We often hear the advice to “live each day as if it is your last,” a mantra repeated by countless authors and motivational speakers. On one hand, this idea can spark a sense of urgency to make the most of every moment. But on the other hand, is it practical or even sustainable to live this way?

Quality of Life on Your Last Day

If today were truly my last day, I wouldn’t spend time at the hardware store investing in tools to improve my home. I wouldn’t rearrange my furniture to create a better workspace—after all, why care about desk placement if I have only a few hours left?

This mindset suggests that quality-of-life improvements have no place in a “last day” scenario. Yet, if I assume I’ll be around at least until the end of the month, these small upgrades suddenly make much more sense.

Maintenance Tasks on Your Last Day

Similarly, if today were my final day, I wouldn’t bother grocery shopping for the next few days. I’d opt for a lavish dinner out instead of spending my last night cooking. And I certainly wouldn’t waste time unloading the dishwasher.

But living every day like this isn’t realistic. I don’t have the budget for a fancy dinner every night, nor do I own enough cutlery to ignore the dishwasher indefinitely. This is where the “last day” mentality breaks down for everyday living.

Pursuing Long-Term Goals on Your Last Day

What about long-term goals? Should we work towards them if every day might be our last? There are a couple of ways to think about this, including:

• Yes, it makes sense. If I want my last day to reflect the person I aspire to be, then working on long-term goals is meaningful.
• No, it doesn’t make sense. If there’s no guarantee of a long-term future, why bother with goals that require one?

If I truly believed today was my last, I’d focus less on long-term projects and more on spending time with friends and family. If the phrase is to be interpreted as a reminder that today may be your last, I would lean more towards the first. But I understand that everyone might feel differently about this.

The Value of Recognizing Life’s Limits

While I’m not entirely convinced we should live every day as if it were our last, I do see value in remembering that our time is finite. This awareness can serve as a wake-up call, preventing us from wasting hours binging Netflix on the couch. Instead of slipping into passivity, the thought that today could be our last can encourage us to engage in meaningful activities and connect with others.

Conclusion

The advice to “live each day as if it is your last” can be both inspiring and limiting. On one hand, it reminds us that life is short and encourages us to make the most of each moment. On the other hand, it’s not always practical for daily life. Perhaps a more balanced approach—one that enjoys the present while also preparing for the future—is a better way to live. What about you? How would you spend your last day?

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Banner Photo By: Nathan Dumlao