How to be S.M.A.R.T. about retirement: 8 goals you should consider setting once work is behind you

Retirement marks the beginning of what could be one of the longest and most fulfilling chapters of your life—potentially spanning twenty, thirty, or even forty years. Yet many people give remarkably little thought to how they’ll actually live once work ends. The difference between a vibrant, purposeful retirement and one marked by drift and disappointment often comes down to intentionality.

This is where the S.M.A.R.T. goal framework becomes invaluable. Originally designed for business settings, this approach—emphasizing goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound—transforms vague retirement wishes into concrete realities. What follows are eight essential goals that can help you design a retirement worthy of the decades you spent earning it.

1. Create a social connection plan.

One of the most underestimated challenges of retirement is the sudden loss of daily workplace interactions. The colleagues you chatted with over coffee, the team meetings that provided structure, and the professional relationships built over decades disappear overnight. Without intentional planning, this social vacuum can lead to isolation and loneliness—affecting one in three retirees and significantly impacting both mental and physical health.

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Example:

“Within 9 months of retirement, I will build a sustainable social network by joining two local organizations (a book club and a pickleball league), scheduling at least three meaningful social interactions each week, and establishing a core friend group of 4-6 people with whom I connect regularly.”

Breaking down the S.M.A.R.T. components:

Specific: The goal clearly identifies what will be accomplished (building a social network), how it will be done (joining two specific types of organizations, scheduling interactions), and what the end result looks like (core friend group of 4-6 people).

Measurable: Success can be tracked through concrete numbers: two organizations joined, three weekly interactions counted, and 4-6 core friends identified. You can maintain a simple log or calendar to track weekly social engagements and evaluate whether you’re hitting your targets.

Achievable: This goal is realistic for most retirees. Two organizations is manageable without overwhelming your schedule, three weekly interactions allows flexibility (some weeks might be busier than others), and 4-6 core friends is an attainable network size that doesn’t require becoming a social butterfly overnight.

Relevant: This directly addresses one of the most critical challenges in retirement—the loss of daily workplace social interactions and the risk of isolation. Social connections are strongly linked to longevity, mental health, and overall life satisfaction in retirement.

Time-Bound: The nine-month timeframe provides enough time to explore options, try different groups, and naturally develop friendships without rushing the process. You could, if you wished, include implicit milestones: research and join organizations within the first 3 months, begin attending regularly and building connections in months 3-9.

2. Design a specific physical fitness routine.

Your body doesn’t care that you’re retired—in fact, it needs movement more than ever. Yet many new retirees find themselves becoming more sedentary without the natural activity that work provided, whether that was walking to meetings, climbing stairs, or simply getting dressed for the office. The good news is that retirement offers the perfect opportunity to prioritize physical health without competing work demands.

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Example:

“After obtaining physician clearance within the first month of retirement, I will establish and maintain a comprehensive fitness routine by walking 8,000 steps daily, attending strength training classes every Tuesday and Thursday morning at the community center, and completing a 20-minute home yoga session every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the next 6 months, with the outcome goal of losing 12 pounds and improving my mobility.”

Breaking down the S.M.A.R.T. components:

Specific: The goal details exactly what physical activities will be performed (walking, strength training classes, yoga), when they’ll happen (specific days and times), where they’ll occur (community center, home), and includes the prerequisite of physician clearance for safety.

Measurable: Multiple metrics make this trackable: 8,000 daily steps counted via smartphone or fitness tracker, attendance at twice-weekly strength classes (can track 2 out of 2 sessions weekly), three 20-minute yoga sessions weekly (yes/no completion), and weight loss tracked on scale (12 pounds over 6 months = 2 pounds monthly average).

Achievable: 8,000 steps is doable, even if you’re currently sedentary. Scheduled classes provide accountability and structure. The 20-minute yoga sessions are short enough to maintain consistency. The 12-pound weight loss over 6 months equals a healthy 2 pounds per month. The routine totals about 5-6 hours weekly—substantial but not overwhelming.

Relevant: Physical fitness is fundamental to healthy aging and maintaining independence in retirement. This goal addresses cardiovascular health (walking), strength and bone density (resistance training), and flexibility and balance (yoga)—all critical for older adults. The mental health benefits directly combat retirement-related depression.

Time-Bound: The six-month timeframe allows time to build habits, see measurable physical results, and establish a sustainable routine. The initial one-month deadline for physician clearance ensures safety. After six months, the goal can be evaluated and adjusted based on progress and how the routine fits into retirement life.

