“Remember that one day you will die — and live like it.”
I heard the phrase “Memento Mori” this week.
It’s Latin for “remember you must die.”
There are many interpretations, but the one that stuck with me is simple: remember that one day you will die — and live like it.
That idea hit me hard. It made me stop and reflect on my “why.” Why I drag myself out of bed early every morning. Why I live a disciplined life. Why I’m chasing the goals I’ve set.
I know the surface-level goals of my discipline: get healthy and advance my career.
Those are what I’m doing — but not why I’m doing them.
When I dig deeper, the reasons are much more personal. I’m a grandfather, soon to be a grandfather twice over. My adult children live far away. I want to be strong and healthy so I can be there for my family. I want to advance my career so I can be in a better position to spend six or seven months a year closer to them — while still escaping to warm weather during the winters.
There’s another piece of my “why” too: adventure.
I want to travel, explore, and see more of the world. My pillars support that, too. Getting healthier gives me a longer window to live that life. Advancing my career opens the door for remote work, flexibility, and financial freedom — the kind of freedom that lets me choose where and how I live.
I’ve always known these things, but I hadn’t sat down and clearly defined them before. Now I see how deeply they’re tied to my discipline.
Having my “why” written out — in plain language — gives me clarity and purpose. It helps me when the alarm clock goes off early and I don’t want to get up.
On those mornings when motivation fades, purpose takes over.
That’s what Memento Mori means to me: a daily reminder that time is limited — and the best way to honor life is to live it with intention.