Ag Industry, gutting and remodeling homes, earning certification as a professional retirement coach, and helping build my daughter’s new Yoga & Wellness Studio.

The lesson: If you’re planning for retirement—or already there—and feel “stuck,” it’s normal. Find one meaningful change to take action on. That step can become the inflection point that transforms your retirement into a life of purpose, growth, and fulfillment.