3. Establish concrete financial milestones beyond basic budgeting.

Most retirees focus on creating a budget, but true financial security in retirement requires more sophisticated planning. Moving from accumulation to distribution mode represents a fundamental shift in financial management. Beyond tracking spending, you need to address asset allocation, emergency preparedness, required minimum distributions, estate planning, and long-term care considerations—all of which require specific, measurable goals rather than vague intentions. Please note that none of what follows comprises professional financial advice—always consult a financial advisor.

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Example:

“During my first year of retirement, I will optimize my financial security by: (1) building an emergency fund of $45,000 (18 months of expenses) within 6 months by transferring $7,500 monthly from my retirement account, (2) scheduling quarterly investment reviews in January, April, July, and October with semi-annual rebalancing in June and December, (3) meeting with my financial advisor by March 1st to create a 3-year plan that gradually reduces equity exposure from 60% to 50%, and (4) completing my estate plan review and updating beneficiaries on all accounts by month 9.”

Breaking down the S.M.A.R.T. components:

Specific: The goal identifies four distinct financial objectives with precise actions: building emergency fund (exact amount and monthly transfer), investment reviews (frequency and timing), advisor meeting (purpose and outcome), and estate planning (specific tasks). Each component has clear deliverables.

Measurable: Every element has quantifiable metrics: $45,000 emergency fund target with $7,500 monthly progress checkpoints, four quarterly reviews that either happen or don’t, two rebalancing events, one advisor meeting with documented plan, equity exposure percentage reduction from 60% to 50%, and estate plan completion with updated beneficiary forms.

Achievable: The 18-month emergency fund is ambitious but realistic if retirement distributions support it. Quarterly reviews take minimal time (1-2 hours). One annual advisor meeting is standard. Estate plan review, while sometimes procrastinated, is absolutely doable within 9 months. The gradual equity reduction over 3 years (rather than immediately) makes the transition manageable and reduces market timing risk.

Relevant: These goals directly address retirement financial security concerns: liquidity for emergencies (especially important as healthcare costs increase), appropriate asset allocation for age and risk tolerance, professional guidance during a major life transition, and ensuring assets transfer according to wishes. These go beyond basic budgeting to create comprehensive financial wellness.

Time-Bound: The overall one-year framework includes specific deadlines: 6 months for emergency fund, specific months for quarterly reviews, March 1st advisor meeting, 9-month estate plan deadline, and a 3-year timeline for equity reduction. This creates accountability and allows progress tracking at multiple intervals.

4. Develop a purposeful learning program with specific skills/topics.

The phrase “use it or lose it” applies directly to cognitive function as we age. Continuous learning doesn’t just keep your mind sharp—it provides structure, purpose, and accomplishment during a life stage when these can feel elusive. Intellectual engagement helps maintain cognitive function and may reduce dementia risk, making learning one of your most valuable retirement investments.

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Example:

“Over the next 18 months, I will engage in continuous learning by: (1) achieving conversational proficiency in Spanish through completing Duolingo’s full course plus enrolling in a local community college conversational Spanish class by month 2, (2) reading 36 books (averaging 2 per month) across biography, history, and fiction genres tracked in a reading journal, (3) completing a 6-week online photography course on Coursera by month 8 and creating a portfolio of 50 photos by month 12, and (4) learning to play basic songs on the guitar by practicing 20 minutes daily and completing an online beginner course by month 18.”

Breaking down the S.M.A.R.T. components:

Specific: The goal identifies exactly what will be learned (Spanish language, photography, guitar), how learning will occur (specific platforms and courses: Duolingo, community college, Coursera, online guitar course), what the output will be (conversational proficiency, 36 books read, 50-photo portfolio, playing basic songs), and includes daily/weekly commitments (20-minute daily guitar practice, 2 books monthly).

Measurable: Multiple tracking methods ensure accountability: Duolingo tracks lessons completed and proficiency level, reading journal documents 36 books with 2-per-month pace, photography course has completion certificate with 50-photo portfolio as tangible output, guitar course has lesson progress tracking with daily 20-minute practice sessions to check off. Success is clearly defined for each component.

Achievable: This balances ambition with realism. Spanish through apps plus one class is doable without overwhelming commitment. Two books monthly is manageable for most readers (30-60 hours monthly). A 6-week photography course is short enough to maintain focus. Twenty-minute daily guitar practice is sustainable. The 18-month timeframe spreads these across multiple areas without requiring everything at once.

