Reflecting on Mortality

Earlier this week, my building experienced an actual fire. After several false alarms due to construction, I took a moment longer to finish an email when the alarm finally sounded. By the time I exited, I noticed a crowd outside, all pointing their phones upward. Thick black smoke was billowing from one of the apartments.

Fortunately, everyone was safe, and the damage was contained. Despite my delay, I was among the first to evacuate from a building with over a hundred residents.

As I watched the firefighters work, my possessions were the last thing on my mind. Sure, if the fire had spread, it would have been financially devastating, but at that moment, it felt insignificant.

I recalled the stoic phrase "memento mori," which means "remember that you must die." I questioned whether I had truly risked my life to finish an email.

Often, we worry about things that ultimately don’t matter. When we push ourselves relentlessly toward goals, it’s crucial to remind ourselves of our mortality. Embracing this perspective can help us appreciate the little joys in life while letting go of minor frustrations. Every day presents a choice on how to spend our limited time on this Earth.

Choosing Your Priorities

In my experience, when I fail to achieve my goals, it’s usually because I've set too many at once. I often convince myself I can manage multiple objectives simultaneously, but this approach has consistently led to frustration.

The solution lies in acknowledging that we cannot excel in every area at the same time. It’s challenging, especially when we have diverse passions, but the key is to focus on a few priorities while allowing others to be purely for enjoyment. Contrary to what many motivational speakers suggest, it’s entirely possible to have fun without a hidden agenda for personal growth.

For instance, I enjoy playing soccer, despite not being very skilled. If I pressured myself to become the next soccer star, I would likely ruin the enjoyment of the game.

Letting Go of the Need for a Life Purpose

The notion of needing a "life purpose" can lead to unnecessary stress. While it’s enticing to think that discovering a singular purpose will solve all our problems, this belief can create anxiety when we feel we’re not living up to such expectations.

When I share that I left a consulting job to pursue writing, many express envy, believing I’ve found my purpose. This is a misconception. Writing brings me joy now, but if it ever ceases to do so, I wouldn’t hesitate to move on. Our passions should enhance our lives, not confine us.

Who we are today will evolve over time. In ten years, my priorities will likely shift significantly. It's important to ask yourself what matters most to you now and what brings you joy. Regular reflection on these questions can lead to a more fulfilling life than dedicating yourself to an arbitrary purpose.

Focusing on Energy Management

When managing your daily resources, consider your energy levels rather than merely the hours available.

While it’s true that everyone has the same 24 hours as celebrities like Beyoncé, we must recognize that not everyone has the same resources or support. Attempting to pack as many tasks as possible into your day can lead to burnout.

Instead, evaluate the flow and combination of tasks that suit your unique working style. For example, I can write a quality article in two hours, and with my 16 waking hours, I could theoretically produce seven articles in a day. However, I’ve tried that and failed, realizing that writing is a high-energy task for me.

To maintain productivity, I incorporate lower-energy tasks alongside writing to allow my mind to recharge. We often set unrealistic expectations, leading to frustration when we lose focus.

Give yourself a break.

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