As a kid, I was invincible - or so I thought. I did crazy things, as most youngsters do. What’s more, the concept of danger and time didn’t really exist when we were kids/teenagers. Growing up into an adult seemed like an eternity away. Then, before I knew it, I was out of college and got a job. In my twenties, I was consumed with making my mark. Now in my thirties, I’m focused on family, personal and entrepreneurial goals, and learning something new every day. Recently, however, I started thinking for the first time that this run I’m on (this great life we all live) has a shelf life. Meaning: I’m going to grow old, probably quicker than I think, and eventually die…
Is there anything more motivating to pursue something big right now?
You’re going to die, and no one knows when.
Sounds morbid, I know - but think about it from a different perspective. It’s actually quite inspiring with the right attitude.
I Was Reminded That I Will Eventually Die Thanks to FaceApp
My mortality reminder came from FaceApp. It’s gone viral, so surely it’s nothing new to you, and apparently, it is clouded with a shadow of controversy regarding privacy (created by a Russian programmer), but let’s just focus on the impact it had on me…
I was hanging out with my wife and kids when my friend texted me his pic using FaceApp. I was appalled… he is probably the fittest guy I know and by all accounts very healthy. So when he texted me his picture (doctored by FaceApp) as an ‘old man,’ I couldn’t believe it. For starters, it looked real and appeared like a perfect glimpse into his aesthetic future. It was him, as an elderly man - I’m guessing somewhere between 70 and 80 years old. So I decided to try the app with my wife and kids. We shared laughs looking at our ‘older’ selves, but given how real our pictures appeared, particularly for my wife and me, it was a blunt reminder that time is limited.
N.B. When trying FaceApp, I was reminded of the wise words my pastor shared with my wife and me during marriage prep classes… “The eye candy will wear off…” Indeed.
Time is the Most Valuable Currency We Have
We must acknowledge that if we are fortunate enough, we will grow old and die. This is a very freeing mindset. It’s all going to end at some point, my friends, so don’t back down from insanely bold challenges and opportunities. Get out there and giv’er. Fail often, chase grand goals, be kind to others, but don’t care what they think of you. If you have a business idea, personal dream, or if you have a bucket list with no check marks, what are you waiting for? The time is now. Want to ask a guy or girl out on a date but can’t bring yourself to do it? Do it now while the eye candy is still there, both for you and them 🙂 You’re going to die at some point. Neither failures or successes are permanent. And rarely are they remembered.
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In the words of the late Steve Jobs,
“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.
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…”
Stay hungry,
Aaron
PS - To keep momentum in our favor, we all need a kick in the butt from time to time. Let me help with that. Subscribe to my newsletter below which is tailored for entrepreneurs and goal-driven people.
