What if you knew you only had 180 days to live? How would that change the way you spend your time, your energy, and your love?
It’s a confronting question—but a powerful one. Thinking about our mortality can bring clarity that everyday busyness often hides.
If it all seems a bit too confronting that you could die in the next 24 hours – and you are yet to have your affairs in order – consider playing the ‘game’ that you will die in 180 days. Whilst highly unlikely, it’s quite possible for any single one of us to die within the next six months.
Some years ago, I ran this exercise in a small group workshop. After participants set their usual goals—things like increasing business revenue or improving fitness—I asked “How would your goals change if you knew you were going to die in 180 days?”
The answers transformed. Instead of metrics, people spoke of meaning:
Suddenly, the urgent gave way to the truly important.
For me, I decided that if I had 180 days to live I would want my children to have a manuscript from me on ‘how to live’. There was no pressure for it to be published. Given my own love affair with books, I simply wanted my philosophy on life organised into words. Having run events, delivered speeches, hosted podcasts, written blogs and published online learning courses, I felt my message was too fractured for my children to know what I really thought about the art of living. I wanted a timeless manuscript that they could pick up at any stage of their life – from teenage years and onwards – and know that this is what I thought about life and how to live it.
I began getting up at 5am each morning, made myself a green tea and began typing out my key messages and thoughts in the eight key areas of life. Within 180 days, I had my manuscript, which became the first draft of the book you’re reading now. That process began back in 2016, and so, whilst I didn’t die in 180 days (thankfully), the knowledge that it was certainly possible drove me to get this book underway.
I encourage you to try the 180 Days to Live exercise yourself.
Choose up to three important, non-urgent actions you would take if you knew your time was limited to six months. Commit to completing at least one of them. For some, it might be updating a life insurance policy or writing a will. For others, it’s healing a family relationship, booking that trip, or picking up a long-neglected passion.
Looking your mortality in the eye brings piercing clarity. It reduces fear, fuels gratitude, and makes you more present in the life you’re already living.
So ask yourself again: What if you only had 180 days to live? And then—don’t just think about it. Act.
Marcus Pearce is a longevity and life design strategist and the author of Your Exceptional Life. You can take his free Exceptional Life Quiz here. He also hosts the podcast 100 Not Out: Mastering The Art of Ageing Well, and has just returned from exploring the European Blue Zones of Ikaria and Sardinia. You can receive the ebook and audiobook of Your Exceptional Life for free here.
As for all things relating to your health speak with your GP or a relevant medical professional. For all your financial health contact PSK on (02) 8365 8300 or visit psk.com.au
General Advice Warning - Any advice included in this article has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the advice, you should consider whether it's appropriate to you, in light of your objectives, financial situation or needs.
