Steve Jobs famously said, “death is the single best invention of life.” He was referring to the idea of death as a powerful motivator, a reminder that time is limited and every moment should be cherished. Death forces us to realize our own mortality and prioritize what matters most.
Here are five ways death can serve as a motivator:
- Making the most of time: Recognizing the fleeting nature of life, some people use death as a reminder to make the most of their moments and cherish every moment they have with family and friends.
- Pursuing dreams: Others use death to motivate them to pursue their dreams and put their energy into pursuing what matters to them instead of allowing themselves to be held back by fear and complacency.
- Living out values: By acknowledging that life is finite, many individuals use death as a reminder to live a more authentic life that aligns with their core values and beliefs rather than succumbing to other people’s expectations or societal norms.
- Doing hard things: Some people take comfort in knowing that life will end eventually, allowing them to approach difficult tasks without being overwhelmed by anxiety or fear of failure.
- Tending relationships: Death can also serve as a motivator for cultivating meaningful relationships and putting effort into nurturing them throughout our lives.
Tomorrow is never guaranteed. One thing is for sure, however, and that is death. Coming to terms with this can help us to live more intentionally, focusing on what is truly important rather than getting bogged down in distractions. In this way, death can act as a catalyst for developing a deeper appreciation of life and living with greater purpose.