In a world obsessed with productivity and everything going perfectly, we often find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of everyday life. You jump from one task to another, you fulfill obligations, but you rarely stop to think about the most important thing: yourself.
Between the routine, the noise and the rush, it is easy to forget the value of each moment and lose sight of what really matters. But what if there was a simple, almost uncomfortable, but profoundly powerful tool capable of transforming your perspective and helping you prioritize what is essential in your life?
Steve Jobs’ powerful question
In his 2005 Stanford commencement speech, Steve Jobs shared a habit that defined his life and his decisions. Every morning, when he looked in the mirror, he asked himself a question as profound as it was disturbing: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I’m going to do today?”.
This reflection, so simple and at the same time so uncomfortable, allowed him to rethink his priorities and make important decisions. According to Jobs, if the answer was not too many days in a row, he knew he needed to change something in his life.
This habit not only helped him stay focused on what really mattered, but it also allowed him to avoid wasting his time on activities that did not add value. For him, remembering that his time was limited was the most powerful tool for making decisions.
Psychology agrees
Years later, psychology has confirmed what Jobs already sensed. The practice of reflecting on death, known as memento mori (Latin for “remember that you will die”), has proven to be an effective tool for living with greater purpose.
A study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology revealed that being aware of your mortality can help you value your life more. By reminding yourself that time is a finite resource, you develop a greater appreciation for what you have, from personal relationships to everyday moments that often go unnoticed.
Furthermore, another study published in the Journal of Research in Personality found that people who reflect on death tend to lead more meaningful and virtuous lives. When you remember that your time is limited, you are more likely to prioritize the important over the trivial..
Like Steve Jobs, you can make this question a morning habit. As you get ready to start your day, look in the mirror and ask yourself, “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I’m going to do today?”
This simple practice It will allow you to identify what is not working in your life and will encourage you to make changes when necessary. You may discover that you need to spend more time with your loved ones, find a job you are passionate about, or simply enjoy the present more.
Get to know how we work in ComputerToday.
Tags: Steve Jobs
Add Comment