Scott Perry reflects on memento mori, the practice of remembering you will die, and how it sharpens your priorities. He cites Stephen Covey's idea of beginning with the end in mind, drawing on Marcus Aurelius and Steven Pressfield to argue that mortality awareness helps you live with intention.
Welcome to Monday on Purpose presented by Creative on Purpose Live. I'm your host, Scott Perry, Chief Difference Maker at Creative on Purpose. Every Monday I share a bit of insight and inspiration to help you heed the call of vocation, to find the difference only you can make, and live your legacy. Today's episode is titled Memento Mori: Beginning with Your Ultimate End in Mind. Here we go. Begin with the end in mind. It's an idea often credited to the author and businessman Stephen Covey, but it's been around much longer than he has. Beginning with the end in mind encourages you to begin each day, task, or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and destination and step purposefully into it. The author Steven Pressfield referenced the idea of beginning with the end in mind as an old screenwriter's principle. Begin with a climax and work your way back. For me, the most potent approach to the idea of starting with the end in mind is woven into the ancient practice articulated by the Latin phrase memento mori—remember, you die. The Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius framed it this way, quote, think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now take what is left and live it properly. Is there any more powerful call to live well while you can? Søren Kierkegaard, a theologian, philosopher, and poet, reminds us that, quote, life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards. However, when we begin with our ultimate end in mind, we are encouraged to set intentions on purpose and live into them with purpose. What happens if you start your day today with your ultimate end in mind? How might you befriend your inevitable demise to make a bigger difference with whatever time you have left? Thanks for tuning in to Monday on Purpose. If you like what you heard, check out the blog and other broadcast episodes at creativeonpurpose.com. If you're listening on iTunes, consider leaving a 5-star review, subscribing, and sharing this episode with a friend. Thanks for the difference you make. Let's keep making things better together.
Stoics Don't Suppress Emotions, They Do This Instead #stoicism #emotionalintelligence #mindset
