Have You Started Writing Your Own Obituary Yet?

Have You Started Writing Your Own Obituary Yet?

Have You Started Writing Your Own Obituary Yet? Why Starting from the End Can Help You Create a Successful Mindset and gain clarity on how you want your life to play out.

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Introduction

It may sound like a morbid thought, but have you ever considered writing your own obituary? 

This is an exercise taken straight out of Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - if you haven't read it, you can check out the quick summary below. 


Not only can it be a cathartic exercise, but it can also help you to gain a new perspective on your life goals and aspirations. Regardless of your age, fame, or financial position, life is temporary, and the legacy we leave behind is what truly matters.

So, if someone spoke about you at your funeral, what would they have to say about you? Think of it from different perspectives, such as your partner, a family member, a friend, a work colleague - would you like what they had to say? 

Whoever it may be, their take on your life will be influenced by their own perceptions and experiences of you and your relationship with them. Therefore, it's important to ask yourself: How do you want to be remembered?

How Do You Want To Be Remembered?

Perhaps you want to be remembered for your successes, your personality, your attitudes, or your contributions to the world. 

Whatever it may be, your obituary should reflect your unique life journey and the impact you have made on those around you. It's up to you to define the narrative of your life and what you want to leave behind.

How Do You Want To Be Remembered?

So, let's take a moment to consider what writing your own obituary might look like if you were to write it today -  How long would it be? Would it be good or bad? Inspiring or disappointing? Complimentary or sarcastic? Most importantly, would it be memorable?

To help you gain clarity on your life goals and aspirations, here are five tough questions to ask yourself about your own funeral:

  • What is your life's story about - were you all about family, driven by success, or perhaps a free eagle intent on exploring the world with no ties?
  • What things do you want to have achieved throughout your life?

  • What is your legacy? What lessons will you pass on to inspire those that come after you?

  • How will the different people in your life feel at your funeral - will you be deeply missed, or quickly forgotton?

  • What changes could you make in you life to improve how people remember you?

As you contemplate these questions, keep in mind that the legacy you leave behind is a reflection of the way you choose to live each day. We can't predict when our time will come, but we can choose to touch the lives of those around us in a positive way.

In the words of Maya Angelou, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." So, make it your mission to touch the lives of those around you in a way that leaves a lasting impression.

Create Your Own Story

Create Your Own Story

To help you on your journey towards creating a successful mindset and living the life you want to lead, here are some actionable steps you can take to ensure you are heading in the right direction:

  • Define your values and beliefs - What do you stand for? What are your core values? What sort of person do you want to be remembered as?
  • Set meaningful goals - What do you want to achieve in your personal and professional life? How do these goals align with your values? What sort of legacy will you leave behind?
  • Take action - Break down your goals into actionable steps and take consistent action towards achieving them. Don't get to the end of your life full of regret, wondering if things would have been different if only you had taken a certain action.
  • Practice gratitude - Take time each day to reflect on the things you're grateful for and appreciate what you already have, rather than constantly searching for the things you don't have.
  • Embrace failure - Failure is an inevitable part of the journey towards success. Learn from your failures and use them as opportunities for growth, don't let them stop you in your tracks as you search for your own version of success.

Conclusion

Writing your own obituary may seem like a daunting task, but it can be a powerful exercise in gaining clarity on your life goals and aspirations. 

By defining the narrative of your life and the legacy you want to leave behind, you can create a successful mindset that will inspire you to live your best life every day. So, take some time to reflect on your life story, define your values and beliefs, set meaningful goals, and take consistent action towards achieving them. 

Remember, the legacy you leave behind is a reflection of the way you choose to live each day.



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Editors Note: This article was first published 30/05/2020, last updated on 13/03/2023




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