die with memories, not dreams...

There’s a moment that changes everything. For me, it was when I looked back at the last few years of my life and realized how much time I had wasted. I kept telling myself, “I’ll do it later,” or “I have time.” But deep down, I knew I was lying to myself.

We all do it. We push off what we really want—traveling, starting that business, telling someone how we feel—because we think there will always be more time. But one day, there won’t be.

Studies show that by the time you’re 80, you’ll have spent 26 years sleeping, 13 years working, and 11 years in front of a screen. That doesn’t leave much time for actually living, does it?

My Wake-Up Call

A few years ago, I met an older man at a coffee shop. He was in his 70s, and we started talking about life. At some point, he looked me in the eyes and said, “If I could trade every dollar I ever made for more time, I would.”

That hit me. He had spent his entire life chasing things he thought mattered—money, status, approval—only to realize too late that what really mattered was the experiences he never had. The things he put off, the dreams he never chased, the people he never made time for.

I never forgot that conversation, and from that day on, I promised myself I wouldn’t let life slip by while I was waiting for the right moment.

How to Live Fully Before It’s Too Late

If you’re tired of feeling stuck, of watching time pass while your dreams collect dust, it’s time to wake up. Here’s how to start living a life full of memories instead of regrets.

1. Do the Things That Scare You
   The best memories come from the things that make your heart race a little. That trip you keep postponing. That conversation you’ve been avoiding. That risk you’re afraid to take. Fear will always be there, but do it anyway. The moment you step out of your comfort zone is the moment life truly begins.

   Action Step: Think of one thing you’ve been putting off because it scares you. Do it this week. Book the flight, send the message, take the leap.

2. Stop Caring So Much About What Others Think
   Most people never chase their dreams because they’re afraid of looking stupid. But the truth is, no one is thinking about you as much as you think they are. And even if they are? Their opinions won’t matter in the end. What will matter is whether you lived life your way.

   Action Step: The next time you hesitate because of what others might think, ask yourself: “Will this matter when I’m 80?” If not, go for it.

3. Collect Experiences, Not Stuff
   At the end of your life, you won’t remember the cars you drove, the clothes you wore, or the money in your bank account. You’ll remember the places you saw, the people you loved, and the moments that took your breath away.

   Action Step: Spend your money on experiences rather than things. Take that trip, go to that concert, make memories that will last.

4. Make Time for the People Who Matter
   We take time for granted, but one day, we’ll wish we had more of it with the people we love. Call your parents, spend time with your friends, have deep conversations, and tell people how much they mean to you while you still can.

   Action Step: Reach out to one person today that you haven’t spoken to in a while. Let them know you appreciate them.

5. Act Like You’re Running Out of Time—Because You Are
   Stop waiting for “someday.” Someday isn’t real. The only thing that’s real is now. You don’t have unlimited time, but you do have this moment. Use it wisely.

   Action Step: Write down three things you’d do if you only had one year left to live. Now, ask yourself, “Why am I not doing them now?”

TAKEAWAYS:

• Time is running out. Use it wisely.

• Do what scares you. That’s where the best memories are made.

• Stop letting the fear of judgment hold you back.

• Invest in experiences and people, not just material things.

• The only time you have is now—start living before it’s too late.

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See you on Monday ;)

Your Better Self.

Richard, Founder of Elevenstoic & Lussiety