Relevant: Continuous learning maintains cognitive health and combats age-related decline, provides structure and purpose in retirement, enables new forms of self-expression (photography, music), facilitates travel and cultural connection (Spanish), and demonstrates a growth mindset. These skills offer both personal enrichment and practical benefits.

Time-Bound: The 18-month overall timeframe includes staggered milestones: Spanish class enrollment by month 2, photography course completion by month 8, portfolio by month 12, guitar basics by month 18. This prevents trying to accomplish everything simultaneously and allows focus on different skills at different phases while maintaining reading consistently throughout.

5. Create a measurable volunteer or giving-back plan.

After decades of working for a paycheck, many retirees discover that unpaid work can be the most rewarding of all. Volunteering addresses multiple retirement challenges simultaneously: it provides purpose and meaning, creates social connections, offers structure to your week, keeps skills sharp, and contributes to causes you care about.

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Example:

“Within 6 months of retirement, I will establish a meaningful volunteer commitment by researching and visiting three local organizations (literacy program, animal shelter, and Habitat for Humanity) during months 1-2, selecting one organization and committing to a regular 4-hour weekly shift every Saturday morning beginning in month 3, and additionally donating 3% of my annual retirement income (approximately $1,500) split quarterly between my chosen volunteer organization and two other causes I value, with a 6-month evaluation to assess fit and satisfaction.”

Breaking down the S.M.A.R.T. components:

Specific: The goal clearly outlines the what (volunteer service plus financial giving), where (three specific types of organizations to explore, with one selected), when (Saturday mornings, 4-hour weekly shifts, quarterly donations), how much (4 hours weekly for time, 3% of income or $1,500 for money), and the process (research phase months 1-2, commitment starting month 3, evaluation at month 6).

Measurable: Success is tracked through concrete numbers: three organizations visited (yes/no for each), one selected and committed to (documentation of volunteer agreement), 4-hour shifts completed weekly (can track 48 hours over 12 weeks, or approximately 50 hours by 6-month evaluation), $1,500 donated in four $375 quarterly installments, and formal 6-month satisfaction assessment conducted.

Achievable: Four hours weekly is significant but not overwhelming (leaves 6 other days for other retirement activities). Saturday morning provides structure to the weekend. The research phase prevents over-committing to the wrong organization. Three percent of income is a meaningful contribution without jeopardizing financial security. The six-month evaluation allows adjusting if the initial choice isn’t the right fit.

Relevant: Volunteering directly addresses common retirement challenges: loss of purpose and identity, need for social connection, desire to contribute meaningfully, and structure for unscheduled time. Research shows volunteering increases life satisfaction and longevity while creating community ties. The financial giving component aligns with values and leverages retirement resources beyond time.

Time-Bound: The six-month framework is divided into clear phases: exploration (months 1-2), active volunteering (months 3-6), with quarterly donation schedule and 6-month evaluation checkpoint. This timeline allows adequate trial period to determine if the commitment is sustainable and satisfying, with built-in opportunity to adjust before year two.

6. Set specific travel goals with a detailed timeline and budget.

Travel consistently ranks among the top retirement dreams, yet the window for adventurous travel is smaller than most people realize. Without a strategic approach that considers both financial sustainability and the physical realities of aging, travel goals often remain unfulfilled aspirations rather than cherished memories.

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Example:

“Over the next 5 years, I will fulfill my travel dreams while I’m healthy and mobile by: (1) creating a prioritized bucket list of 10 destinations by month 2, (2) budgeting $15,000 annually (depositing $1,250 monthly into a dedicated travel savings account), (3) taking 2-3 domestic trips per year to visit family and explore national parks, (4) completing one major international trip every other year (Italy in year 1, Japan in year 3, New Zealand in year 5) with travel booked 8-10 months in advance, and (5) front-loading more adventurous travel in years 1-3 while saving less physically demanding destinations for years 4-5.”

Breaking down the S.M.A.R.T. components:

Specific: The goal details exactly what travel will occur (domestic and international), how many trips (2-3 domestic annually, one international every other year), which destinations (Italy, Japan, New Zealand specifically named), the budget ($15,000 annually, $1,250 monthly), when booking happens (8-10 months advance), and the strategic approach (front-loading adventurous trips). A prioritized bucket list provides the roadmap.

Measurable: Success can be tracked through multiple metrics: bucket list created with 10 specific destinations (completed or not by month 2), $1,250 deposited monthly into travel account (12 deposits annually totaling $15,000), 2-3 domestic trips taken each year (easily counted), one international trip every other year in years 1, 3, and 5 (checkpoints at clear intervals), booking timeline of 8-10 months verified for each major trip. Bank statements and calendar provide concrete documentation.

