People often hear me say: We tend to die the way we live.
If we’ve lived a happy, fulfilling life—one filled with connection, meaning, and a sense of purpose—then we tend to experience a peaceful, fulfilling death. But if our lives have been marked by regret, isolation, or a lack of direction, we often carry those same emotions into our final moments.
So the real question isn’t: How do I make sure I have a good death?
The real question is: How do I start living a good life—right now?
The “Too Late” Mindset is a Lie
In my work as a hospice physician, I see people wrestle with purpose and regret in their final days. I’ve watched as nurses, social workers, chaplains, and doctors come together to help someone fulfill a last wish—whether that’s dictating their memoir, attending one last baseball game, or reconnecting with an estranged family member.
At that stage, we can only do so much. We can’t turn back the clock and make someone a professional athlete at 75. But we can help them find a way to connect with the deeper essence of what once lit them up.
And if people on their deathbeds can still find purpose, then what excuse do the rest of us have?
The Parallels Between Purpose and Money
People often feel like it’s too late to take control of their financial life. They wake up in their 40s, 50s, or even 60s and think, I should have started saving earlier. I should have invested smarter. Now I’m too far behind.
The same thing happens with purpose. People retire and suddenly have time to think about what truly matters—but then they believe they’ve missed their chance.
“I always wanted to write a book.”
“I always wanted to mentor young people.”
“I always wanted to travel, start a nonprofit, or learn an instrument.”
But they tell themselves, That season of my life has passed.
That is absolutely false.
Redefining Purpose at Every Stage
Your purpose isn’t a rigid, unchanging destination—it’s an evolving part of who you are. The way you pursue it may shift, but the core of what brings you meaning remains.
If you’re 70 and always wanted to write the next great American novel, maybe that exact dream isn’t feasible anymore. But could you self-publish a book? Dictate your story and use AI to refine it? Share your life lessons in a blog or a series of letters to your grandchildren?
Purpose isn’t about achieving a singular, grand vision. It’s about staying connected to what makes you feel alive.
You Have More Time Than You Think
No one knows how much time they have left. Weeks, months, years, decades—we can’t control that. But what we can control is what we do with the time we have.
If you have the privilege of time and agency, if you have even the smallest margin in your life to make a choice—why wouldn’t you start now?
• If you love music, pick up that instrument.
• If you want to make a difference, mentor someone.
• If you have a story to tell, start writing.
It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to look the way you once imagined. It just has to be.
What’s Holding You Back?
If people can find purpose on their deathbeds, you can certainly find it today.
So, what’s stopping you?
Did you catch this week’s episode of Earn & Invest (Click to listen)?
The Purpose Code is Now Available!
