You Have 1,000 Words Left Before You Die. Now What?
He was a hard-charging salesman, who had a giant stick lodged up his ass.
The man only thought about himself. He only spoke about the things that mattered to him. He was only interested in work and landing the next big deal.
Work-life integration was non-existent; instead, it was work, work, work.
As he became successful, living in a beautiful home, having an incredible career, landing multimillion-dollar deals, he became distracted.
He focused on chasing the wrong things. He focused on pursuing things that can be taken away from him, including his life.
The gentlemen didn't understand the importance of what the Stoics called, Premeditation Malorum, or the pre-meditations of evil.
Living life through this lens helps us prepare for the most nefarious situations. It helps us understand that life is far from perfect.
Instead, this man watched his wife sleep on the couch, with their young son. He witnessed his mother becoming sick and allowed her to wait for him to visit. He was rude and treated his employees like servants.
The man was a dick.
His name is Jack McCall.
After visiting a new age guru, to land a hefty book deal, Dr. Sinja informed Mr. McCall that he only had one thousand words left to live.
Once those words were spoken, he would die.
Of course, this isn't a real story but rather from the movie A Thousand Words, starring Eddie Murphy.
The lesson from the funny movie is profound.
We talk more than we listen.
In life, we get caught up in our heads, in our life, that we forget to listen to the people who are most important to us.
It's one of the best tips to be an incredible communicator — actively listen.
We're all selfish. We want to talk about the things that interest us. We want to hear about the things we like. But when we do this, we neglect the people whom we're speaking with.
Its often costing us our cherished relationships. Our spouses, children, parent, and working relationships.
What would you say if you only had one thousand words left before you died?
Your words are both written and verbal. It's your choice.
Would you go round screaming and yelling at the people whom you love? Or would you reevaluate yourself? Would you use words of positivity and encouragement?
As I reflect on this movie, it tickles deep emotions in my belly.
For me, the words I'd use in my concise sentences are:
I love you.
Thank you for…
I'm grateful you're…
You inspire me because…
Remember to love, live, and…
Breathe.
You have a beautiful…
You're an incredible…
I'm blessed to be…
Smile.
These words would be followed by action.
Tight hugs, gentle kisses, tender touches, and loving looks deep into the eyes.
There's an intense emotion we can ignite once we listen, share a few meaningful concise words, with action to reconfirm these words.
An example is you listen to your spouse. After they're done speaking, reconfirm what they said, be a part of the conversation. In the end, share loving words.
"You're an incredible mother, but you also inspire me to be a better version of myself. Thank you for all you do."
It doesn't end here.
You can do this in ALL situations.
With the barista at your favorite coffee shop, with your coworkers, or the hundreds of other people who come and go in your life.
So, my question to you is, if you had one thousand words left to live, what would you say and do to make your time and words worth it?
Don't overthink it. If you feel it. If you think of it. Do it. You're not looking for anything in return.
