Sometimes we get lost on our path through life or even feel stuck. In those times, personal reflection and taking some time ask yourself the tough questions are what you need. This simple exercise only takes one hour and can help you refocus on where you want to go.


Bestselling author Greg McKeown recently discussed a conversation he had with a close friend on his LinkedIn blog. McKeown's friend had been diagnosed with cancer of the kidney, and though he was in the clear for now, it was an enlightening experience. McKeown gathered the questions his friend asked himself while facing death and turned it into an exercise anyone can do:

If possible get out into nature where you can feel the natural pace of the earth and not the hyperactive and inhumane pace of modern life. Write down the question "What would I do if I only had a week left to live?" and take 10 minutes to write down your answer. Write down the question, "What would I do if I only had a month left to live?" and take 10 minutes to write down your answer. Write down the question, "What would I do if I only had a year left to live?" and take 10 minutes to write down your answer. Write down the question, "What would I do if I only had five years left to live?" and take 10 minutes to write down your answer. Write down the question, "What would I do if I only had a life left to live?" and take 10 minutes to write down your answer. Finally, take 10 minutes to reread all of your answers while asking yourself, "How can I design my routine this week to more closely align with these answers?"


Sometimes the only way to reflect on life is by contemplating death and the end of our time on this world. This exercise takes the common question of "what would you do if you only had this long to live?" and makes it a useful look at what you really want out of your time. If you answer the questions as honestly as you can, you might surprise yourself and see a different path for your future.

The Most Important Hour of Your Life | LinkedIn