Even if you are not a big fan of NFL football it would be hard not to be aware of the long-term retirement planning seminar that the great Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre has been putting on for the last several years. It should first be noted that Favre is statistically the greatest player at his position in the history of professional football, and he held this distinction when he first decided to retire after the 2007 season. His emotional retirement announcement on national television in March of 2008 was truly moving, and if he had stayed retired that would have been one of the most memorable video moments in the history of sports.

But Brett has subsequently provided the world with some lessons about the retirement process that can be put to good use by everyday people. Retirement is often spoken about as though it is the pot o’gold at the end of the rainbow because it is a period in your life when you don’t have to set an alarm clock and all of your time is your own. Retirement affords you the opportunity to do all of the things you always wanted to do, and as a reward for your career success you have the financial resources that it takes to do these things.

But, when the time is actually upon you, it can be tough to walk away. As your retirement approaches you are probably at the peak of your earnings, and it is likely that you hold the position that you were always aspiring to throughout your career. You probably feel a commitment to your company and co-workers, and in spite of your many achievements there still may be some goals that have not been reached.

These are all the things Brett Favre has had running through his head after each of the last several NFL seasons. This year he has struggled mightily personally and professionally when he could have been relaxing at home with his family relishing his mind-blowing career accomplishments. As you are considering the right time to retire, keep the Brett Favre story in mind and weigh all of the factors carefully.