Middle age can be grand or mayhem. You can lead a full life or you can wonder what to do with your days. Many people who have difficult midlife transitions are not victims of circumstance, but victims of poor planning. Which will you be? There’s an old career planning book titled, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you might end up somewhere else.” Avoid that extreme by doing some simple planning ahead. Remember, no plan is set in stone and circumstances can change your options, but a good plan allows for that flexibility.

Here are seven key decisions that will help you navigate smoothly:

1. What will my legacy be?

If you know what you want to leave behind, you can make better decisions about how you will spend your time. Do you want to leave a circle of loving family and friends? A record of good deeds? Business or other achievements? Money?

2. What meaningful work do I want to do?

You may want to continue earning a living, full or part time. Volunteering can be attractive. You may not want to come back to work another day.

3. How can I meet my parenting need?

Do you have a parenting need? Do you want parenting to be part of your life? Can it be nurtured through adoption, mentorship, volunteer work? Would you rather raise animals or plants?

4. How can I maintain meaningful relationships in my life?

Who represents your inner circle? How will distance, illness or death affect this circle? How and where will you make new friends? How will you maintain long-distance relationships?

5. How can I express myself creatively?

Creativity keeps you young. However, you don’t have to be a great writer or artist to be creative. Maybe she sews, quilts, knits or crochets. Maybe you are a great gardener. Or have an eye for finding the right garment or gift for everyone. Maybe you are a great cook.

6. How can I meet my spiritual needs?

Formal religion is one way of being spiritual, but not the only one. You may want to stay in or return to your childhood religion. You may want to meditate or commune with nature. Spirituality is any way you find to connect with something bigger than yourself.

7. What environment do I want?

This question is last because it is often prompted by your answers to the other questions. Other considerations will include your health needs, geographic preference, desire to access specific activities, and budget.

If you can answer these questions, you’ll more easily see who you want in your life, where you need to be, and what you most want to do.

Next steps?

Fantasize. Research. Visualize. Take note.

Create a map for yourself.