Your Roadmap to Purpose: 5 Tips to Find Your Why in Retirement

What does it mean to “find your why?” This is a question many of us think about, especially as we approach major life decisions like retirement. Often, people mistake their jobs for their true purpose, mixing their sense of meaning with their professional titles. But finding your why goes much deeper than what you do; it’s tied to your personal life and your innermost passions.

If you’re thinking that your why might have eluded you now that you’ve stopped working, I’m here to tell you…that’s simply not true! In fact, retirement offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with your sense of direction, free from work constraints. This is your time to discover what gives your life a deep sense of fulfillment.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• How focusing on verbs rather than nouns can help you find your why
• My own unlikely journey to finding my passion by building a website
• 5 tips that can help you discover your why 

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that I make a commission on your purchases (at no additional cost to you). For more details, please see my Affiliate Disclosure.

How Focusing on Verbs Rather Than Nouns Can Help You Find Your Why

When we’re asked about our profession, our go-to response usually centers around nouns. “I’m a banker,” “I’m an artist,” or “I’m a teacher,” are common responses, for example. It’s as though these job titles become our whole identity.

But here’s the kicker—when the conversation shifts from what we do for a paycheck to what lights us up inside, our language undergoes a subtle yet important transformation. Suddenly, we’re not just bankers or teachers; we’re “problem-solvers,” “creators,” “guides,” or “mentors.”

Let’s dig into this a bit. My dad, for instance, had a long and illustrious career as an engineer. When he talks about what made his work meaningful, he never mentions the company’s size, prestige, or products. Instead, he revels in the joy he found in mentoring junior engineers. He’s animated when he describes the projects that allowed him to practice active problem-solving. Those verbs—mentoring and problem-solving—are directly tied to his deep sense of purpose and his strong sense of self. They’ve given his entire life a sense of direction that can’t be summed up by a simple job title.

What’s fascinating is that this sense of meaning isn’t just a work thing—it extends into your personal life, too. Those verbs that describe what lights you up in your career can also be applied outside of a formal job setting. Think about it. If you love mentoring at work, what’s stopping you from offering mentorship in a community setting or among your circle of friends? If you thrive on creating, then retirement could be the perfect opportunity to finally write that novel or create that piece of art you’ve been dreaming about. Instead of merely filling roles dictated by your job description, finding your why means identifying those actions—those verbs—that provide substance in your life. They are the essence of your personal sense of fulfillment, and they provide a roadmap for how you might find happiness and a sense of accomplishment in retirement and, indeed, in any stage of your life.

My Unlikely Journey to Finding My Passion By Building a Website

Two years ago, if you’d told me I’d be running my own website, I would’ve laughed so hard I’d need a minute to catch my breath. Building a website seemed like something for tech wizards and coding gurus. But guess what? I’ve been doing just that, and relishing every second of it.

The truth is, once you tap into your inner passion, incredible things start happening. I’m not sharing my story to boast but rather to ignite that same spark in you. You’re invited to either read on for a dose of inspiration or jump to the “Now It’s Your Turn” section to start carving out your own path. 

Work-Life: Leading but Not Building

In my past life—I mean my working life—I was responsible for my department’s website. Sounds fancy, right? Except, I never actually did the heavy lifting. I was the idea person, sketching out visions of how things should look and function. The meetings with our web designer were my playground, our conversations full of possibilities. From discussing click-throughs to user experience, the process was enthralling. After all was said and done, the designer would retreat to his lair and later emerge with the website, magically assembled.

Starting from Scratch, Literally

Fast forward to my retirement. I wanted to help people make the most of this stage of life beyond just finances. (If you’re curious about the full back story, check out my “About” page.)

Originally I thought, “I’ll write a book. How hard can it be?” Spoiler alert: it’s pretty hard when you have no idea how to publish one. Then a friend floated the idea of starting a blog, and although I was clueless I was very intrigued.

Lessons from the Bookshelves of Amazon

My quest for knowledge led me to Amazon. I devoured books on blogging. I drew inspiration from stories of people who had built something out of nothing, just like I aspired to do. I’m a visual learner, so seeing actual blogs was like watching a cooking show and then getting to taste the dish. It made so much sense! 

