If You’re Reading This, You’ll Be Dead Soon

Dec 30, 2016 | Getting started

If you are still on the fence about committing to The First Habit (investing 90 minutes a day in yourself), consider the following:

One day soon, you’ll be dead.

Okay “soon” is relative. It could be tomorrow, or it could be in 70 years.

Apparently this was a phrase that motivated Steve Jobs:

Seize the day, you'll be dead soon

Seize the day, you’ll be dead soon

Rather than feeling morbid about it, take a moment and really consider the ramifications. Each day you are checking off one more day spent. One more day you will never get back (cue the music: Like sands through the hourglass . . .)

Seize the day

I used to live near an old cemetery in a suburb south of Pittsburgh. You know the type, near a large cathedral, well-maintained, and with stately monuments. I passed it every day on my way to work. One day while on a walk, I decided to meander though just to check it out. I found my self looking at the names and dates and imagining who these people were in life—men, women, and children. Some lived many years, some only days. Each of them with a name and this stone “monument” to their life. All of them dead. Done. Finished. Kaput. Gone. But, instead of feeling depressed about this, I actually started feeling a strange, but positive growing energy. By the time I left, it’s like I was on a natural high. I felt grateful—grateful for my health. I felt motivated—motivated to seize the day. I felt acutely . . . present.

In his popular book, Seven Habits, Steven Covey suggests that an important part of a successful life is to “start with the end in mind.”

Imagine your last day

I hope my thoughts will turn to happy and fulfilling relationships. I hope my thoughts will turn to a life of enriching experiences.

Now imagine your funeral. What will people say (family, friends, co-workers)?

I hope my family will say I was a loving father (and grandfather/great-grandfather if I’m lucky to live that long). I hope my friends will say I was generous. I hope my co-workers will say I had an impact and inspired the best in those around me.

The infamous character Scrooge in Charles Dickens short story, “A Christmas Carol” has the vivid opportunity to consider his future demise when the Ghost of Christmas Future shows him the shadows of what could be if he does not alter his miserly course. If you recall the story, not a single person mourns his death, and his earthly possessions are divided by a vulgar group of opportunists. This “vision” of his potential future is the force that finally solidifies his resolve to change his ways.

Coincidentally, I’ve recently had ample opportunities to reflect on these questions. Strange how things happen in threes. After many years without any deaths, my extended family has experienced three deaths in a matter of weeks. Each of these people lived well into their 90s. (Makes me think of how remarkable it is when marathon runners cross the finish line within seconds of each other.) Their funeral services contained heart-felt tributes and reflections on lives well-lived. I always get teary eyed—even when I don’t know the person very well. It’s just that sense that it’s over. They’ve crossed the finish line. All we have left is memories.

I think it is safe to say that we’d all like to be able to say that we’ve lived “a good life.”

But what is “a good life?” This question has occupied the thoughts of many a philosopher through the ages. I’m sure there are more definitions than there are people. But, what the heck, I’ll give it a go in my next post.

Additional resources

  • Remembering I’ll be dead soon.  This is a short clip of Steve Job’s Stanford 2005 commencement address.
  • Carpe Diem. “Seize the day, boys.  Make your lives extraordinary!”  Take a couple minutes and (re)watch this clip from the movie Dead Poet’s Society.
  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.  This is a classic for stepping back and re-evaluating.
  • The Tail End.  Thoughtful blog post by Tim Urban of Wait But Why blog.  Consider that when you graduated from high school, you have used up 93 percent of your in-person parent time.

 

Call to Action

  1. Take a few minutes and imagine today is your last. Take a few notes if you feel like it. What was your legacy? What is a “good life” for you? Are you on track? What would you regret? Like Scrooge, do you need to mend your ways?  Comment below.
  2. If you’re new, sign up for my mailing list so you don’t miss future posts (it’s easier than checking back here).

If you enjoyed this post, please use the share buttons to help other people see it as well. I also appreciate all comments! Enthusiastically agree? Respectfully beg to differ? Have your say here.

Matt Morgan writes about how mastering one habit can be like pushing the power button on your life. Subscribe to his e-mail list (see button on the upper right) and follow him on Twitter and Facebook.

FirstHabit

8 Comments

  1. Chrinstine

    Howdy! This article couldn’t be written any better! Looking at this article
    reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept preaching about
    this. I’ll send this article to him. Pretty
    sure he’ll have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

    • FirstHabit

      Hi Christine. Thanks for your encouragement. As Mark Twain said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” That will ensure the survival of this blog until at least . .. let’s see . . . March 4! 🙂 Be sure to come back and also share with your social circles if you feel the urge. Starting a brand new blog is a heavy lift and every person that contributes is greatly appreciated!

  2. Physician on FIRE

    There is a certain energy in a graveyard that leads you to contemplate life. Somehow, we often end up touring them when we travel, even seeking them out.

    Some are wonderfully historic, like those we’ve toured in New Orleans, Savannah, and Boston. Others are small but significant. Last year, we saw Andrew Jackson’s burial site at Hermitage and Charles Lindbergh’s in a rather remote part of Maui.

    They serve as great reminders that our time here is finite. Best to make the most of your time and yourself while you still can.

    Cheers!
    -PoF

    • FirstHabit

      Indeed! Carpe diem–“Gather ye rosebuds while ye may . . . ” To the Virgins, to make much of Time Robert Herrick. 1591–1674

  3. ChrisCD

    Reflection can be depressing, but regardless, necessary. Making sure things are in order, making sure one can live each day to its fullest, knowing one more may not come. Everyday we wake up is a fresh start and shows at least for that day, a purpose is waiting for you.

    cd :O)

    • FirstHabit

      I hope it’s not depressing, at least it doesn’t have to be. Watch the clip from dead poets’ society and you will feel inspired.

  4. Jacq

    Another call to action : Get your will and estate documents in order.
    We often procrastinate because imagining our demise is unpleasant & stressful. Your loved ones will thank you if your paperwork is in order and you help with or have made decisions in advance.
    In early December a coworker approx age 40 died in a car accident, with an 8 month old at home. Within a week I heard of a former coworker who passed of a heat attack, at 38 with 2 kids under 10.
    I also give you full permission to bug your relatives (spouse, parents, siblings ) to also have their estate plan in place, and beneficiaries named on applicable accounts.
    In the meantime live a full life! Wishing you a great 2017!

    • FirstHabit

      Yes, Jacq, good point. Check out http://www.everplans.com. It prompts you through getting those sorts of things organized.