Death – The Best Advisor

Oct 23, 2024

Upon reading the title “Death – The Best Advisor”, you might think I’ve lost my mind. Why on earth are we discussing death, of all things?

It might be a sensitive issue for some readers, and I apologise in advance if this topic currently strikes a raw nerve. If you feel uncomfortable, please return later when you’re ready.

For everyone else willing to continue, I must reiterate something I’ve said before, as I find the business content on the internet to be quite boring. There’s a surplus of advice regarding process optimisation, website creation, and how-to guides.

I crave provocation, and today, I am going to deliver just that.

The Mindset of People

There are various types of people in this world, but in the context of entrepreneurship, establishing a business requires guts, a pinch of risk, a dose of belief, and a sharp mind.

I recall a conversation many years ago with a friend who expressed his wish to start a law firm to his family. Their response was, “You have no idea what you’re doing, so many things could go wrong. Better stay where you are and live your life.”

On one hand, living a safe life was clearly the preferable choice for my friend’s family, but was it the best choice for him?

Each of us has a path or passion in life. My truth may not align with yours, which is why I’m not fond of unsolicited advice. People tend to push their personal opinions onto others, sometimes coercing them to conform to their perspectives. In essence, they sometimes disregard your individuality.

So, the critical question to ask yourself is: What do you desire? Should you start a business? Should you live life the way you want? What’s your path? What’s your passion? What makes you feel alive?

(Note: Any harmful passions that inflict pain on other beings are, of course, unacceptable and warrant intervention by a psychologist or another skilled professional.)

Doubts, Questions and Fears

It took me a significant part of my life to realise that people often put on a facade of confidence and strength, masking their insecurities and self-doubts, as society frowns upon the display of weakness.

Many of us ask themselves similar questions: What do I want? If I know what I want, should I pursue it? I fear starting a business or taking steps towards my dreams…the list goes on.

The Harsh Reality

In due course, I made another crucial realisation: nothing in this world lasts forever. Everything is transient – loved ones, family, friends, your car, your home, the clothes you’re wearing right now, you yourself. One day, it will all be gone! Full stop!

Imagine a scale. On the left side, we have death. On the right side, we have all your doubts, fears, regrets, wonderings – you name it. No matter what you place on the right side, it pales in comparison to death, which is on the left side!

Fear, such as that of making the first step towards life-altering decisions like changing your life or leaving your job to start a business, is natural. However, these fears are ultimately inconsequential because one day, everything we fear will cease to exist.

Fear and doubt are real, yet they’re illusions when compared to our greatest advisor – death.

I understand it may sound crazy, as has been pointed out to me before, but imagine for a moment that everything you have now is gone. This means you have one choice only: to live in the moment and seize every opportunity that comes your way. Grab it, use!

You have no idea how long you’ll be here. Therefore, despite fear and doubt, act as if they don’t exist because life is indeed fleeting.

Live this life!

What’s The Connection With Business

Everything we do in life, including business, is a reflection of our mindset.

Fears, doubts and wonderings consume significant energy and prevent us from taking decisive actions.

Recognising the transitory nature of everything brings strength.

Strength gives clarity, purposefulness, fearlessness and dedication to what we want.