Embracing Your Mortality: 10 Tools for Making the Absolute Most of Your Time

Very few people like to talk about their own mortality.

And society mostly allows us to pretend like we don’t have to contemplate it at all. With advancements in medical technology and screenings, people are living longer.

As a culture, we don’t bring up death and dying because it is viewed as inappropriate, too sad, or even bad luck to speak about.

The other thing that makes it very easy to avoid thinking about the fact of mortality for us is that modern living is ALWAYS BUSY, and we can easily fill all of our time with meetings, trips, tasks, and projects.

In fact, I’d argue that many people actively fill their calendars, extend their to-do lists, as a way to avoid having to contemplate the reality that life has an expiration date on it.

Even though we may be drained and overwhelmed, we’re avoiding the discomfort of considering our own death at some unknown (but certain) point in the future.

I recently re-read the book “4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals” by Oliver Burkeman whish is a beautifully written book to rethink the concept of “time management” that is through the lens of acknowledging and accepting the finite nature of life and using that to frame and focus on what truly matters as you live your years out.

I wanted to share 10 takeaways from this book that I hope will make you stop and think, chew on, and serve as catalysts for you to clarify your true priorities and then honestly examine how your right-now life stacks up against what you know in your soul matters most to you, above all else.

1. Recognize Your Finitude

Life is finite, and each of us has approximately 4000 weeks to live. This awareness can serve as a powerful reminder to prioritize what truly matters in our lives.

Author David Kane gained a newfound appreciation for life's fragility after a nearby mass shooting.

His realization of the limited time we have underscores the importance of embracing our mortality and living each day with purpose.

2. Focus on Essentials

Identifying your core values and priorities is essential for effective time management.

Instead of spreading yourself thin trying to do it all, focus on what truly matters to you.

For instance, prioritize completing important projects that align with your values, like researching an article that resonates with your passion, over less significant tasks.

3. Embrace Constraints

Accepting limitations can lead to increased creativity and productivity.

Constraints force us to prioritize and focus on what's truly important.

Consider implementing predetermined time boundaries for your daily work or limiting the number of tasks on your to-do list to enhance focus and productivity.

4. Beware of Productivity Traps

Not all tasks contribute equally to our goals.

Avoid falling into the trap of busywork and focus on activities that bring real value and fulfillment.

Instead of striving for perfection in every task, prioritize progress over perfection to avoid paralysis and achieve meaningful results.

5. Embrace Imperfection

Perfectionism can be paralyzing and prevent us from taking action.

Instead of striving for perfection, celebrate small wins along the way.

Keep a "done" list to acknowledge your accomplishments and progress, no matter how small.

6. Cultivate Presence

Practice being fully engaged in the present moment to savor experiences and relationships.

Instead of constantly worrying about the future, focus on building meaningful connections and enjoying the present with loved ones.

Approach relationships with curiosity and presence, seeking to understand others without judgment.

7. Invest in Relationships

Meaningful connections with others are essential for happiness and fulfillment.

Allocate time for nurturing relationships and building community.

Whether it's spending quality time with loved ones or connecting with colleagues, prioritize meaningful interactions that bring joy and fulfillment.

8. Prioritize Rest and Leisure

Schedule time for relaxation, hobbies, and self-care to recharge and maintain balance.

Instead of constantly striving for productivity, allocate time for leisure activities that bring joy and relaxation.

Give yourself permission to take breaks and recharge, knowing that rest is essential for overall well-being.

9. Embrace Uncertainty

Life is inherently unpredictable, and plans may need to adapt.

Cultivate resilience and flexibility to navigate unexpected challenges and embrace the unknown. Instead of worrying about the future, focus on adapting to change and finding opportunities for growth and learning.

10. Live with Intention

Be intentional about how you spend your time, aligning your actions with your values and long-term goals.

By consciously choosing how to invest your time and energy, you can create a life that reflects your values and priorities.

Make deliberate choices that bring you closer to your goals and lead to a more meaningful and purposeful life.

Incorporating these ten tools into our lives can transform the way we approach time management.

We CAN make the most of the limited time we have on the planet, if we are intentional about it.

I encourage you to stop avoiding the truth of your finitude, make changes you need to prioritize what truly matters in your life, and live each day with intention and purpose.

Your 4000 weeks are precious—make them count.