One profound exercise that can help you gain clarity on your life's purpose and legacy is writing your own eulogy. This practice invites you to imagine what you want others to say about you after you're gone, providing a unique opportunity to reflect on the impact you wish to have.

Why Start from the End?

Starting from the end of your life may sound morbid to some, but it's actually a celebration of life. By envisioning the end, you can better understand what you truly want to achieve. This perspective can illuminate your path forward, helping you live more intentionally and with purpose.

Consider this: if you know how you want to be remembered, you can start taking steps today to ensure that legacy. Think of it as reverse-engineering your happiness and fulfillment.

The Eulogy Exercise: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Find a Quiet Space: Set aside an hour where you won't be interrupted. This time is for deep reflection, so eliminate distractions.

2. Use Your Imagination: Picture a future where someone you love is reading your eulogy. It could be a child, a grandchild, or a close friend. Imagine what you would want them to say about you.

3. Write Your Tribute: Begin writing the tribute you hope someone will deliver. Focus on:

  • Your core values and principles.
  • The legacy you want to leave behind.
  • Your contributions to others and society.
  • Your personal and professional achievements.
  • The impact of your life on those around you.

4. Be Specific and Emotional: The more detail you include, the clearer your vision will be. Let your emotions guide you. If you find yourself detached, revisit what truly matters to you.

5. Seek Inspiration: If you're struggling to start, watch movies or videos featuring eulogies. These can offer inspiration and demonstrate the profound impact a life well-lived can have on others.

The Benefits of Writing Your Own Eulogy

  • Clarity and Direction: This exercise can bring incredible clarity about what you want from life. It can highlight the changes you need to make today to align with your desired legacy.
  • Emotional Engagement: Engaging with your emotions during this exercise is crucial. It strengthens your connection to your goals and helps you remain focused on what truly matters.
  • Strengthened Connections: Consider asking someone you deeply love to participate in this exercise as well. After writing your eulogies, exchange them and read each other's aloud. This shared experience can deepen your relationship and provide new insights into each other's lives and aspirations.

What to Remember

Remember, the purpose of this exercise is not to dwell on the end but to illuminate the present. Writing your own eulogy is a powerful tool to help you live a life full of meaning and purpose. By being clear about how you want to be remembered, you can make deliberate choices today that reflect your values and aspirations.

In the end, this exercise is about recognizing the extraordinary potential you have to influence others and leave a lasting impact. Embrace it as a celebration of the life you are living and the future you are creating.

— 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

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