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I purchased this journal for my wife as we prepare for retirement, and I think it is a really thoughtful idea for anyone entering this next stage of life. Retirement is often talked about in terms of finances and what you're going to stop doing, but this journal takes a different approach and encourages you to think about what you actually want your retirement to look like.

The prompts are interesting without feeling overly complicated or repetitive. They encourage reflection about goals, interests, experiences, and how you want to spend your time. I especially like the idea of having something tangible to write down and revisit rather than simply having these conversations in passing.

I'm very glad I came across this. As we get closer to retirement, it has given us another way to think and talk about what comes next—and that is exactly what I was hoping for when I purchased it.

When I finally stepped away from my career a few months ago, the sudden shift from a hectic 9-to-5 to completely open days was honestly a little jarring. Everyone tells you "congratulations," but no one really warns you about the slight identity crisis that hits when you no longer have a job title defining your daily routine. I bought this journal hoping it would help me clear the mental fog, and I was instantly impressed when it arrived.

This is an exceptional, deeply thoughtful tool for anyone navigating the emotional and practical transition out of the workforce. It treats retirement not as an ending, but as a genuine opportunity to evolve, making it an incredibly meaningful gift for a retiring parent, spouse, or colleague. If you are approaching retirement or already in the thick of it and trying to find your new purpose, I cannot recommend this beautiful journal enough.

I like this journal because flipping through it felt like someone gently tapping me on the shoulder saying “hey, have you actually thought about this part of your future?” The prompts are thoughtful and I’m using it for advanced planning, not waiting until retirement, because honestly the questions are helpful right now. It’s a neat idea and it made me think about things I hadn’t considered.

I am now only a year away from full retirement, and I am downsizing and winding down. I'm also planning a big move, so I decided to order this to help me manage my thoughts and steps for everything that is to come. I have some plans for what to do in the future, but I took a long look at the prompts, and I find that they are very useful for letting myself think carefully about issues I had yet to consider. After the first seven sections, which have you journal your thoughts on various aspects of retirement (most of which I hadn't considered already), there is a 30-day implementation plan, to start on once you have completed the previous seven sections.

I have a lot of anxiety, and so I tend to create numerous backup plans to try to meet every situation. With this journal, I won't have to remember them, but can go back to my thoughts as situations arise. I think in the long run it will also help with my anxiety as I see so many situations that didn't need eight backup plans.

In short, this is definitely going to be extremely helpful as I face retirement, and because I have it a year in advance, I can really take days or even weeks to fully consider each prompt, which may alleviate my anxiety about writing in such a nice book. And the quality of the book will remind me that I am worth celebrating.

As a new retiree, I can recognize that I am at a significant phase change in my life. I had originally ordered this book to give to a friend of mine who is also recently retired; however, I think I will keep it for myself.

The book is a journal with prompts. It is meant to be written into after one thinks carefully about the prompts; and, in the end, the book is meant to be a journey, not so much something that one would share with others. It is filled with prompts on personal reflection. It is clear that the creator of this journal wanted to provide a useful tool to those who are retiring so that, at the end of the process, they feel more assured of what they seek out of retirement. What are their goals? What will give them purpose?

There is also a recognition that retirement is the celebration/grieving/reflection on the career that has ended. There are definite strong emotions that come with such an ending, and the journal prompts give space to the writer to come to appreciate what they have accomplished.

We are all working towards the dream of retirement, but actually envisioning what that could look like is often pretty nebulous.

I like that this book focuses on what you Want it to look like, rather than what you don’t want. This really is a journal - with journal prompts and then space to write, keeping everything in one place.

I find I get tied up in knots, just thinking about what I want my retirement to look like. This book helps calm a long that. Its clean lines and thoughtful layout feels like a competent, friendly guide to some hard questions. And also a guide to the myriad possibilities that await.

I like its suggestion to schedule regular times to work in this book - creating a routine of self reflection.

This review is based on feedback from the recipient of this journal and not my perspective as the purchaser. I saw this and immediately thought what a great gift this would be for a friend who is retiring at the end of the year. She's a high school social worker and is very much looking forward to the next chapter. She's also feeling some uncertainty as this has been her career for the last 35 years. We've previously discussed what she wants for her future and she's stated there's so much to think about with few set plans.

I gifted this to her months in advance of her retirement day because I believe it's a great way to help her get started with thinking about her next move. She was very surprised I was that concerned, but also incredibly appreciative to know I cared that much.

She hasn't started using it yet but her initial feedback is very positive. Based on what she's read so far she believes it will be very useful. She perused a few pages over the weekend and mentioned how nicely it lays out the next steps to consider, which will certainly help to keep her focused. It's well written and easy to follow, and what she likes most are the targeted questions that prompt her to provide a more thoughtful answer. This was much better for her than simply writing general thoughts in a blank journal. She sees this as a good tool to assist her with this life changing transition and looks forward to using it regularly.

When a book like this enters into the world, it has the opportunity to really change people's lives. Unlike many traditional and self-help books, which simply tell you what you should do, this is a journal that helps you to think through your own situation and develop ideas of how you can become the kind of person who can succeed. Really, that's what so many of us need. We've been told a lot of times that we should work for ourselves, but we aren't sure how to start. This journal breaks down the necessary steps and necessary character traits for success.

I believe Jana represents the new generation in a way that is needed, welcoming, and, refreshing. She is truly an iconic multi-faceted citizen. From her work at Critical Mass (Canada’s largest advertising agency), where she supported over 50 top brands and businesses as a marketing strategist and pitched multi-million dollar initiatives to clients in New York, to starting her own coaching practice (All of Her Business) at the age of 25, Jana continues to set the bar as a thought leader in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. She has served as an Expert Advisor with Innovate Calgary’s Life Science Innovation Hub, and has been recognized as an expert and pioneer in the field of entrepreneurship by printed media, television, radio and several podcast channels across North America. Most recently, Jana wrote and self-published The Bedside Business Plan, now available in every Indigo and Chapters across Canada. I use the book as a guide and recommendation in the Foundations of Entrepreneurship course I teach at Royal Roads University in Victoria.

As someone who has provided dozens of reference letters, participated in hundreds of nominations and (in the last 15 years) taught, coached/mentored hundreds of budding entrepreneurs – I feel I am qualified to state that Jana stands out as one of the most focused and unique individuals I have ever met. She was born to do what she does. She has changed the way entrepreneurs (in particular, women) see themselves and she has re-defined the meaning of ‘entrepreneurial resilience and dedication’. She is moving the needle – in her profession and in the lives many who would never have considered themselves capable. Not an easy task.

I know Jana through my role at UCalgary Alumni - she has presented at the University of Calgary’s Grow Your Career Conference (live) and facilitated an entrepreneurship webinar (virtual). In both settings I've found Jana to be one of the most engaging, optimistic, curious and conversational presenters that I've met.

Jana is able to connect deeply with her audiences and challenge them from a coaching perspective. Having presented many times myself, this is no small feat; it takes skill and practice to make audiences feel heard. She conveys her knowledge with clarity and conviction, and offers perspective that resonates with seasoned & new entrepreneurs alike.

Most importantly, Jana speaks from the heart. It's evident upon hearing & meeting her that she loves making a difference in people's lives, and wants to see them succeed. I highly recommend Jana as a speaker, business consultant, coach and entrepreneurial guide.