"Live Like Each Day Is Your Last"

I’ve always hated the advice: “Live like it’s your last day.” Grown ups can’t live like that.

I recently read the chapter on Death in Eric Greitens’ Resilience. He says:

We know we’re going to die. But we’re pretty darned good at forgetting it. Forget too long and you can spend a lifetime postponing and procrastinating. You can put off the life you want to live until you wake up to find that it’s too late. You study but never act. You plan but never travel. You think it, but never tell anyone you love them.

I conceded that I’ve been guilty of postponing, procrastinating, and focusing on things that don’t matter. I asked myself - what if I lived tomorrow as if it was my last day? Understanding that I still had responsibilities, it was about attitude, not agenda. I wanted to try to bring fresh eyes to what I did every day.

So what was that day like?

Moving. Emotional. Heartfelt. There was clarity and focus.

What Changed?

I put down my phone and went to go play with Ronan. I wanted to hear him laugh. See him learn things. If today was my last day, I wanted to spend time with him (even time he’ll never remember). It seemed so much more important than whatever I was looking at on instagram.

I paused before preparing dinner, as I considered whether to order in (so I could read or work out). And then I surprised myself and doubled down on dinner, preparing four dishes instead of one. No, I don’t love cooking. But the thought that I was serving two of the people that I love most made it a very rewarding task.

I felt more forgiving. Most issues didn’t matter in the context of my last day.

I was emotional that day. The day felt almost bittersweet. There was a touch of sadness. But through that sadness I had one of the most beautiful, meaningful days I had had in a long time.

Now I haven’t lived every day since like that one. But the clarity I got around my priorities remains. That clarity has affected every day since.

What Does This Mean For You?

I still think “Live like it’s your last day” isn’t sustainable. Instead, maybe try asking yourself: What if today were my last day?

There’s potential for great learning in a day like that.

What did you do differently? What did you do the same? I’d love to know what you learn about yourself.