If this was the last time, what would you do?
For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today? ‘ And whenever the answer has been ‘No’ for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something — Steve Jobs
Ask yourself, If this was the last day/week/month/year of my life, would I do what I’m about to do?
Use this question to put things in perspective. Death helps us focus. It’s a reminder that time is not unlimited and it needs to be used wisely. Memento mori — remember death. Remembering death can help you find the strength and courage to do what you really want. Avoid sleep walking through life. Prioritize the things that are important to you.
The more real you make the impending death feel, the more insightful your answers will be. Spend time visualizing it. Imagine being on your deathbed. You might find that you’ve been living someone else’s dream. Holding back on pursuing something you really want because you’re afraid. Not spending enough time with someone you love.
The beautiful thing is that you can start now while you have time.
