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The Purpose Playbook for Life After Work

Seven short exercises that turn the paths to purpose into a plan you can start this month. Write in the lines, print a copy for the fridge, or save the page for later.

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Purpose doesn't retire when you do — it just changes shape. This playbook walks you through the seven paths from our guide on finding purpose in retirement. Work at your own pace. One honest answer is worth more than a perfect plan you never finish.

If low mood, loss of interest, or hopelessness lasts more than a couple of weeks, please treat it seriously — it may be depression, which is common and very treatable. Talk to your doctor. Purpose helps, but it isn't a substitute for care when you need it.

How to use this playbook

  1. Set aside 20–30 quiet minutes with a pen (or type your answers here and print later).
  2. Complete Part A first — your values map — so the rest has a foundation.
  3. Skim all seven paths, then pick one to try for the next 30 days.
  4. Fill Part C with one small action you can take this week.

Part A — Your values map

Circle or list what matters most right now. There are no wrong answers.

1. What lights you up?

When did you last lose track of time in a good way? What were you doing?

2. What do people thank you for?

Skills, advice, presence, humour, patience — write what others say you're good at.

3. What do you want these years to hold?

In one sentence: a well-lived next decade would include…

Part B — Seven paths, one exercise each

Path 1 · Build a rhythm

Draft a gentle weekly skeleton (wake time, walk days, social days, quiet days). Keep it loose.

  • Preferred wake time: _______________
  • Movement days: _______________
  • People / community days: _______________
  • Quiet / hobby days: _______________

Path 2 · Turn experience into someone else's head start

Name one skill or lesson from your working life you could pass on. Who might need it?

One small first step (call, email, community centre visit):

Path 3 · Learn something that makes you a beginner again

List three things you were “always going to get around to.” Star the one that feels fun, not heavy.

Path 4 · Put your hands to work for others

Match the role to what you enjoy. People · Outdoors · Detail/solitude · Teaching · Making.

One local place or cause you could try for a single shift:

Path 5 · Tend your relationships

Three people you want more contact with this month — and how you'll reach out:

  1. _______________ → _______________
  2. _______________ → _______________
  3. _______________ → _______________

Path 6 · Care for the body that carries you

Pick a realistic baseline for the next 30 days (not a perfect plan).

  • Walk or move: ____ days a week
  • Gentle strength (see our strength guide): ____ sessions a week
  • Sleep target bedtime: _______________

Path 7 · Work on something bigger than yourself

What cause, community, family story, or piece of the world would you like to leave a little better?

One contribution you could make in the next 90 days:

Part C — Your 30-day experiment

Pick one path only for the next month. Purpose is built one deliberate, ordinary choice at a time.

My focus path this month

Path number and name: _______________

Why this one (one sentence):

The smallest action I will take this week:

How I will know it helped (how I want to feel):

Check-in date (30 days from today): _______________

You don't need to answer “what's my purpose now?” all at once. Pick one path, try it for a month, and notice how you feel.