STRONGER TOGETHER: Mortality as Motivation—Focusing on What Truly Matters Now

"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses how embracing our mortality can motivate us to focus on what truly matters, leading to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea

Tanya OShea IMPACT Community Services Managing Director

Death is a topic we rarely discuss openly, yet its inevitability is a reality we all must face. Denial or avoidance does not alter this fact. For many, mortality often feels like a distant, almost abstract concept, something for our 'future selves' to confront. Yet, embracing our mortality can profoundly influence our behaviours and priorities, empowering us to live more meaningful and fulfilling lives.

In 2009, I commenced my honours thesis examining gambling behaviours, more specifically whether being more aware of your own mortality would increase a person’s urge to gamble. This research opened my own mind to just how differently individuals react when mortality is discussed. There is no doubt that being aware of our own mortality is confronting, yet people react quite differently when faced with it. For some, reflecting on our own mortality is too challenging and they prefer not to think or talk about it. For others, it acts as a powerful motivator.

When we recognise that our time is limited, there is an increased likelihood that we will prioritise what truly matters. Instead of getting caught up in trivial concerns or future anxieties, we become more attuned to the here and now, cherishing our relationships, passions, and experiences. We begin to appreciate the ordinary moments that make up our days. Simple pleasures, like a warm cup of coffee in the morning or a walk in the park, become precious.

Research supports this notion. Studies in the field of psychology suggest that contemplating our mortality can enhance our focus on intrinsic goals—those that are inherently rewarding, such as personal growth, relationships, and community involvement—over extrinsic goals like wealth, fame, or status. This shift can lead to greater life satisfaction and wellbeing.

However, sustaining this focus on what truly matters can be challenging especially when daily responsibilities—managing work, finances, schedules, home, and family commitments—often take precedence over being present.

To counteract this, we can cultivate habits that keep us grounded in the present, such as:

  • Mindfulness Practices: Mindfulness practice and meditation can make us aware of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, strengthening our focus on the present.
  • Regular Reflection: Setting aside time for regular reflection on our values and priorities can help keep us aligned with what truly matters.
  • Gratitude: Simply taking a moment each day to ask, "What am I grateful for today?" can reinforce this mindset.
  • Meaningful Connections: Surrounding ourselves with people who share our values and support our goals can help us stay focused on what is important. Engaging in meaningful conversations and activities with loved ones can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Accepting our mortality can profoundly change the way we live. By embracing the reality of death, we can become more empowered, grateful, and present, while also ensuring we are living our values and making a positive difference on the people and world around us.

As the saying goes, "Yesterday is gone, tomorrow isn't promised, today is a gift." So, let's cherish each moment and strive to live in a way that reflects what truly matters to us.

Please note: This website may contain references to, or feature images, videos, and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have passed away.

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