Achievable: The $15,000 annual budget is realistic for many retirees with adequate retirement savings (adjust the amount to personal circumstances). The 2-3 domestic trips allow flexibility—some might be long weekends, others full weeks. One international trip every other year provides recovery time and budget replenishment between major expenditures. The 8-10 month booking window allows for finding deals while ensuring plans are secured. The 5-year timeline accommodates major destinations without rushing through them.

Relevant: Travel is one of the most common retirement dreams and is best pursued while health and mobility allow. Front-loading adventurous travel acknowledges physical realities of aging. Regular domestic travel maintains family connections. The structured approach prevents either overspending early and running out of travel funds or procrastinating until health issues make travel difficult. Creating the bucket list ensures focusing on meaningful destinations rather than random trips.

Time-Bound: The five-year framework includes specific deadlines and milestones: bucket list by month 2, Italy in year 1, Japan in year 3, New Zealand in year 5, with 2-3 domestic trips each year throughout. Monthly savings deposits create ongoing deadlines. The 8-10 month advance booking requirement builds in planning time. The strategic phasing (adventurous travel years 1-3, less demanding years 4-5) acknowledges aging timeline and creates urgency for physically challenging destinations.

7. Develop specific creativity or passion project goals.

Retirement finally offers the gift most careers never provide: extended, uninterrupted time to pursue projects that require sustained focus and creativity. Whether it’s writing your memoir, restoring a classic car, mastering woodworking, or creating a family photo archive, these passion projects provide deep satisfaction that short-term hobbies cannot match. The key is transforming vague creative aspirations into concrete, achievable plans with milestones.

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Example:

“Over the next 3 years, I will complete my legacy memoir project by writing for 90 minutes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning from 8:00-9:30 AM in my dedicated home office, reaching the following milestones: outline with 20 chapter summaries by month 3, first draft of 50,000 words (averaging 1,400 words weekly) by month 18, revised second draft by month 24, and final edited manuscript with 30 family photos integrated by month 36, culminating in 10 professionally printed copies distributed to family members for my 70th birthday celebration.”

Breaking down the S.M.A.R.T. components:

Specific: The goal identifies the exact project (legacy memoir), when work happens (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:00-9:30 AM—nine 90-minute sessions weekly totaling 4.5 hours), where it happens (dedicated home office space), what the milestones are (outline, first draft, second draft, final manuscript), the scope (50,000 words, 20 chapters, 30 photos), and the ultimate deliverable (10 printed copies for family distribution at specific celebration).

Measurable: Progress can be tracked through concrete checkpoints: 20 chapter summaries in outline (count them), 50,000-word count target (1,400 words weekly pace can be tracked via word processor), drafts completed by specific months (month 18, 24, 36), 30 photos selected and integrated (count them), 10 copies printed and distributed (tangible completion). Weekly writing sessions either happen or don’t (39 sessions over 13 weeks per quarter, or about 156 sessions annually).

Achievable: Three 90-minute sessions weekly is substantial but manageable, leaving four days for other retirement activities. The 50,000-word target over 18 months requires only 1,400 words weekly (about 460-470 words per session)—a very achievable pace that accounts for some editing and thinking time. The three-year timeline builds in generous time for revision and prevents rushing. Breaking the large project into quarterly and annual milestones makes it less overwhelming. Most retirees have life experiences worth 50,000 words.

Relevant: Creating a legacy memoir provides deep purpose and meaning in retirement, preserves family history for future generations, offers opportunity for life reflection and integration, creates a concrete long-term project that structures time, exercises cognitive abilities through writing and memory recall, and produces a tangible accomplishment. The dedicated workspace and schedule bring professional seriousness to creative pursuits that can otherwise be easily postponed.

Time-Bound: The three-year overall framework is broken into specific milestones: outline by month 3 (12 weeks to plan structure), first draft by month 18 (15 months of steady writing at 1,400 words weekly), second draft by month 24 (6 months for major revision), final manuscript by month 36 (12 months for polishing and photo integration). The completion is tied to the 70th birthday celebration, creating a meaningful and non-negotiable deadline that ensures the project doesn’t drag on indefinitely.

8. Create measurable spiritual or mindfulness practice goals.

Retirement represents one of life’s major transitions, often triggering profound questions about identity, purpose, and meaning. Who are you without your career title? What gives your life purpose now? How do you want to spend your remaining years? These existential questions create the perfect opportunity for deeper spiritual exploration and contemplative practices that busy working years rarely accommodated.

