This week, I was up and out early one morning to attend a local service organization’s weekly meeting. One agenda item was a reminder to recast our goals throughout our lives (I suppose having a defined set of goals in the first place is a given). Our goals at 18, or 30, or 50 may look very different. And I realized that it’s important to reframe our goals as we transition to retirement as well. 

Retirement isn’t just a financial milestone—it’s a process of personal transformation. While the idea of walking out of the office one day and into a life of leisure the next might sound appealing, the reality is often more complex. That’s why a phased approach to retirement seems to be gaining traction—and for good reason. 

Rather than an abrupt stop, a phased approach to retirement offers a gradual shift from full-time work to full-time freedom. It gives you time to adjust emotionally, socially, and mentally. Whether it’s cutting back to part-time, consulting, or volunteering, this approach gives you breathing room to redefine what fulfillment looks like…for you.

As I’ve mentioned here before, when full-time work ends we might find ourselves asking, “Who am I now?” or “What’s my purpose?” Phased retirement softens that impact. It allows you to stay mentally engaged while reducing stress, maintain social connections and professional relevance, explore new interests without pressure, and test-drive your retirement lifestyle before fully committing. 

But to make the most of this transition, one thing can really enhance your overall success: rewriting your goals. Retirement isn’t the absence of goals—it’s the freedom to choose new ones. Without the structure our careers provide, it’s easy to drift. That’s why setting intentional goals is so important. 

Start by reflecting on what matters now. Ask yourself what activities energize you, what values you want to live by, and what parts of yourself you’ve set aside for career priorities. This reflection helps you identify goals that feel authentic—not obligatory. This is for you after all! 

Balanced personal goals might include improving your health or traveling somewhere new. Social goals could involve reconnecting with old friends or volunteering. Growth goals might mean learning a language, taking a class, or mentoring someone. You don’t need a five-year plan. Start with one or two goals and let them evolve. Use some freed-up time to experiment. 

Phased retirement gives you the gift of time—time to adjust, explore, and redefine. But it’s your goals that give that time meaning. Whether you’re working part-time, volunteering, or simply savoring a less frenetic pace, the key is to live your life with intention.