Things you must do before you retire!

Chances are, like me, you’ve already weathered a few major life transitions—and each one has taught you something that helped you handle the next. But retirement? That’s one of the biggest transitions of all. And yet, while many of us plan thoroughly for the financial side of retirement, we often overlook the emotional, social, and psychological changes that lie ahead.

So I did a little digging (OK—Googling!) into the most common regrets people have after retiring. I came across an article by Lauren Gray at Best Life, in which therapists and life coaches shared the top five things retired people wish they’d done differently. Here’s what came up again and again:

• I wish I had prioritised my health
• I wish I had nurtured deep friendships outside work
• I wish I had made time for self-discovery
• I wish I had planned more thoroughly (particularly financially)
• I wish I had taken more risks

These aren’t just regrets—they’re road signs. They point us toward what matters most. And with time and intentionality, we can use them to shape a retirement that feels rich, purposeful, and (dare I say it?) exciting.

So here are 5 things to start doing before you retire, to set yourself up for a future you’ll love.

 

1. Prioritise Your Health

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”— Jim Rohn

Long hours, busy schedules, and constant pressure can leave our bodies, minds, and souls on the back burner. But retirement is your chance to live well—not just longer. That means making space for self-care now, not later.

Small changes make a big difference. Move more. Eat well. Prioritise sleep. Schedule regular rest. These aren’t luxuries—they’re your foundation for a healthy and happy future.

As palliative nurse Bronnie Ware famously wrote in The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, two of the most common end-of-life reflections were:

• “I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.”
• “I wish I had let myself be happier.”

Let’s learn from this and make our health—not our hustle—the priority.

 

2. Build Friendships Beyond Work

“The quality of your life is the quality of your relationships.”

— Tony Robbins

We are wired for connection. In fact, meaningful relationships are one of the strongest predictors of good mental and physical health. Yet when work ends, many of our social ties can fade with it—especially if most of our friendships were built around the office.

Take a moment to reflect: Who are the people in your circle today? Who brings you joy, laughter, comfort, or inspiration?

Start nurturing those relationships now. Reconnect with old friends. Invest in family ties. Join a group, club, or class that sparks your interest. It’s never too early (or too late) to widen your circle—and doing so will help your retirement feel full, not empty.

 

3. Rediscover Yourself

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”

— Carl Jung

When we leave behind a job title, it’s easy to feel a little lost. Without the routines, roles, and responsibilities of work, we may start asking: Who am I now? What matters most?

This is your moment for self-discovery. Revisit your values. Reignite old passions. Explore what gives your life meaning—beyond productivity or monthly salary. There’s a whole world waiting to be explored inside you.

You could try journaling, attend a personal development workshop, speak with a life coach, or even just take a walk and reflect. You don’t need all the answers right now—just the curiosity to begin asking the questions.

 

4. Plan with Intention

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Retirement could last 20 or 30 years—yet many people plan it with less care than they’d give to a two-week holiday! It’s time to change that.

Think beyond the money (though that’s important too—see below). Think about how you want your time to be spent. What do you want your days to feel like? What will give you a sense of purpose, joy, and fulfilment?

And here’s the thing: if you don’t design your own plan, someone else might do it for you. Friends may try to pull you into their projects. Your children might (lovingly!) nominate you as a full-time grandparent. Having clarity about your own boundaries, desires, and priorities will help you say yes to what feels right—and no to what doesn’t.

Two pieces of advice here:

• Speak to a regulated financial adviser. Ask all the questions—about pensions, care costs, tax, timelines, investments. The earlier you start, the more informed your decisions will be.
• Work with a coach or mentor. A professional guide can help you reflect on your values, design a meaningful future, and navigate this life stage with clarity and confidence.

 

5. Take (a few) more risks

“If you risk nothing, then you risk everything.”

— Geena Davis

Retirement isn’t the end of your story—it’s a brand new chapter. And this chapter is yours to write.

That might mean starting something new. Learning a language. Volunteering. Travelling solo. Launching a little business. Going back to school. Or simply doing something you’ve always secretly wanted to do but never quite dared.

When we play it safe for too long, life can lose its colour. Trying new things—yes, even if they make us feel a bit awkward—can boost creativity, confidence, and joy. The more we experiment, the more we grow.

 

So what will you do next?

Retirement doesn’t have to be something you fall into. It can be something you step into—with energy, purpose, and intention.

Think of it as a new beginning, not just an ending. A chance to live more freely, more authentically, and more in alignment with who you truly are.

And remember: it’s never too early to begin. Whether you’re five years from retirement or already halfway there, these five steps can help shape the life you want next.

So which one will you start with today?