Permanently Happy

This shocking scenario forces you to confront your deepest values and desires. While unsettling, it also provides a unique opportunity for clarity and purpose. By connecting with this hypothetical situation, you can discover what truly matters to you and how to live a more fulfilling life now.

The Power of Perspective

Contemplating your mortality is not about inducing fear but about gaining perspective. When faced with the end, all the distractions, worries, and minor annoyances of daily life fade away. What remains is the essence of what you find meaningful. This exercise can be a powerful tool for reducing anxiety and helping you to focus on what truly matters.

Reflecting on What Matters

Take a moment to visualize this week. Ask yourself:

• What experiences do I want to prioritize?
• Who do I want to spend my time with?
• What am I passionate about that I haven't pursued?

Focus on these questions. By identifying what you would do with your last days, you uncover your core values and desires. This clarity can guide your decisions and actions in the present, helping you to live a life aligned with your true self.

Planning Your Ideal Week

Once you have connected emotionally with what matters most, consider how you can incorporate these insights into your current life. Here’s how to transform this reflection into actionable steps:

1. List Your Priorities: Write down what you want to experience and who you want to spend time with. These are your top priorities.

2. Create a Simple Plan: Identify small steps you can take to integrate these priorities into your weekly routine. It could be as simple as setting aside time for a hobby, arranging to meet a friend, or dedicating time to a cause you care about.

3. Set Boundaries: Protect your time and energy by saying no to activities that don’t align with your priorities. This might mean turning down invitations or delegating tasks that don’t serve your goals.

4. Practice Gratitude: Each day, take a moment to appreciate what you have and acknowledge your progress toward living a more purposeful life.

An Example

Imagine you love painting but haven’t picked up a brush in years. In your imagined final week, you might decide to spend time creating art. To bring this into your life now, set aside an hour each weekend to paint. As you engage more with your passion, you’ll likely feel a greater sense of fulfillment.

Living with Intention

Living as if you have limited time can motivate you to make meaningful changes. By focusing on what brings you joy and purpose, you create a life that reflects your true values. This intentional way of living not only reduces anxiety but also fosters a sense of peace and satisfaction.

What to Remember

• Imagining your last week helps clarify what truly matters.
• Prioritizing your values leads to a more fulfilling life.
• Small, intentional changes can have a big impact.
• Regular reflection and gratitude enhance your well-being.

By consistently revisiting what matters most, you can navigate life’s challenges with confidence and clarity. This exercise is not just about envisioning the end but about embracing the present with purpose.

— Sandro Formica, PhD

Founder of Permanently Happy (questions at [email protected])

Keynote Speaker | Transforming Leaders & Organizations Through Positive Leadership & Personal Branding | Director, Chief Happiness Officer Certificate Program