Write Your Own Eulogy (A Surprising Exercise for a Better Life)

It sounds morbid, but one of the most powerful exercises for living a more meaningful life is to imagine your own funeral. Writing your own eulogy isn't about planning for death; it's about designing your life. It forces you to ask the ultimate question: "What truly matters?" This guide shows you how to approach this profound exercise in a positive, life-affirming way.

Why Imagining Your End is a Powerful Tool for the Present

When you look back on your life from its end, the small, daily anxieties fade away. What comes into focus are the big things: the quality of your relationships, the impact you had on others, and the values you lived by. The eulogy exercise acts as a compass, helping you align your daily actions with your ultimate legacy.

A Simple, Gentle Guide to Writing Your Eulogy

This isn't about accomplishments or resumes. It's about character. As you write, imagine it's being read by someone who loved you dearly.

Step 1: Define Your Core Values

What five words do you hope people would use to describe you? Were you kind? Courageous? Curious? A loyal friend? A dedicated parent? Start with the character traits that mattered most.

Step 2: Spotlight Defining Moments

What one or two stories would they tell that capture who you really were? Not the awards or promotions, but the small moments of kindness, resilience, or laughter that truly defined you.

Step 3: Craft Your Legacy

What was your impact on the people around you? How did you leave them feeling? Your legacy isn't what you built; it's who you were to others. This is the core message of your eulogy.

What to Do After You've Written It

Your eulogy is a private document. Read it once a year. Ask yourself: "Am I living in a way that is true to this? What small change can I make today to close the gap between the person I am and the person I hope to be remembered as?"

Next Step: Tell Your Story

The guided experience in L11: Your Eulogy helps you reflect on these big questions with structure and sensitivity, allowing you to craft the story you want your life to tell.