“Mortality makes it impossible to ignore the absurdity of living solely for the future.”
—Oliver Burkeman, British journalist and writer
image from Amazon
What are your favorite things to do?
Where are your most enjoyable places to travel?
Examine the highlight reel of your life so far to pick out your most wonderful experiences.
How much time is left on your biological clock?
If 4000 weeks—which amounts to about 80 years—is all that we get, how much time remains?
How many of us have a someday list or bucket list for things we hope to do or experience in the future? The challenge we often ignore is just how finite the sands of time truly are.
What happens when we wake up one morning and it hits us that we can’t have or do it all?
EXERCISE:
Hope is not an optimal strategy for living, and someday is not a day of the week.
How then can you live more fully in each moment and avoid the absurdity of living for the future?
Please check out Burkeman’s book Four Thousand Weeks—Time Management for Mortals for some wonderful coaching on this subject.
Love this, Barry!
I’m currently at the #MISHRM22 conference in Grand Rapids, MI and met a woman in her 30’s. She and her husband saved their money and have quite their jobs for 2 years to travel, spend time with family and experience life while they have their health and ability to be active.
After the two years, they plan to re-enter the workforce.
Your message reinforces the importance of enjoying the journey!