Write A Retirement Manifesto: A Declaration of What You Want Your Life to Be

Retirement isn’t just a financial transition — it’s an identity transition. When work no longer defines you, what does?

A manifesto is a declaration of an individual or group’s intentions and motivations. Most big life events involve some kind of manifesto — whether you call it that or not. Contracts, wedding vows, and employment agreements are all declarations of your intent.

A retirement manifesto is a declaration of what you want your life to be. In retirement, you are no longer defined by your job title or your children’s schedules. You get to define yourself. This is your time to be defined by you.

A 3 Step Plan to Your Retirement Manifesto

A manifesto is a clear expression of your intentions, beliefs, and vision for your life. Putting it into words forces you to think deliberately about what you truly want — and creates a quiet but powerful form of accountability. It becomes both a compass and a commitment: a reminder of who you intend to be and how you want to live.

Here is a 6 step plan for creating your retirement manifesto:

1. Reflect and Brainstorm on What is Really Important to You

Decide what you really believe in

What do you truly believe in? This can be anything. You can address God, family, or love. But, you might also think about simpler things you believe in: reading, cupcakes, or even smiling at strangers.

Write down one thing or write down 100 — it does not matter. Just document your beliefs.

Create a list of what you want for the world

Is there anything that you want for the world? World peace? More literacy? Eliminate light pollution? Save the coral reefs? Fewer dogs in the shelter? Less potholes in your town? More time with family?

In addition to documenting what you want, you can write down some ideas you have for making it happen. What would you do if you were King or Queen of the world? Looking for more inspiration? Explore Okinawan Secrets to a Long Life, What’s Your Why?, and Kinder’s 3 Questions.

Then start a list of how you can take concrete action.

Document what you know to be true

Throughout our lives, we learn lessons — big and small. Retirement is a wonderful time to document these lessons.

If you are stumped, think about:

• Things you always said to your children: Like, “life’s not fair” or “school is important.”
• Mantras that run in your head when you feel uncomfortable about something. “Everything will be okay in the end. If it is not okay, it is not the end.”
• The rationale you have used for big life decisions, like being able to prioritize time outdoors or near cultural events.

Evaluate how you spent your time last week

It may be helpful for you to think through how you have spent your time over the last week. Write down the moments that you really enjoyed or made you feel good. And, take note of the activities that you would rather do without.

Use this exercise to understand your values and think about how to increase more of the good moments and experience fewer of the bad.

Decide what your bumper sticker would say or choose a favorite quote

It can be fun to try to write your manifesto as a bumper sticker, an advertising tagline, or a country music lyric. These things use humor or powerful images and very few words to document big, powerful ideas.

• Just Do It
• What if the hokey pokey really IS what it’s all about?
• READ
• No music. No life.
• If you want a stable relationship, get a horse.
• Just Dance!

If you can’t say it simply, you don’t yet know what you stand for.

If bumper stickers aren’t your thing, identify some quotes that really represent you and what you stand for. Or, think about themes from favorite books or movies and think about translating those themes into your manifesto.

2. Prioritize and Document What You Want from Life

After reflecting on your beliefs, lessons, and the moments that matter most, the next step is to choose what truly rises to the top. Not everything can be central. A manifesto isn’t a list of everything you like — it’s a declaration of what you want your life to stand for.

Ask yourself: If I could only organize my time and energy around a handful of principles, what would they be? Connection? Curiosity? Service? Adventure? Stability? Creativity? Growth?

Circle the themes that feel essential. Then write them down clearly and simply. This is the beginning of your manifesto — a focused statement of what you want your life to be about and the values you intend to live by.

3. Identify and Remove Obstacles

Every meaningful intention runs into resistance. Once you’ve defined what you want your life to stand for, ask yourself what might get in the way.

Some roadblocks are external — bureaucracy, obligations, financial constraints, or family expectations. Others are internal — fear of failure, reluctance to take risks, shyness, procrastination, or habits that no longer serve you.

Be honest but not harsh. The goal isn’t self-criticism; it’s clarity. If you know you tend to avoid discomfort, how might you practice small acts of courage? If you struggle with consistency, what simple structure could support you? Write down one or two practical actions for each obstacle. Progress doesn’t require perfection — it requires intention.

4. Use Your Ideas to Write a Powerful Statement Representing Your Manifesto

Now it’s time to shape your thinking into a statement.

Your manifesto doesn’t need to be long. In fact, shorter is often stronger. It might be a single paragraph, a handful of bold declarations, or a concise list of guiding principles. Aim for clarity over poetry.

Use positive language. Focus on what you are moving toward, not what you are avoiding. For example, instead of “I won’t waste my time,” write “I invest my time in relationships and growth.” Let your words reflect strength, purpose, and direction.

This document doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be true.

5. Review Your Manifesto Often

A manifesto only works if it stays visible.

Place it somewhere you’ll see it — on your desk, by your bed, in your journal, or as a recurring reminder on your phone. Read it regularly. Adjust it as you grow.

Over time, you’ll begin to notice small shifts in your decisions. You may say yes more confidently — or no more easily. Reviewing your manifesto keeps your daily choices aligned with your larger intentions.

6. Make Your Retirement Manifesto Part of Your Retirement Plan

A manifesto defines what matters. A financial plan makes it possible.

When you’re clear about what you want your life to look like — how you want to spend your time, what you value, what kind of impact you hope to have — financial decisions become easier and more intentional.

A thoughtful retirement plan helps you test whether your resources support your vision. It allows you to explore different paths, adjust spending, or reconsider timing so that your money aligns with your priorities.

Tools like the Boldin Retirement Planner can help you translate your manifesto into numbers — modeling different scenarios so you can see how your financial choices support the life you want to live.

Some people find it easier to start with the math. Others begin with meaning. The most powerful approach is to do both — pairing a clear personal vision with a plan that gives you the confidence to live it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crafting a Retirement Manifesto