Taking the Leap

Reading alone wasn’t enough, though; I needed hands-on experience. There was the hurdle of actually investing in a website, and boy was that a psychological battle! I finally told myself, “Just plunge in.” And I did. Each button clicked, and each image uploaded, felt like a mini-victory. The reality of seeing my own website materialize was thrilling.

The Times I Almost Threw in the Towel

But let’s be real; it wasn’t all unicorns and rainbows. The “Build a Website in an Hour!” promise plastered on the cover of several guidebooks had me optimistic. Maybe a little too optimistic. It’s like they skipped the chapter on reality checks. I’d flip between the book and my computer screen, thinking, “Did this author even try their own instructions?”

But you know what? I kept going. I decided that YouTube and Udemy were my new best friends, and even got support from my hosting company. The obstacles were many, but each one taught me something invaluable.

A Labor of Love and Frustration

Little by little, the website started taking shape, and let me tell you…it was addicting. If you’ve never seen your ideas manifest on a digital canvas, you’re missing out. I’d get so engrossed that I’d look up and—poof—hours had vanished. I must’ve redesigned the homepage more times than I care to admit. But each version was a step closer to what I envisioned.

The Content Quagmire—Oh, Boy!

Then came the time to fill that shiny new website with content. That’s when the imposter syndrome hit me like a ton of bricks. “Who am I to give advice?” I asked myself. Yes, imposter syndrome was alive and well in me! 

But then it clicked. The blogs I’d seen featured in those guidebooks weren’t all Pulitzer material. Some were just real stories from new moms sharing their trials and triumphs. Why couldn’t a freshly minted retiree share her own unique perspective?

Taking the Plunge, Again and Again

So, I brainstormed—a lot. I’d go on daily walks with my dogs, letting ideas percolate. The second I got home, I’d jot down these nuggets before they could escape my memory.

The struggle was balancing my newfound love for web design with the need to actually populate the website with content. Plus, there were still so many things I wanted to learn. I had to remind myself that overindulging in courses wouldn’t help me maintain a well-rounded schedule.

And Then, My Why Came into Focus

You know that saying, “Not all those who wander are lost?” Well, retirement’s kind of like that. When I stopped clocking into work, I felt like I was meandering, but not aimlessly. It was like the universe was waiting to drop a mission in my lap when I was ready.

Building this website turned out to be that mission. Now, every article I write feels like a stepping stone—maybe even a leap—for someone else looking to make the most out of their golden years. And that, my friends, is my why. I didn’t just stumble upon it; I built it, one click and one word at a time.

To learn more about the benefits I received from building my own website, check out “5 Compelling Reasons Why Building a Website is a Fabulous Midlife Project.” 

Now It’s Your Turn to Discover Your Why

That’s my journey, now let’s focus on yours. When people hit retirement, the reactions are as varied as the individuals themselves. You might hear:

• “I can’t wait to travel!”
• “I just want to lounge for a while.”
• “Golf courses, here I come!”

There’s nothing wrong with any of those sentiments. You’ve earned this break, after all. But what if you’re thinking, “Hmm, there’s gotta be more than this”?

Five Tips To Help You Find Your Why 

It’s time to get serious about your mission. Maybe you’ve always wanted to volunteer, and that’s awesome. Imagine how fulfilling it’d be to volunteer with a sense of purpose driving you. This is your why taking form. Whether your goal is to work, volunteer, or be a fantastic grandparent, doing it with a mission is a game-changer.

If you’re sitting there thinking, “I’ve got untapped potential,” here are some strategies to help you unlock your purpose and passions. 

1.  Take a Walk to Open Your Mind

I can’t emphasize enough how a walk can get your creative juices flowing. The afternoon strolls I take with my dogs are my brainstorming sessions. Before I know it, I’m rushing home to jot down the ideas flooding my mind.

Here is a 5-day challenge to help get you started. If you can, take something with you (notebook and pen or the notes app on your phone) to jot down any moments of inspiration you might get along the way. 

Your 5-Day Walking Challenge:

Day 1  Reflect on a moment in your career when you felt invigorated. Narrate it like you’re talking to someone unfamiliar with your profession.

Day 2  Revisit that moment you chose on Day 1 and dissect what made it so special for you.

