Embrace Your Mortality: Live Fully Before It's Too Late
Written on
Chapter 1: The Urgency of Life
A gentle reminder: your time is finite.
Many individuals operate under the assumption that they have all the time in the world. They make elaborate plans for a future that is uncertain and procrastinate as if tomorrow is guaranteed. However, it’s crucial to realize that life can end at any moment.
Memento Mori
“You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.” — Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 2.11
Memento Mori, which translates to "remember that you must die," serves as a poignant reminder of our mortality, a concept that dates back to ancient thinkers. This reflection isn’t intended to induce despair but to ignite a passion within you to seize the beautiful moments of your life while you still can.
Don't wait until it's too late to take action or to regret missed opportunities. It’s vital to focus on the present rather than relying solely on future plans.
“I realize what’s going on here: One life. I realize that I’m living like this is our only ‘at bat’, and most of you aren’t. People are acting as if they have a second chance.” — Gary Vaynerchuk
Perfectionism as a Barrier
While having high standards can be beneficial, they can also become a form of procrastination. We frequently use our quest for perfection as an excuse to delay making decisions or completing our work, which ultimately leads to stagnation.
Perfection is an illusion; consider lowering your standards to embrace “good enough” as an acceptable outcome. This shift can help you move forward rather than remain paralyzed by indecision.
Experimentation: A Necessary Journey
A significant reason we feel pressed for time is the necessity of experimentation. Most people don’t discover their true passions early in life; instead, they undergo a process of trial and error.
You may not stick with what you’re currently doing forever, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s essential to take action and make decisions, even if they may not be the ultimate answer. Every choice you make will lead you closer to discovering your true calling.
The journey to finding what truly fulfills you can take time, but delaying your actions will only prolong the path to your dreams.
Final Reflections
Aim to live your life in such a way that you won’t look back with regret. While you may have more time than you think, approaching life with a sense of urgency can prevent complacency.
When you believe you have endless time, you risk moving too slowly and letting opportunities slip away.
I express this with urgency because I don’t want you to remain stagnant, waiting for clarity. You already possess the knowledge to act; now is the time to take that leap.
Remember:
- Memento Mori — your time is limited.
- Perfectionism can hinder progress.
- Experimentation is essential; begin now.
With love and gratitude for your attention!