I don’t expect this subject to be part of any MBA curriculum, so I’ll try to supplement our business education. In American culture, we generally avoid talking about death (other than the inevitability of death and taxes).
Yet, contemplating our mortality can help us maximize life—personally and professionally. It doesn’t have to be morbid. Instead, it can be a soulful reminder to appreciate our precious and passing life—now.
The Five Remembrances
On behalf of that great business instructor, The Buddha, may I introduce you to The Five Remembrances. They can serve as a wake-up call, especially for the leaders among us.
- I am of the nature to grow old; there is no way to escape aging.
- I am of the nature to become ill; there is no way to escape illness.
- I am of the nature to die; there is no way to escape death.
- All that is dear to me and everyone I love are of the nature to change; there is no way to escape being separated from them.
- My actions are my only true belongings; I cannot escape the consequences of my actions.
Business leaders generally prefer action over philosophy. So, let’s pay special attention to the final Remembrance. My actions are my only true belongings; I cannot escape the consequences of my actions.
Deathbeds
In The Pinball Theory of Business & Life, I share two stories of deathbed sentiments about life: A rough old man said, “I got a hell of a squeeze out of it!” while a sad old lady realized, only at her impending death, that “she hadn’t lived her own life, but an empty life determined by others.” As we scurry through our hectic workdays and years, these contrasting life endings remind us to guide ourselves and our organizations with a life-and-death perspective.
Retirement
Shane Parrish, entrepreneur, and New York Times bestselling author, reflected on his discussions with CEOs of major companies. He found it heartbreaking how many of them—at retirement—finally realized their success did not translate to satisfaction.
One CEO, hailed as a titan of industry, retired expecting to enjoy life—but quickly discovered that the people who had once pestered him for a weekly golf game no longer wanted to play. Worse, they wouldn’t even return his calls. He finally realized that his relentless pursuit of success—and how he went about it—had left him without real friends, meaningful relationships, or a sense of fulfillment.
Too bad his Research Department hadn’t put the famous Harvard Study of Adult Development on his desk and marked it Urgent. It found that close relationships – more than money, fame, social class, IQ, or even genes – are what keep people happy throughout their lives.
Taking Charge of Our Days
We all can consider how we want to feel at the end of life. Parish puts it bluntly: “Don’t tell me your priorities; show me your calendar.” He offers a powerful test: Imagine yourself on your deathbed, surrounded by family, friends, and business connections. You can hear everything but appear unconscious, so they speak freely about you. What would you want them to say about your life?
Poet Annie Dillard gently gave the world this life and death insight, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” Her wisdom applies to our corporate planning, activities, and leadership.
A Reminder
Keeping death at hand—as a reminder, not a fear—provides the ultimate grounding. If we’ll allow Death to remind us of the preciousness of this fleeting life, I’m confident that each of us will figure out how we can create a more useful and meaningful life for ourselves, our organizations, and those around us – now. We’ll be motivated to do our best in prioritizing life and business for ourselves and those who depend upon us. We’ll lead with more perspective and be good stewards of our organizations. We’ll keep in mind the 5th Remembrance:
My actions are my only true belongings;
I cannot escape the consequences of my actions.
