You have less time than you think

The average person only gets 4,000 weeks to live their life

October 25, 2021

Hey there —

It’s a tough pill to swallow, but the average person only gets 4,000 weeks to live their life (that’s 76.9 years for anyone who doesn’t want to open up their calculator app).

It’s not bad compared to Mayflies and anchovies, but 4,000 just doesn’t feel like a big enough number for all the plans we make for ourselves — especially once you realize you’ve already used a bunch and none of them are guaranteed.

And the human tendency to procrastinate doesn’t help.

Procrastination doesn’t just stop us from accomplishing our goals. It tricks us into thinking we have all the time in the world.

But we don’t.

You’re going to be wrinkly, grey, and sit way too close to your camera on conference calls all too soon.

So the only thing you can do to prepare is ask yourself a simple question:

What am I going to wish I’d said ‘yes’ to when I get old?

More often than not, we say ‘no’ instead of ‘yes.’ And it makes sense. Leaving the cozy warmth of the comfort zone isn’t fun.

But when you look back on all the weeks you’ve lived — whether that’s 1,000 or 10,000 (who knows, you might get a robot heart) — you’re going to remember the things you said ‘yes’ to, like:

  • 🎥 Setting up the tripod to film even when you feel awkward on camera

  • 🎤 Making that speech at your best friend's baby shower, even if public speaking makes the back of your knees sweat

  • 🦑 Or, even saying ‘yes’ to a night out with friends when all you want to do is binge Squid Game

There are times in life when saying ‘no’ is absolutely the right choice. It’s important you protect your time and dedicate your energy to what you value in life.

But the truth is, the ‘right’ time to do something doesn’t exist, and you will never be completely ready for anything. So why wait any longer?

Or in the words of Richard Branson, someone who’s said ‘yes’ to a lot of different somethings in his 3,700+ weeks (he’s 71):

“If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you’re not sure you can do it, say yes - then learn how to do it later.”

Here’s to hoping you learn how to do a few interesting things in the next couple hundred weeks.

Regrets of the Dying

Article | by Bronnie Ware

Bronnie Ware was a nurse in palliative care. Meaning, she spent a lot of time around people who were about to die.

It sounds morbid, but Bronnie recounts the experience with fondness. She had extensive conversations with folks who divulged their regrets on what they wish they would’ve done differently.

Bronnie noticed five recurring themes, including wishing they hadn’t worked so hard, had the courage to express their feelings, and stayed in touch with old pals. But the most common theme?

Having the courage to live a life true to oneself, and not the life others expected from them.

This short article is a gentle but firm reminder to make choices to ensure you live a life that’s authentically yours, while you still have the chance.

And hey, if you need the wake up call, you can always follow “Daily Death Reminder” on Twitter.

Maybe avoid it if you're the kind to experience an existential crisis, though.

Exhausted and Without Hope, East Asian Youth are ‘Lying Flat’

Article | by CNN Business

Young people across East Asia are rebelling against the relentless rat race. A new kind of philosophy has emerged in China called tang ping which translates to “lying flat.” AKA, “doing nothing.”

Youth are rejecting China’s grueling work culture and abandoning pursuing traditional markers of success in society, like college, marriage, and children. Amidst rising housing costs and “996” work schedules, they just don’t see the point.

And when you consider the “996’s” exhausting requirements, you can’t blame them. In case you have no idea what we’re talking about, “996” is the 9-to-5 gone awol. Employees are expected to work 9 AM - 9 PM, 6 days a week.

Yeesh.

The “lying flat” movement is now so popular that it’s heavily restricted on the Chinese internet. CNN’s article allows us to peer in on an unhealthy work culture, and observe the consequences it has both on people’s personal and social lives.

Fil Gelabert

This week we’re introducing Fil Gelabert! Fil looks like a certain Canadian Prime Minister you might know 👀 He is also an avid YouTuber!

1. Introduce yourself! Who are you?

My name is Fil, I'm a freelance writer and famously known as the off-brand Justin Trudeau. As you can tell by the quality of that joke, I'm obviously a good comedian too.

2. Why do you create? Who is your content for?

I create because it's the only way to cope with the pain of human existence, but also because it's fun!

I've always loved telling stories, as far back as I can remember, and it’s one of the few things I care for. To me, it is such an innate part of being a human being to enjoy a great story, so how could I resist?

My content is for curious people who love wildly interesting stories. The video essays on different topics are supposed to challenge you, make you think and learn something. Or at least that's the goal. Think of them as mini documentaries, but with an obnoxious host.

3. The biggest lesson you’ve learned since you began creating content?

Be obsessed about your craft because if you don't absolutely LOVE the content you're making, you'll eventually quit or get lazy. In short: Don't chase numbers, chase the fun.

4. One thing you wish you knew before you started?

Talent does matter, but it has to be supplemented with an amazing work ethic. I'm sure there's people that beat Michael Jordan playing basketball growing up, but they didn't have his work ethic.

5. In one to two sentences, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring creators or self-development nerds?

Deadlines are your best friend, so make it hurt when you miss one. For example, one time I had to pay my roommate $100 and sleep on the balcony for one night if I missed a hard deadline.

6. Would you rather there be a ding sound every time you wink or have a cartoonish gun sound go off when you make a finger gun?

I'll take the ding sound every time I wink so when I feel lonely I can wink at myself in the mirror and feel like I'm in a movie.

Written by Alice Lemée