17 Dec 2025 · 0 min
A short podcast mini-chapter from Brian Johnson’s book A Philosopher’s Notes that presents Stephen Covey’s habit “begin with the end in mind.” The episode guides listeners through a visualization exercise imagining their own funeral to clarify core values and assess whether they’re living in integrity with those values, encouraging focus on meaningful qualities over material possessions.
You're listening to Optimize with Bryan Johnson More Wisdom in Less Time this is a mini chapter from Brian's book A Philosopher's Notes. You can find it on Amazon.
The Ultimate End Stephen Covey's second habit of highly effective people right after be proactive is and before put first things first is to begin with the end in mind. Basic idea is really simple. Everything is created twice. Once in your mind or business plan or blueprint, and then in reality. Same thing goes with our lives. If we want to create a truly extraordinary life, it's a good idea to know what a truly extraordinary life would look like, right? With that in mind, how about taking a quick peek at the ultimate end? Imagine this Walk into a funeral. It can be in a place of worship or another sacred spot, or wherever you feel most comfy. Imagining the ceremony. Get a feel for who's there, check in to the energy, and then realize it's your funeral. Really feel that. Who says what? What do your loved ones have to say about you? Your friends, your colleagues, that clerk at the grocery store you saw so often? What do they all have to say about you? And what would you like them to say about you? That you were kind and patient and loyal and generous and inspiring and present and other such goodness. Awesome. Are you living in integrity with those deepest values of yours? Now that's the most important question. Beginning with that end in mind and pulling it Back to now. P.S. no one's going to say what I loved most about so and so is that she had the biggest house on the block and always had the newest, fastest car in one of the most amazing sunglasses. And so how about we start to focus a little more on the stuff that matters?
We hope you enjoyed this mini chapter from Brian's book, A Philosopher's Notes. Want more wisdom in less time delivered in your inbox? Sign up for Brian's free daily newsletter, the Optimizer, and get the full ebook and audiobook at brianjohnson Me APN.
