David Letterman recently made headlines by calling retirement "nonsense," suggesting that "the human mechanism will not allow you to retire." His perspective got me thinking about purpose and meaning, particularly as we navigate different seasons of life.

What do you think about Dave’s statement? I think we spend too much time during life working / doing, and not enough time living / being. I know we must pay the bills, but that doesn’t mean we can’t retire from that effort and shift our focus to exploring who we really are or who we want to become.

The challenge isn't about whether to retire or keep working - it's about understanding our deeper purpose. When we stand at life's crossroads, we typically ask "What should I do?" But this question can lead us down the path of least resistance, potentially away from what matters most.

Instead, it might be wise to ask ourselves: "Who do I want to become?"

This shift in perspective transforms the retirement discussion entirely. Rather than viewing retirement as an end to productivity, we can see it as an opportunity for what I call an "inventure" - an inward exploration of purpose and meaning. This journey isn't about filling time with activities or even maintaining productivity; it's about growing into who we want to be.

Think about your own life's timeline. How many years do you estimate you have left? More importantly, who do you want to become during that time?

The answer might involve work, like Letterman. Or it might involve something entirely different. The crucial thing is that it aligns with your authentic self and contributes to your growth as a person.

Remember: Life isn't a linear journey from birth to death, but rather a circular path of continuous becoming. Whether you're retiring, working, or somewhere in between, the question remains the same: Who are you becoming today? What steps will you take to explore that question?