Stop wasting time and start doing meditations on death

Memento Mori. A Latin phrase meaning, “Remember, I will die.” A phrase commonly used by the Stocis to remember life is short, tomorrow isn’t promised, and to make today a good day, regardless of our circumstances.

I’m young, I’ve lived through amazing experiences, and if today were my last day, I’d be at peace with all that I am, and the path I was on because I knew that my aims were of the highest level. Envision the stars, make a plan to get there, and then forget about the stars and fall in love with the moment.

Tired? Good. Something went wrong. Good. You don’t feel like it. Good.

Learn to be grateful for challenges and adversity, they are what build character, what gives you meaning.

I have lost so much over the last couple of years, and I have gained infinitely more. Whatever is meant to happen always does, so if life isn’t going the way you expected it to, there are two questions to ask.

What do I need to make peace with and let go?

What is in my ability to change that will get me closer to my goals?

Stop living in what was, let go of the past, let go of it all. Accept it, acknowledge what you did well, and what you did wrong, and then step into what is.

There is nothing for us in the past, we take the lessons, we smile upon the memories, and we must carry on. Do not dwell because life happens now.

Here are 4 ways to stop wasting time using ‘Memento Mori.’

1. The Steve Jobs Approach

"If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" This is a question that Jobs said he asked himself every day -- while standing in front of his mirror -- after being diagnosed with his terminal illness

2. Don’t put a price on your soul

Whatever you decide to do in life, remember the Stoics, the virtue of fair dealings, and how in life, we must do the hard things, be truthful, and not cheat others. Don’t let material items or false idols put a price on your soul and peace of mind. Protect these two elements at all costs.

3. Be in the moment 100%

The only thing that we have for certain is this very moment, we don’t know if tomorrow will be our last day, or simply another day in our long lives. Carpe Diem, seize the day, make it yours, and life becomes a much happier and better place because of it.

4. Fail to plan, and you plan to fail

Just because life might end today, doesn’t mean reason goes out the window. Every day should be spent working towards a respectable goal, a better and brighter future. Have a plan for what you are called to do, one that can meet the goals that matter to you, and take it one day at a time, work your way through that plan, and fall in love with the process.