Flexible Goal Adjustment Predicts Well‐Being Before and After Retirement

Background and Objectives: Retirement represents a critical life change and is accompanied by the blocking of professional goals. We assume that the individual capability to adapt goals to changed conditions has a palliative effect on well-being. The aim of the present study was to assess interindividual differences in goal adjustment and to analyse the predictive value of these goal adjustments for personal well-being. Research Design and Methods: 206 pastors participated in a self-report online study. We assessed their current working status, individual preparedness for flexible goal adjustment (FGA), and the current importance of private and professional goals. Furthermore, their well-being and self-esteem were measured. Results: Our data showed that retired individuals rated professional, but not private, goals as less important than working individuals. Additionally, FGA predicted self-esteem and well-being for both working and retired individuals. Discussion and Implications: While there was no correlation between FGA and the importance of professional goals, the results still indicate that goal adjustment can help maintain well-being in retirement.