As a Life Transition coach and the creator of Reset Your Life Compass, I’ve spent years helping people navigate significant life changes – and retirement is one of the biggest.

I’ve seen firsthand that retirement isn’t just about leaving the workforce. It’s a whole new stage of life, and it’s up to you to make the most of it.

Those who are having the most fun in retirement? They have some habits in common. And I’m going to share them with you.

So, here’s my take on the 8 habits of those who are truly living their best retirement life – let’s dive right in!

1) Embracing change

Retirement is a significant transition, and like any big change, it can be scary. But those who are having the most fun in their retirement aren’t letting fear hold them back.

Instead, they’re embracing change head-on. They’re taking on new hobbies, traveling to places they’ve never been, and trying things they’ve never done before.

This willingness to try new things, to step outside of their comfort zones, is a key factor in making retirement an exciting and fulfilling stage of life.

As a Life Transition coach, I can assure you that embracing change can lead you to a more fulfilling life.

2) Understanding yourself and your core values

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a Life Transition coach, it’s that understanding yourself is key to living a fulfilling life. And this is especially true in retirement.

Those who are having the most fun in retirement? They understand themselves and their core values. They know what makes them tick, what brings them joy, and they incorporate these elements into their everyday lives.

To help you figure out your own core values, I’ve created a Defining Your Values Exercise. You can use this tool to get clear on what matters most to you and start living in alignment with those values.

By understanding yourself and your core values, and by making decisions that align with these values, you’ll create a retirement life that is not only fun but deeply fulfilling.

3) Setting meaningful goals

Retirement doesn’t mean the end of ambition or drive. Quite the opposite. It’s a time to finally focus on what you truly want, without the distractions of a 9-5 job.

People who are having the most fun in retirement are setting goals. And not just any goals, but meaningful ones that align with their passions and values.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that retirement is a time to sit back and relax. But believe me, lounging in a recliner all day isn’t as satisfying as it sounds.

The reality is, we all need a sense of purpose, something to strive for. It keeps us energized, engaged, and yes, even youthful. When you’re working towards something that matters to you, it adds an extra spring to your step and a sparkle in your eye.

4) Steering your own life

Retirement is a stage in life when you finally have the time and freedom to take full control of your own life. And guess what? Those who are having the most fun in retirement are doing just that.

They’re no longer letting life happen to them. They’re steering their own ship. They’re making conscious decisions about how they want to spend their time, who they want to spend it with, and what they want their lives to look like.

Sometimes, we may find ourselves becoming passive participants in our own lives, particularly when we’re juggling work, family commitments, and other responsibilities. However, retirement offers a unique opportunity to shift this dynamic.

Take control. Steer your own ship. It’s your life, after all. Make it one that you love living every single day of your retirement!

5) Embracing the power of journaling

Journaling is a powerful tool, and not enough people take advantage of it. 

Journaling helps us reflect on our experiences, express our emotions, and gain clarity on our desires and dreams. It’s a simple habit, but it can have a profound impact on how we experience and navigate life.

In my course, Reset Your Life Compass, I delve into the incredible benefits of journaling. I provide guidance on how to make this practice a regular part of your life and how to use it as a tool for self-exploration and personal growth.

By journaling regularly, you can gain deeper insights into yourself, your values, and your goals. And with that insight, you can create a retirement life that is not only fun but truly fulfilling. Give it a try – start journaling today!

6) Successfully changing habits

We all have habits, some good, some not so good. And our habits can significantly influence the quality of our lives, especially in retirement.

Changing habits isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely doable. It requires commitment, patience, and consistency. But the rewards? They’re well worth the effort.

The key is to start small. Choose one habit you’d like to change and focus on it until it becomes a natural part of your routine. Then move on to the next one.

7) Finding meaning and purpose

Retirement isn’t a finish line. It’s a starting point for a new, exciting phase of life. But for it to be fulfilling, it has to be filled with meaning and purpose.

People who are having the most fun in retirement fill their lives with purpose. They’ve found things that give them a sense of meaning, and they’re pursuing them with passion.

Retirement is the perfect time to explore your ‘why’ and find your purpose.

For more tips on how to find your purpose in life, check out my YouTube video here. It’s packed with practical advice to help you discover what makes you tick and how to incorporate more of it into your life.

Finding your purpose isn’t just about making retirement fun. It’s about making it meaningful. And there’s nothing more fulfilling than living a life filled with purpose.

8) Living authentically

In a world that often pressures us to conform, to fit in, to do things a certain way, living authentically can feel counterintuitive. But it’s one of the most liberating and fulfilling things you can do.

In retirement, you have the freedom to be who you truly are, without the constraints of a job role or societal expectations. You can explore your interests, express your personality, and follow your own path.

Living authentically means honoring your own needs, values, and desires. It’s about being true to yourself.

So go ahead. Be yourself. Live authentically. It’s your life, live it on your terms!

Retirement is a unique and exciting stage of life, full of potential for growth, exploration, and enjoyment. But like any stage of life, it’s what you make of it.

By embracing change, understanding your values, setting meaningful goals, steering your own life, journaling, changing habits, finding purpose, and living authentically, you can turn retirement into one of the most fulfilling times of your life.

If you’re looking for a guide to help you navigate this transition and make the most of your retirement years, consider enrolling in my course, Reset Your Life Compass.

It’s designed to help you gain clarity on your values and goals, develop a roadmap for achieving them, and set sail towards a fulfilling retirement life.

Retirement is the perfect time to embrace a new chapter of life that’s ripe with exciting possibilities. So take charge of your retirement and make it fun, fulfilling and truly yours!