I want to share a concept that was sparked by the movie “In Time.” If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend giving it a watch.
The idea revolves around the Latin phrase “Memento Mori,” which translates to “Remember death.” Stoics, known for their philosophical wisdom, practiced this concept by consistently reminding themselves of their own mortality. It’s an undeniable truth that we will all face our mortality at some point. However, the challenge lies in the uncertainty of when that moment will arrive.
This concept has found its way into various conversations with successful individuals, appearing in Tim Ferriss’ works “Tools of Titans” and “Tribe of Mentors.” It’s an idea I decided to personally explore, though I must admit that the countdown timer indicating I had 60 years left to live didn’t quite trigger any sense of urgency within me. Why, you might wonder?
A) The sheer magnitude of 60 years felt distant and difficult to grasp. B) I haven’t yet achieved my ideal life, so perhaps I didn’t feel the need to seize every minute. C) Maybe I’m just a bit unconventional.
Then came the movie “In Time,” a film that got me pondering about reshaping my relationship with time. Inspired by this, I adopted a simple yet profound shift.
Each day, when the clock strikes 23:59, I adjust it to read 23 hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds. This shift in perspective has been transformative, and here’s why.
When we glance at a traditional clock, the numbers keep increasing, despite the fact that time is steadily slipping away. This visual contradiction doesn’t create a sense of urgency within us. For instance, when it’s 7 PM, the hours on the clock increase as the day progresses. This continuous increment doesn’t trigger the realization that time is dwindling.
However, with the countdown timer, the situation is different. The numbers consistently decrease, showcasing exactly how much time remains until the day’s end. Instead of thinking “It’s 9 AM,” you’re faced with the clear message that there are 15 hours left until the day concludes. As the clock ticks to 3 PM, the timer reminds you that you have 9 hours remaining. This perspective shift cultivates a deeper awareness of time’s passing and urges you to make the most of it.
Moreover, the odds of completing the day are significantly higher than living to a ripe old age of 90. A day is familiar territory – we can easily conceptualize its passage and structure our activities accordingly.
Implementing this shift is simple. On your iPhone, you can use the default Timer app and set it for the countdown. The timer will conveniently appear on your home screen, displaying both the current time and the time remaining until the day’s end.
In the screenshot of my home screen, you’ll notice the primary time display at the top, with the countdown of time left until the day concludes featured below.
So, I invite you to reflect on your relationship with time. Are you making the most of each day, harnessing its potential, and embracing the concept of “Memento Mori”? Remember, time is a gift, and how you perceive it can profoundly impact your actions and mindset.
You, my friend, are truly remarkable!
Jay Bialecki – You are awesome!