What would 80-year-old you want you to start doing today?
Step into your future self to discover what matters.
To discover activities that give your life purpose, imagine yourself at 80, looking back on your life as it is now. To discover what matters, ask yourself:
🤔 What would 80-year-old me want me to start doing today?
This process is like looking through an imaginary rearview mirror, seeing what matters from a future perspective.
To uncover what you might wish you had done, still imagining you’re 80, write down your answers to reflection questions like these. For each answer, also note why it matters to you:
🤔 What have I given too little time?
🤔 What three things would I most want to have done?
🤔 If I could go back, what would I start doing or do more of?
🤔 What activities have added something good to the world around me?
You can consider activities across different areas of life, such as physical health, emotional well-being, work (paid or unpaid), hobbies, family, community, or relationships. You can also reflect on activities tied to life roles, like parent, child, grandparent, friend, life partner, employee, colleague, citizen, coach, or mentor.
Many people look back and wish they had spent time differently. Here are some common examples of what and why:
👉 Spent more time with family or close friends – realizing relationships bring lasting joy and support.
👉 Invested in personal growth or learning – wishing they had built skills that opened opportunities.
👉 Took better care of their health – wanting more mobility, strength, and independence.
👉 Followed their own path – regretting letting others’ expectations shape their choices.
After answering the questions, reflect on your responses to identify what matters most. Let these insights guide your life purpose. Choose one meaningful activity and start with a small step, like calling a friend or going for a short walk. Share your plans with someone you trust for accountability and support. Check in regularly, perhaps monthly, to see what’s working, adjust where needed, and keep your actions aligned with what matters to you.
Take a few minutes today to imagine yourself at 80 and reflect on the life you want to lead.