Day 3  Imagine your fictional friend questions each point you came up with in Day 2 with a “So what?” How would you counter that?

Day 4  Simplify what you learned on Day 3 into a single sentence or two. This is your purpose, your why.

Day 5  List 3-5 activities that encapsulate your newfound purpose.

Don’t forget to keep a record during these walks. Whether you talk into your phone or scribble in a notebook post-walk, make sure you document your revelations.

This challenge is adapted from the book Find Your Why by Simon Sinek.

Example: David’s Soul-Searching

David was a website manager for the company he worked for. This company sold software. He was in charge of keeping the company’s website running smoothly, and the content on it well-organized and up-to-date.

This is what David came up with during his 5-day Walking Challenge.

Day 1: Identify a time when you felt energized

David: A time I stepped beyond my basic responsibilities to help an under-selling product.

Day 2: What energized you?

David: I did some research on the under-selling product and felt there was an opportunity to describe its value in a better way. As a visual learner myself, I came up with a design that illustrated how the software worked and how it benefited the user. I put that design up on the website so that our salespeople could link to it when speaking with clients.

Day 3: The “So What” Challenge

David: I enjoyed working on that project because I got to use skills I knew I had but didn’t get to draw on every day.

So what?

David: I was able to increase sales for my employer.

So what?

David: The software that I created the visual for was something that really helped small businesses save money. At different times in my career, I had thought about starting my own business but never did. This was a way of getting something of value in front of people who did take that risk.

So what?

David: Small businesses often don’t have the resources to research different software options. My visual made it easy for the owners to make a decision.

So what?

David: I didn’t know it at the time, but now with what is going on in the world, those savings are even more valuable to small businesses. It may actually be what keeps them alive.

Day 4: Distill 

David: I was initially drawn to this project because of the lagging sales numbers. What kept me going and working the extra hours above my regular responsibilities was the realization that this was going to help small businesses succeed. As a lifelong visual learner, I knew there was a better way to tell the story. I was excited to do this for a product that would help people who took that risk and started a small business.

Day 5: Where can that be applied now?

David: My talents as a visual person can be applied to activities large and small.

• I can design graphics that help my grandchildren learn fractions
• I can take that concept to a school or a friend who is a teacher
• I can write a book about expressing thoughts through drawing
• I can look for an online community of small businesses and see if I can offer assistance

David may not have a clear path yet, but he knows his ‘why’ is rooted in his knack for simplifying complex topics. His purpose isn’t tied to a job title; rather, it’s a part of who he is.

So there you go! The first step is often the hardest, but once you take it, you’re already on your journey. The rest of the steps? They’re the adventure waiting to unfold.

2. Explore Online Learning Platforms for Inspiration

Unsure about your next move, even after self-reflection? The internet is a treasure trove of resources that can guide you. Start by searching for relevant keywords in search engines like Google or platforms like Pinterest. This can lead to new ideas and directions you may not have considered.

Why Online Courses?

For the love of learning  Dive into courses purely for the joy of acquiring new knowledge.

For future endeavors  Course descriptions could ignite an interest in potential projects, paid or volunteer.

To teach others  Spot a gap in course offerings? Maybe you can fill it by teaching a course yourself.

Recommended Online Learning Platforms

Skillshare: A subscription-based platform offering courses on a wide range of topics. It’s particularly beneficial for exploratory learning. With a membership, you can freely sample multiple courses without worrying that you’re wasting money if you don’t see them all the way through.

Udemy: Pay-per-course model with frequent discounts. Udemy offers detailed course outlines and varied video lengths, helping you manage your time better.

IAP College: Offers a variety of certificate courses in different fields, from home staging to bartending. It’s an excellent platform to consider if you’re thinking about making a career switch or simply looking to explore.

I took a home staging course at IAP College. While the course was text-based and a bit tedious, it offered valuable insights into the business of home staging. It’s worth checking out for a wide array of topic options.

Interested in learning more about learning and keeping your brain mentally sharp in retirement? Check out my article, Mental Sharpness At Any Age: How to Exercise Your Brain.

