How to Live As If Tomorrow Were Your Last Day

What would you do if you knew tomorrow was your last day? Would you look back and say you lived a good and fulfilling life? Or would you be in angst about all the things you wish you would have done? Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Shoot, the next minute isn’t guaranteed either. Sometimes entrepreneurs get so wrapped up in work or a problem that everything else falls by the wayside. Life is short and we should enjoy the people in our lives. Let’s have better work-life balance using these tips to help personally and professionally. Every single day is a blessing, so start living like it.

1.       Give It Your All

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart whether it’s family or your job. Do you like it when Starbucks gives you a half-full cup of your favorite Venti Iced Caramel Macciato? So why would you only give half of yourself. When you’re working, give that project your all. When you are with your family, give them your all and be present to enjoy each other. You’ll be happier in the end knowing you did your best. We don’t like it when people give us mediocrity, so don’t give it yourself.  

2.       Be a Little More Kind

It takes way too much energy to be angry or resentful towards people. Now do people do things that causes us to be upset? YES! But how long we hold onto that anger is up to us. Ironically, it tends to hurt us more holding onto resentment when the person we are angry with probably doesn’t even know it and has moved on with their lives. Your co-worker, a customer, the guy who cut you off in traffic, or your friend who was a no-call-no-show will continue to live their lives. So you can either choose to forget about the wrongdoing or make a plan of action to address the problem, but ultimately move on and enjoy the good things around you.

3.       Be a Little More Patient.

Things don’t always work as planned, but no point of having a heart attack over it. Let’s try not to get so angry over problems and with people. We can’t control other people, but we can control how we respond. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” So don’t let impatience steal your joy.

4.       Show More Gratitude

When you reflect more on what you have rather than what you don’t have, you’ll notice a change in your attitude and perspective. Things are just not that bad anymore. Also saying, “I appreciate you,” goes a long ways. Your customers, co-workers, partners, and advisors would appreciate it. Your family and friends would love it. It makes people feel good to know they are appreciated and the great thing about it is that you can do it at any time. You don’t have to do it in response to what they did for you. After the passing of a dear friend of mine at the age of 21 to cancer, I realized more how precious life is. I made a vow that day to let the people in my life know I love and appreciate them. Since that day 10+ years ago, I still sporadically call or text someone, “I love you and appreciate you.” No other words needed.