Remember That You're Gonna Die: Jodi Wellman on PYP 603
Oct 8, 2024
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In this engaging conversation, Jodi Wellman, an executive coach and author of *You Only Die Once*, shares her insights on embracing mortality with a dose of memento mori. She discusses how acknowledging the brevity of life can motivate us to chase our dreams without hesitation. Jodi brings humor into discussions about indulgence versus restraint, encouraging listeners to find balance. The talk reveals the importance of pursuing passions amid life’s responsibilities, reminding us that life is too short for regrets.
Jodi Wellman argues that memento mori can enhance our life experience by reminding us to live intentionally and authentically.
Wellman highlights the tension between responsibility and spontaneity, advocating for a balanced approach to pursuing joy and fulfillment.
Viewing deadlines through the lens of mortality can transform them into powerful motivators, encouraging decisive action towards our true desires.
Deep dives
Embracing Mortality for Meaningful Living
Jodi Wellman argues that accepting the inevitability of death can profoundly enhance our experience of life. She emphasizes the concept of memento mori, which serves as a reminder to focus on how we want to live rather than avoiding thoughts about mortality. By confronting the reality of limited time, individuals can prioritize experiences, pursue dreams, and avoid the trap of living with regrets. This perspective challenges the notion of waiting for the 'right time' or a future that may never come.
Lessons from Regrets
Wellman's personal history includes the premature death of her mother, whose many unfulfilled dreams serve as a poignant reminder of the consequences of inaction. Through cleaning out her mother's belongings, Wellman was struck by the concentration of unrealized aspirations, leading her to confront her own fears of procrastination. She believes that recognizing these regrets can serve as powerful motivation to take decisive action. This introspection has inspired her to encourage others to adhere to their intentions and embrace opportunities.
Balancing Responsibility and Joy
The conversation discusses the tension between living a responsible life and seizing opportunities for joy and spontaneity. Wellman introduces the idea that while responsibility is vital, it should not overshadow the pursuit of passions and fulfilling experiences. By engaging in activities that bring happiness, individuals can create a more vibrant and meaningful life, rather than merely existing within their commitments. This balance is crucial for personal fulfillment and preventing regrets down the line.
A Unique Perspective on Deadlines
Wellman creatively reframes the typical notion of deadlines as a powerful motivator, suggesting that viewing them through the lens of mortality can inspire urgent action. Instead of seeing deadlines as burdens, they can be seen as opportunities to create meaningful experiences and engage fully with life. By acknowledging that life is finite, individuals can make decisions that align more closely with their true desires. This approach encourages people to take concrete steps towards their goals and commitments without delay.
Experiencing More of Life Through Intentionality
Wellman emphasizes the importance of intentionally making time for creative and fulfilling pursuits in our lives. This involves acknowledging personal desires and actively engaging in activities that bring joy and satisfaction, as opposed to merely adhering to daily responsibilities. By allowing space for creativity, such as music or art, individuals can enrich their lives and connect more deeply with themselves. This alignment with true passions can lead to a more fulfilling existence and a stronger sense of individuality.
Let's get started because we don't have a lot of time.
At least that's the perspective of today's guest, Jodi Wellman. Jodi is an executive coach and speaker, and the author of You Only Die Once. And she's a big fan of Memento mori, Latin for "remember that you will die."
Acknowledging the scarcity of our time, she insists, can help us make the most of the time that we have.
And it doesn't have to be morbid. It can be fun. Jodi keeps skulls as decorations, and they're surprisingly cheerful-looking
Remembering that we don't have infinite time and infinite opportunities can provide a much needed push when we're stuck.
So we can live the life we want, rather than waiting and rationalizing and looking back with regret at the end.
In our conversation, I get free coaching on making some bold moves in my life.
We talk about my fear of "indulging," even a little — that it will turn into a one-way highway to depravity — and how I might explore some balance between self-indulgence and Puritanical austerity.
In summation: "Life is short. We gotta get on with this shit."