As Thanksgiving approaches, many seek ways to cultivate more gratitude. If you’re open to an unconventional approach, consider the advice of Steve Jobs. In his famous 2005 Stanford commencement speech, Jobs shared a deeply impactful practice: every morning, he asked himself, “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” If the answer was “no” too often, he knew it was time to make a change.
While this may seem morbid, Jobs believed that facing our mortality head-on makes us more grateful for life and helps us prioritize what truly matters. Psychology backs this up, with research showing that reflecting on death fosters gratitude by reminding us that life is finite. One study in The Journal of Positive Psychology revealed that those aware of their mortality are more likely to appreciate the present and the life they lead.
Thinking about death doesn’t just inspire gratitude; it also encourages us to focus on living a meaningful life. According to research in the Journal of Research in Personality, those who contemplate their mortality tend to lead more virtuous lives, driven by purpose.
Survivors of near-death experiences often report that such events force them to re-evaluate their priorities, finding more joy in life’s simple pleasures and feeling a renewed sense of altruism.
You don’t need a life-threatening event to benefit from this mindset. As Jobs showed, a simple morning ritual of confronting death can make a powerful difference. Psychologists suggest other reflective practices, such as asking yourself: “What advice would I give my younger self if I were on my deathbed?” or “What would I do differently if I knew I had limited time left?”
This Thanksgiving, instead of just focusing on the traditional meal, consider contemplating your eventual end. This simple exercise could lead to greater happiness, appreciation, and clarity about what really matters.
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