Beyond the Job: What Would Your Obituary Say About Your Life?

Big Picture: Purpose Beyond the Daily Routine

As we journey through life, we come to realise that there's more to it than just earning a living. We all want to make an impact and leave behind something that matters. But have you ever paused to think what that "something" is for you? That’s what Alfred Nobel, the man behind the Nobel Prize, was forced to ask himself back in 1888. 

Why should you care?

Let's be honest- many of us live a life dictated by other people expectations and family obligations. Perhaps you are stuck in a profession you stumbled on in your early 20s. One which you started while waiting for your real thing. Dr James Hollis, in a conversation on the Huberman Lab podcast, shared the story of a man who read his own obituary and was shocked. How could he be dead when he never started living? Could that be our reality too? What would your obituary say if you read it tomorrow? Would it reflect the life you truly wanted? 

The "Merchant of Death" or a Legacy of Achievements

Back to Alfred Nobel. In 1888, a mistaken obituary of Albert Nobel was written in a French newspaper when his brother died. They called him a "Merchant of Death" because of his invention of the dynamite which had caused so much death and destruction. This jolted Nobel to want to change his legacy and the Nobel Prize was born. It's a way to reward human achievement and progress. So, what if you read your own obituary tomorrow? Would it inspire you to make some changes? 

Lesson about Leaving a Legacy

If Nobel changed his legacy when he was in his mid-50s, it’s never too late for most of us to get started. If you're ready to start living a life that would make you proud, here are two simple steps to get started: 

Create New Experiences:

When was the last time you tried something new? New experiences can spark your next big thing. Ever thought about sharing your expertise on a YouTube channel? What new skills are you actively learning now?  It is in trying new things that you can discover your passion. 

Take Time to reflect on your day:

At the end of each day, take a few minutes to reflect. Did that little counselling your colleague feel more meaningful than your usual tasks? Or why did you overreact to that comment? Is it a sign of frustration with the status quo? When you pay attention to these moments, they often point you towards something greater. 

Bottom line

We’re only here for a short while. If you feel like you’re far from the life you dream of, ask yourself: what can you start changing tomorrow to live a life that’s truly meaningful to you? 

Quote:

What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.- Nelson Mandela