What if you could retire today?

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It’s a provocative question: what if you could retire today?

What would you do? Many would say, “Sit on a beach sipping daiquiris all day.” Some might say, “Spend more time with family and friends.” Or, “I’d write that book/take that trip/start that business I’ve always been thinking about.”

This question – and this book – isn’t rhetorical. Ask yourself honestly: What if you could retire today?

After a few seconds of rhapsody or perhaps terror, reality sets in. Most people can’t retire right now. Some people think they may never be able to retire. And while that’s sad or upsetting, it may very well be true… though not necessarily for the reasons you may think.

It’s not (only) money keeping you from retiring right now. Today.

When you sit with the question, other things – feelings, fears, unfulfilled dreams – surface. These are the things stopping you from leaving the daily grind and retreating to a nice quiet bungalow to write your novel or take up woodcarving. It is the unlived reality that keeps you from taking the leap. And it’s different for everyone.

So what, specifically, is stopping you?