I recently came across an interesting video, and I want you to watch it along with me:
Those three words “you’re gonna die” I think qualify as the three most inspirational words in the English language. Nothing else could possibly inspire you enough to make you want to guarantee you won’t have any regrets when your life is over.
I’ve written about this before actually.
Reminding ourselves that we’re going to die will really kick your ass into high gear and get you making progress towards whatever goal you are aiming for.
It’s like Steve Jobs said:
When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.” It made an impression on me, and since then, 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.
Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.
You’re gonna die. And I’m gonna die. We’re all gonna die.
The question is, what are those who remain going to say about us after we die? What do you want them to say?
Whatever your answer to that question is — go do it.