Common questions asked in our dying days:

Did my life have meaning?

Did I make an impact?

Was (am) I happy?

(Your question here).

If you have to ask those questions at the end, the answers are most likely, tragically disappointing.

While there’s still time, take the following action.

“Figure out those questions (and discover your answers) and then live each day intentionally so that you are happy with your answers at the end.” 

–Brendon Buchard on Tom Bilyeu’s Impact Theory

When we were younger our questions were along the lines of “What is my purpose?”, “Why am I here?”, “What should I do with my life?”.

In the latter phase of life, we hear the clock ticking and we begin to wonder what our legacy will be. Often it is not about mistakes. We focus on missed opportunities. Things we didn’t go after. Wondering if we made a difference. Did we live up to our potential?

This is known as the “Rocking Chair” test. Imagine sitting in a rocking chair and you know you have little time left in life. You ask the questions listed above. You imagine how you will feel when you answer them.

Learn how to leave a legacy by watching: 

BOOMcast: Reinvent Retirement (and how to do it!) with John Anderson

Now, ask yourself Brendon’s question.

“Figure out those questions (and discover your answers) and then live each day intentionally so that you are happy with your answers at the end.” 

Gulp!

Not the answers you want? A feeling of regret and the fear you blew it?

Take heart. It’s not too late and in fact, you have just given yourself one of the greatest gifts you could ever receive. Awareness and yes, maybe a bit of fear.

Fear is one of if not the most powerful motivational forces there is. Facing and overcoming that fear makes your undertaking an absolute necessity, not just a desire. Using fear “constructively” is a very powerful tool.

“You’ve taken your first step into a larger world.” –Ben Kenobi, Star Wars IV

This awareness you’ve gained and your strong emotional motivations will open you to new possibilities. This effort can shift your mindset and change the trajectory of your life.

My answers to Brendon’s questions have been largely full of regret. Yes, I am incredibly grateful and proud of a 40+ year relationship with my companion. Yes, we raised two incredible sons. Yes, I have had two highly successful careers. Yes, I have a lot to be grateful for.

Yet, outside of my sons, I feel I am not leaving much of a legacy and I have not lived up to my potential nor had the impact I should have. I am truly fearful of being on my deathbed with a lot of regrets largely because I just didn’t aim as high as I “coulda, shoulda, woulda”.

I am doing something about that. ProBoomer is it. Succeed or fail, at least I tried and I am going to enjoy and I am already being fulfilled by the effort each step of the way. I am following Brendon’s advice as if my life depended on it.

A wonderful life, NOW!

By simply pursuing the actions necessary to give you the answers you desire you will instantly raise your happiness level. Each step along the journey you will be fulfilled. You will experience some of if not the best years of your life and have a chance to achieve the results you want and desperately need. So, it bears repeating.

“Figure out those questions (and discover your answers) and then live each day intentionally so that you are happy with your answers at the end.” –Brendon Buchard

There is no better time in life to do this. As someone in this latter phase of life, you have the experience, the knowledge and the motivation (the clock is ticking) to achieve amazing results and fulfillment.

At this point in life, you are far beyond having to make life choices as a college-age student with limited life knowledge and perspective.

The encumbrances of building a career or providing for a family are probably lessened or removed so you have more freedom.

The world has changed to allow for incredible opportunities for anyone who has the drive and desire to go after them. Even if your financial needs are a priority, why not set a direction to fulfill your desires and fulfillment while still earning what you need?

You have nothing to lose and EVERYTHING to gain.

“Don’t die with your music still in you.” – Wayne Dyer

What are your questions and answers? Be a part of the conversation and share.