Setting and Achieving Personal Goals in Later Life

Aside from a vague notion to write in some capacity, I never really thought too much about goal-setting in my retirement. Isn’t retirement a time to sit back and reap the rewards of many years of hard work? Yet here I am, constantly faced with opportunities to push myself in new ways. I understand the importance of continuing to challenge myself both mentally and physically at this stage in life.

I started this personal blog about six months ago and the entire experience has been a new one for me. Not only is it my first attempt at writing something that people may actually read but there is the management and promotion of the website as well. Having achieved my launch goal, I continue to put more and more objectives into place as I navigate through the process and continue to learn. I recently committed to posting more frequently which will require a considerable more amount of my time. By taking these smaller steps I hope to achieve the larger end goal of more traffic and readership for my blog.

Last year I returned to the game of golf after surgery for osteoarthritis.  I had the idea that I would pick up right where I had left off just as soon as my hand healed completely. Yet, I continue to struggle to get back to my pre-surgery game.  There are more factors in play here than just a healthy hand.  I don’t feel as strong physically as I should be.  I need to set higher fitness goals to include yoga for back health as well as increased strength training.  I may require a private lesson to undo bad form habits with my swing and grip that I developed while trying to protect my hand in the past.  I also need to set aside a certain amount of time for range practice.  Recently after a discouraging round, I put forth these personal goals with the hope of subsequently improving my golf game. 

In the past, my goals were largely tied to my career and family, but I now focus on shorter-term, personal ones. However, I feel these are equally as important. Setting goals ensures I am making the most of my time and doing what is valuable to me. These accomplishments bring satisfaction at a time in life when we may start to feel less able.

Looking to set new goals midlife and beyond? Here are some to think about:

Stay physically active: Regular exercise is important for maintaining good health and preventing illnesses. Consider setting a goal to exercise for a certain amount of time each day or week, or to participate in a specific physical activity, such as yoga or swimming. 

As you age, it’s important to maintain good mental health. Set goals for yourself to engage in activities that you enjoy, such as reading, writing, or gardening. Consider trying new hobbies or taking classes to challenge your mind.

Stay socially connected: Social connections are crucial for maintaining happiness and health. Consider setting goals to spend time with friends and family, join a social group, or volunteer in your community.

Learn new skills: Learning new skills and knowledge is a great way to keep your mind active and engaged. Consider setting goals to learn a new language, take a class in a subject that interests you, or master a new hobby or skill. You can find further suggestions in my post 5 Fun Skills To Learn in Retirement. 

Travel and explore: You have a lifetime of experience and wisdom, and it’s time to enjoy it! Consider setting goals to travel to new places, explore new cultures, or take up a new adventure activity.

Finally, remember to set goals that are SMART