Develop a Personal Assessment Sheet.  This will contain your natural talents or gifts, your skills, and your interests.  List everything you can think of without judging if you like it or not.  We’ll break the list down later.

Make 3 columns on a sheet of paper.

Start with your natural talents or gifts. In the first column list everything that you are naturally good at.  Those things that come easily, that don’t require any thought.  These are usually things other people comment on by saying “you’re really good at that”.  Some of my talents or gifts are coaching, counseling, motivating, listening, reading, solving puzzles, and making people laugh.

In the second column, make a list of all your skills. Skills are those things that can be taught and learned.  They may be talents that have been enhanced by study or practice.  Some of my skills are writing, speaking to large groups, cooking, planning and scheduling projects, swimming, internet marketing and repairing small appliances.

Finally, make a list of things that interest you. You may or may not know anything about the subject, but something about it draws your interest.  For example, I’m interested in personal development, travel, all things Irish, sailing, gardening, island living, gourmet food and wine, and good mystery books.

When you have completed your lists, go back over them and circle the top 3-4 items in each column that you really enjoy. The ones that make you smile, that you would be happy doing or being involved with everyday.

Do you see any trends with the items you circled?

Do they, or can they, relate to each other in any way?

How might you integrate them into your life right now?

Do you see how they might be part of your next career?

This is part of a complete step-by-step military retirement checklist. I’ll be posting weekly action steps here, so please subscribe over in the right-hand column so you’re sure to get each update.

How much time do you spend on YOU every day? 

Do you exercise regularly? Do you meditate, pray, or make time to sit quietly and think? A long, hot shower or bath can be a time to relax and let your thoughts wander. You could read personal development books or listen to motivational tapes.  Many people keep a daily journal that helps them “think” things through.

The military has been your life for so many years that when you leave it you will miss it, in spite of yourself. You will experience a sort of grieving process.

Spending a few minutes daily with activities that nourish your spirit and feed your soul will help you through the emotional stress of transition.  Start a habit of taking time every day just for YOU.  You’ll be healthier and happier for it!