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Example:

“Beginning in my first month of retirement, I will develop a sustainable spiritual and mindfulness practice by meditating for 10 minutes every morning at 7:00 AM using the Headspace app (tracking consecutive days with goal of 90% consistency), taking contemplative nature walks every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon for 30-45 minutes at the local park, attending one weekly religious service or spiritual gathering on Sunday mornings, journaling for 15 minutes three evenings per week reflecting on gratitude and life purpose, reading one spiritual or philosophical book per quarter (4 books in first year), and attending one 2-3 day silent retreat by month 10, with monthly self-assessments to evaluate how these practices affect my sense of peace, purpose, and adjustment to retirement.”

Breaking down the S.M.A.R.T. components:

Specific: The goal outlines multiple complementary practices with precise details: daily meditation (what: 10 minutes, when: 7:00 AM, how: Headspace app), nature walks (when: Tuesday/Thursday afternoons, where: local park, duration: 30-45 minutes), weekly gathering (when: Sunday mornings, what: religious service or spiritual group), journaling (when: three evenings weekly, duration: 15 minutes, focus: gratitude and purpose), reading (what: spiritual/philosophical books, how many: quarterly), retreat (when: by month 10, duration: 2-3 days, type: silent). Each practice has clear parameters.

Measurable: Success tracking is built into multiple elements: Headspace app tracks meditation minutes and consecutive days with 90% consistency target (allows missing 3 days monthly), nature walks can be logged on calendar (2 weekly = 8-9 monthly), Sunday attendance tracked (approximately 4 weekly), journal entries counted (3 weekly = 12-13 monthly), books completed quarterly (4 annually), retreat attendance (yes/no by month 10), plus monthly self-assessments (12 annual check-ins) evaluating subjective well-being and life satisfaction.

Achievable: While this appears comprehensive, the time commitment is reasonable: daily 10-minute meditation (70 minutes weekly), two 30-45 minute walks (60-90 minutes weekly), one 60-90 minute Sunday service (60-90 minutes weekly), three 15-minute journal sessions (45 minutes weekly), quarterly reading (2-3 hours weekly averaged), totaling 4-5 hours weekly—substantial but not overwhelming. The practices complement rather than conflict with each other. The 90% meditation consistency allows imperfection. Starting in month 1 allows developing habits early when the schedule is flexible.

Relevant: Retirement often triggers existential questions about identity, purpose, and meaning—making this the ideal time for deeper spiritual exploration. These practices address common retirement challenges: loss of structure (daily and weekly rhythms), loss of purpose (reflection on meaning), stress of major life transition (mindfulness and meditation), potential isolation (weekly gathering community), and the mental health struggles affecting many retirees.

Time-Bound: The framework begins immediately in month 1 (establishing practices while forming new retirement routines), includes the retreat deadline by month 10 (providing a deeper immersion experience), quarterly book reading (every 3 months), and monthly self-assessments (creating regular reflection points). The first-year focus allows evaluating at 12 months whether these practices are sustainable and beneficial, with an opportunity to adjust for year two. The daily and weekly rhythms create ongoing time-bound commitments.

Make It A Goal To Have A Great Retirement

These eight goals represent comprehensive areas most retirees should consider, though your personal goals may look entirely different—and that’s exactly as it should be. You might prioritize grandparenting, relocating closer to family, launching a small business, or mastering a craft we haven’t mentioned.

The specific destinations matter far less than the framework you use to reach them. S.M.A.R.T. goals transform retirement from something that happens to you into something you actively create. Each goal you set with specificity, measurability, achievability, relevance, and time constraints becomes a building block of the life you want to live.

Start planning now by tailoring one goal from this list, or create your own. Write it down with clear milestones and deadlines. Share it with someone who will hold you accountable. Then begin.

Remember that goal-setting in retirement is not a one-time exercise but an ongoing practice that evolves with you. Once you achieve a fitness milestone, you’ll set another that reflects your current abilities and health status. When you complete that memoir project, perhaps a second creative endeavor awaits.

As you enter your seventies, eighties, and beyond, your goals will naturally shift—travel plans may become more local, physical activities may adjust for changing mobility, and new priorities will emerge. Each goal you accomplish creates space for the next one, and each life change invites you to reassess and recommit. Your retirement will span decades, and the goals that serve you in year one may need complete reimagining in year ten or twenty.

The retirement years ahead of you hold extraordinary potential. Whether you spend them watching time pass or building something remarkable depends entirely on the goals you set today and the actions you take tomorrow.

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