Month: September 2023

Memento mori – the latin phrase for “remember you must die” – is one of the key elements of Stoicism. It’s probably one of the harder ones to dwell on. Who wants to think about the inevitable end of life?

Yet I find myself thinking about it the past couple of days, ever since one of my oldest friends found out his younger brother had a massive heart attack. This one was bad enough to require emergency quadruple bypass surgery and the prognosis is not good. 20% heart capacity. Low chance of survival. And, if he does survive, he’ll likely have to retire from his job. So yes, faced with the potential death of someone several years younger than myself, I find my thoughts turning to the inevitable.

However, the Stoics didn’t intend for this quote to be seen as something bad. After all, they accepted the fact that life is finite and can leave us at any time. Instead of a gloomy dwelling on it, they used it as an incentive to do what they needed to do now. To them, procrastination was the true death.

And there’s wisdom there. Yes, death is inevitable, but what isn’t inevitable is putting off things until tomorrow when tomorrow isn’t a guarantee. And putting something off long enough kills our dreams, our goals, our connections to other people, and even our very spirit.

So take a look at what’s on that list of things you’ll ‘get around to’ or the things you’re putting off until you have time for them or the conditions are perfect. Or whatever excuse you’ve used to procrastinate. Ask yourself if that excuse really more important than your goal. What would your life look like if, instead of procrastinating, you started doing that thing now?

Here’s a few things that have been on my ‘get around to’ list –

• Starting a new health routine. I have to ask if my health is not worth more than any excuse I can create.
• Learning a new hobby. I actually can scratch that one off my list a couple of times. However, if it’s on your list and it’s a matter of money, look for used materials or other alternatives. Trust me, they exist. I know many people who will give away old supplies they’re hanging onto when they declutter. I have been the grateful recipient of everything from yarn supplies from elderly friends to painting supplies from relatives who tried and discarded painting. A great place to start would be looking up Freecycle online to see if there’s a group in your area. Now, if it’s a matter of you’ll be bad at it, well yes. You will be. But you never get good without being bad first.
• Starting a business. What I’ve learned is to take it one step at a time. Make a plan, create a logo, do what I can right now. It’s not an easy process but it could potentially be life changing.
• Writing a book. Why? I’m too old, I’m not good enough, other people do it better. Which leads back to the hobby point and the fact that yes, I’ll be bad. But I won’t get better without doing it.

This list could go on forever. We humans have a tendency to put off many things. Calling a loved one or a friend. Decluttering that closet or room. Applying for that job that is a lot better than the one we have but isn’t guaranteed.

Go forth, pick one thing and start doing it. Remember, as you tackle your procrastination list, that life is too short to delay your dreams and goals.

Memento Mori.

Until next time … bye for now.

Addendum – Since I wrote this, my friend has had an update. His brother is awake, talkative, and in good spirits. May he continue towards recovery.