Takeaway: Perspective is a powerful tool. Personal mantras can help you stay aligned with the path you’d like to follow.
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Momento Mori.
Roughly translated from the writings and teachings of Marcus Aurelius, it means, “Remember that you will die.”
It’s my life rule #16, a reminder to keep things in perspective. I even carry a coin in my wallet with the phrase engraved on it.
It reminds me of what’s at stake. Often, in our overwhelmingly strong desire to avoid thoughts of mortality, we push off doing the things we want to do because, “we have time later.”
Then it becomes too late as the years have passed and we realize we have even less time than we thought.
More importantly, the motto is a reminder of what’s not at stake. It’s easy to become paralyzed by fear when making a big decision. We worry about the potential consequences if we fail.
“But did you die,” a phrase often used comically, seems relevant here. Keeping fresh perspective about the nature of mortality helps me realize that fears of embarrassment or failing aren’t all that important.
For me, the thought of dying doesn’t create hopelessness. Instead, it empowers me to make the most of what precious time I have on this Earth.
Perhaps some perspective could help you too.
To more of what matters,
~ Coach Alex
Thank you