What if retirement is not about slowing down, stepping back, or fading out, but about trying new things without the pressure to get them right? In this episode of Retirement Unfiltered, Nan Ives and Lisa Stornaielo introduce the idea of ReTRYment – a reframe of retirement as a time for experimentation, curiosity, and new beginnings.

Nan and Lisa start by challenging the outdated language and assumptions that still shape how many people think about retirement. Words like withdrawal, resignation, and retreat quietly frame this chapter as an ending. ReTRYment flips that script. It is about shifting from "What am I retiring from?" to "What am I retiring to?" and giving yourself permission to be a beginner again.

They explore why adopting a beginner's mindset can feel uncomfortable after decades of being competent and accomplished, and why that discomfort is actually a gift. Trying new things lights up the brain, builds new neural pathways, and creates space for learning, play, and discovery. More importantly, it removes the weight of perfection. In ReTRYment, nothing has to turn into a lifelong passion or second career. You try, you learn, and you decide what fits.

Through personal stories, including failed experiments and unexpected clarity, Nan and Lisa show how small, low-commitment experiments can provide powerful feedback. Some experiences spark joy. Others quickly reveal what is not worth pursuing. Both outcomes are valuable. ReTRYment is not about reinventing yourself overnight. It is about staying curious, following small sparks, and letting learning guide what comes next.

This episode closes the first series by bringing insight into action and reminding listeners that retirement does not require a perfect plan – just a willingness to try.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

Why the language of retirement shapes how this chapter feels
What ReTRYment means and why it reframes retirement as a beginning
The power of a beginner's mindset after a long career
How small, low-risk experiments, and failing fast create clarity
Letting curiosity guide what comes next

About the hosts:Nan Ives and Lisa Stornaielo are co-founders of The Future of You and former leaders at Fidelity Investments. Through their work, research, and personal retirement journeys, they help experienced professionals design a more intentional and fulfilling life after work.

https://www.thefutureofyou.com