Embracing Mortality: Transforming How We Perceive Time and Agency

Embracing Mortality: Transforming How We Perceive Time and Agency

Hey Peak Performance seekers & welcome to this week’s AI for PI (Amplifying Insights for Performance Improvement) Newsletter!

Let’s talk about something we all know deep down but often try to avoid—life’s impermanence.

It might sound a bit heavy but hear me out.

I’ve recently been spending time thinking about how much time I have left in this life to do the things I want to do and live the life I’d like to have.

I know…crazy…I’m young…why would this even cross my mind?

I try to live my life in a way that I’m hopeful to have little regrets however that’s not so easy.

There’s a lot I regret from my past, especially the time I’ve wasted procrastinating.

I admit that I’m mad at myself for all the years I wasted…that feeling will never leave me.

Instead of letting this feeling weigh me down, I’m using it for fuel.

Thinking about mortality isn’t as morbid as it seems.

In fact, it can be a game-changer for how we live our lives.

It can help us become more realistic to not stay stuck where we are ruminating over what could have been and having a lifetime of regret.

At least for me, it pushes me to shift my mindset to asking myself…

“What can I do with the life and the years I have in front of me?”

This week, I want to dive into how reflecting on your finite time can totally transform your approach to time and agency.

How Mortality Shapes Our View of Time

When we fully grasp that our time here is limited, it suddenly feels a lot more valuable, doesn’t it?

It’s like realizing you’ve only got so much of something precious—every minute becomes more meaningful.

This perspective nudges us to focus on what really matters, like spending quality time with people we love, diving into our passions, and making a difference in the world.

• Spending Time with Loved Ones: When you know your time with someone isn’t endless, you start to treasure those moments more.

Every conversation, every laugh—it all means so much more.

When they are gone, they are gone and unfortunately many of us realize this when it’s too late.

• Following Your Passions: Life’s short, so why not spend it doing things that light you up?

Whether it’s a hobby, a side project, or a career, investing in what you love brings a sense of fulfillment.

• Making an Impact: Knowing our time is finite can spark a desire to leave a mark, to contribute to something bigger than ourselves.

It’s about making the world just a little bit better.

Taking Control of Your Life

Thinking about death might sound scary, but it gives us a weird kind of power…a fuel to drive us.

It’s like, “Okay, I may not control how long I’m here, but I sure can control how I live while I am.”

This mindset pushes us to take bold steps, grab opportunities, and live true to ourselves.

• Facing Fears: When you realize every moment is precious, it’s easier to push past fear.

Why hold back when time’s ticking?

Go after what you want—personal growth, new experiences, whatever it may be.

• Jumping on Opportunities: Life’s short, right?

So, when chances come your way, grab them.

The worst that can happen is you learn something new. And the best? You might just find something amazing.

• Being True to Yourself: When you think about the end, it makes you want to live your life authentically.

No more pretending or living for others’ expectations—just being you, fully and unapologetically.

Living with Purpose

Here’s the real kicker

When we think about our mortality, it creates a sense of urgency to live with purpose.

It’s like a real kick in the pants…a wake-up call to stop coasting and start really engaging with life.

Instead of letting days slip by, we start making every moment count.

• Being Present: Knowing life is fleeting makes you want to soak up every second.

Whether it’s a sunset, a deep conversation, or even just a quiet moment alone, it all feels more precious.

• Savoring Experiences: When you know your time is limited, you start to cherish even the small things—like that first sip of coffee in the morning, or a walk in the park.

Everything feels richer.

• Finding Meaning: Reflecting on life’s end makes you want to live a life that means something.

It’s about discovering what really matters to you and making it a priority. 

So many people are too focused on being well known that they’ve forgotten the value of being worth knowing.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

I’m curious—how does the awareness of life’s impermanence change how you approach time and decisions? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s share our experiences and inspire each other to live with more intention and purpose.

[email protected]

Thanks for being part of this journey. Let’s keep making every moment count, together!

Remember:

• Be CONFIDENT!

• Be EMPATHETIC!

• And always, always have PASSION!!!

Can’t wait to hear from you!

Cheers,
Jennifer