Learn how to build a fulfilling retirement by utilizing a growth mindset – with Wendy Leggett

Retirement is often viewed as a finish line—a destination we’ve been racing toward for decades. But what if I told you it’s not just about arriving? I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Wendy Leggett, who shared transformative insights into embracing retirement with intention, purpose, and a growth mindset.

Many people feel pressure in retirement as they compare their career-life to their retirement. The driver behind this discontent often comes down to the answer to this question:  What does a successful retirement mean to you? Wendy believes it’s about living a life of giving, learning, and feeling that each day matters. This perspective highlights an important truth: success in retirement is deeply personal. It’s not about conforming to societal expectations of endless leisure or viewing retirement as a period of decline. Instead, it’s about crafting a vision that aligns with your values and aspirations.

Many retirees struggle because they don’t have this vision. Wendy emphasizes that we must take ownership of our post-career life, becoming the “CEO of ourselves.” By defining what we want retirement to look like, we create a life by design, not default.

One of Wendy’s coaching clients asked, What if I fail at retirement? It’s a poignant question and one that many of us quietly wonder about. Wendy’s response invites us to redefine failure and success in retirement. Success isn’t necessarily about ticking off achievements—it’s about living authentically, with purpose and joy.

When retirees feel like they’re failing, it’s often because they’re stuck in a corporate mindset, measuring success by productivity rather than fulfillment. Wendy advises shifting the focus from “filling your time” to “fulfilling your time.” Instead of busying ourselves with endless activities, we should pursue what truly resonates with us.

Retirement comes with a newfound abundance of time, which can be both liberating and daunting. Without the structure of work, some retirees feel unmoored, as one of Wendy’s clients experienced. She filled her days with activities but found them unfulfilling. This is a common trap: staying busy without addressing the deeper need for purpose.

Wendy’s solution? Prioritize activities that feel meaningful and satisfying. She reminds us that our time is precious, and living with intention helps us make the most of it.

Retirement can stir up emotions that many of us aren’t prepared to face, including grief, anxiety, and a sense of loss. Wendy compares the emotional transition into retirement to the process of grief, as we leave behind the identity and structure tied to our careers. It’s essential to normalize these feelings rather than suppress them.

Wendy suggests using frameworks from positive psychology and cultivating a growth mindset to navigate this transition. By focusing on what’s possible rather than what’s lost, retirees can shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance and opportunity.

So, how can you start creating a fulfilling retirement? Wendy shared her three-step framework:

One of my favorite takeaways from our conversation was Wendy’s perspective on purpose. Many people stress about finding a grand, overarching purpose in retirement—a “big P” purpose. But as Dr. Jordan Grumet explains, joy often lies in the “small P” purpose: the everyday acts of helping others, pursuing fulfilling activities, and finding joy in the present moment.

Purpose doesn’t have to be monumental. Retirement isn’t about solving the puzzle of purpose in one grand gesture; it’s about creating a mosaic of small, meaningful moments.

Wendy also advocates for a gradual transition into retirement. Just as you wouldn’t dive off a cliff without preparation, it’s wise to approach retirement as a runway. Start building habits and routines that align with your retirement vision while still working. Whether it’s exercising more, exploring hobbies, or fostering social connections, these small steps can make the transition smoother and less jarring.

Retirement is not just an end—it’s a beginning. By approaching it with intention, purpose, and a willingness to grow, you can create a fulfilling life that aligns with your values. Wendy’s insights remind us that the key to a successful retirement lies not just in financial planning but in preparing your mind and heart for this new chapter.

If you’re feeling unsure about how to design your retirement, start small. Reflect on what matters most to you, take intentional steps toward those goals, and give yourself the grace to explore and grow. As Wendy says, retirement isn’t about doing it perfectly—it’s about doing it authentically.

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