3. Evaluate Your Expertise: What Can You Teach Others?

Over the years, you’ve undoubtedly gained valuable knowledge and skills. Sharing these with the world could be both fulfilling and beneficial. Here’s how to approach it:

Assess Your Passion

First, assess your enthusiasm for sharing your knowledge. Revisit your lists from previous exercises and identify topics or skills you’d feel passionate about teaching others. If you’re excited about it, you’re on the right path.

Choose the Delivery Method

The medium by which you share your expertise will depend on the topic and on your personal preferences. Here are some options to consider:

Guest writing  Write articles and submit them to well-known blogs in your field.

Newsletter  Regularly share insights through a personalized newsletter.

Personal blog or website  Create a digital home for your knowledge, complete with blog posts, tutorials, and resources.

Write or record  Consider writing a book or making audio recordings of your expertise for future use.

Online teaching  Platforms like Udemy offer a way to package and sell your expertise.

Consulting  Offer specialized advice, either as a paid service or as a volunteer.

No matter the platform, the important part is to start somewhere. Your knowledge is a treasure trove waiting to be shared. So, take the plunge and let your expertise shine.

4. Learn from Others: Leverage Community and Resources

Engaging with friends, former colleagues, or online communities can provide valuable insights into your journey. Here’s how to make the most of these interactions.

Have Organized Discussions

Instead of a casual get-together, schedule time to have structured conversations, whether in person or virtually. Set the meeting’s agenda to focus on sharing ideas, experiences, or even research each of you has done. Encourage everyone to come prepared; this enriches the discussion and makes it more productive.

Leverage Online Resources

Don’t underestimate the value of online content and communities. Blogs like this one, including comments left by readers, can serve as useful sources of inspiration or information. I found that diving into books and blogs in my area of interest genuinely sparked ideas for my own path.

By taking a deliberate approach to learning from others, you can gather fresh viewpoints, uncover new ideas, and possibly even identify opportunities you hadn’t considered. Keep an open mind and let the insights flow.

5. Consult a Trusted Friend: The Power of Outside Perspective

Gaining clarity about yourself often requires the insights of someone who knows you well and can be honest and direct. 

Why an Outside Perspective Matters

It’s easy to overlook what’s right in front of you. A friend with keen insight into your strengths and weaknesses can highlight avenues you might not have considered. My own journey into blogging, for example, was sparked by a simple suggestion from a friend who understood my situation well.

Choose the Right Sounding Board

Think about your friends or family members who would be best suited for this role. You’ll want someone who not only knows you well but can also offer candid feedback. Once you identify this person, set up a dedicated time to discuss your findings and thoughts.

Come Prepared

When you meet, bring all the relevant materials: notes from your self-reflective exercises, information on courses you’ve checked out, and any online research you’ve conducted. The more organized you are, the more fruitful the discussion will be.

Be Open to Feedback

Listen attentively and be open to wherever the conversation leads. The value here isn’t just in the feedback you receive but also in the new directions that the discussion might prompt you to consider.

The goal is to use this dialogue as a way to expand your horizons, validate your own insights, and potentially discover new avenues to explore. 

Your Next Chapter Awaits. Make It Unforgettable.

You’ve done the work, tackled the exercises, and maybe even consulted a trusted friend. By now, you should feel empowered, knowing that your why is intrinsically part of you—it’s not tethered to the job or career you’ve moved on from. This is an exhilarating realization and one that positions you perfectly for the freedom that retirement affords.

So, what’s next? That’s entirely up to you. Retirement isn’t an end; it’s a beginning—a playground for your passions, a canvas for your creativity, a stage for your skills. You have the unique opportunity to delve into your why in any way you choose. Whether it’s a grand endeavor or a series of small, meaningful actions, you have the freedom to define what fulfillment looks like for you.

Don’t underestimate the power of even small steps. They may not only enrich your life but can often create ripples, positively affecting those around you. And remember, being true to yourself is the ultimate goal, the compass by which you’ll find daily satisfaction and a sense of purpose.

Ready to take that leap? Try out one, or dive into all five of these transformative exercises. Your next chapter is unwritten, and it’s yours to fill with whatever brings you joy, wisdom, and fulfillment. It’s time to live out your why and relish the incredible journey that awaits you. You’ve earned this moment; make it count.