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EP 53 - A Finality Mentality
9 Plays11 months ago
I’ve been a regular guest on the Code Play Culture podcast. On a recent episode about navigating ideas, around the 39 minute mark, we touched on what it means to consider our current work the last time we would get to create.
On today's show, I want to unpack the mentality we discussed: “This is the last…”.
For more info and to download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chriskreuter.com/CDWI
Join the Kreuter Studios mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/810367311f3d/ksbulletin
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Transcript
Bridging Goals with Wisdom
00:00:15
Speaker
Crystal Deal with it focuses on bridging the gap between where you're at now and where you'd like to be. We'll explore wisdom and techniques from a wide variety of domains and industries, and apply them to your unique challenges. I love developing frameworks, processes, and storytelling metaphors that enable personal and business growth. Through actionable next steps, we'll build momentum and confidence. My goal is to help you clear roadblocks, do more with what you have, and realize the potential of yourself and your team. So throw your challenges my way, and Crystal Deal.
Introduction to 'A Finality Mentality'
00:00:49
Speaker
First, an AI statement that all elements of this episode are products of the author, Chris Kreuter, and made without the use of any AI tools.
00:00:57
Speaker
Welcome to episode 53 of Crystal Deal With It, a finality mentality. So I've been a regular guest on the Codeplay Culture podcast, and I'm gonna have a link to this episode on the show notes and on the website.
What is the Finality Mindset?
00:01:09
Speaker
On a recent episode, we were talking about navigating ideas, and around the 39 minute mark, we touched on what it means to consider our current work the last time we might get to create. So on today's show, I wanna unpack this mentality of this is the last.
00:01:24
Speaker
In the context of the show, I explain the logic I use when I decide to write a book. Writing a book is a large multi-year journey. With the ever-present uncertainty that life offers, I consider that the book I'm currently writing will be my last. My intent is to ensure that it's the best thing I'll ever write.
00:01:42
Speaker
a project that I pour my best efforts and ideas into. If life gives me the opportunity to write another book, make another podcast, design another game, or do something new, then I'll happily engage with that opportunity and give it the best I've got to give then.
Applying Finality to Everyday Life
00:01:57
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But this mentality isn't just about creating art. Consider if this is the last podcast I'll get to produce. This is the last opportunity you'll get to pitch your product.
00:02:06
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This is the last day before a life changing event. This is the last impression you'll have on someone. This is the last workout you're going to have before your strength will be called upon. This is the last time you'll enjoy a favorite game. This is the last time you'll spend time with a loved one. Or this is the last day of your life.
00:02:23
Speaker
Contemplating death and finality can feel morbid, and this isn't intended to evoke the concept of memento mori, which is Latin for remember you must die. It's not the kind of thinking that one can or should do on a daily basis for everything we do. I don't brush my teeth every morning thinking, this is the last time I'll brush my teeth, although once in a while it might be helpful to bring my full attention to the act of brushing my teeth.
00:02:47
Speaker
Rather, this is about being aware of the reality of the potential finality when going into a project, task, or interaction with someone. It can deepen our connection to the work, the action, the moment. It helps us to recognize the importance of that present moment, to sharpen our convictions and our focus.
Engagement Through Finite Opportunities
00:03:07
Speaker
Our time and opportunities in this life are finite. We need to fully engage with our work and the people we get to share life with. Consider someone important in your life. Someone you don't see on a regular basis. It could be a relative, a close friend, or a mentor. Now, how often do you get to see them? When was the last time you saw them? How did that interaction with them go? Did you make the most of the opportunity? Do you have any regrets about things said or not said? Were you fully present?
00:03:36
Speaker
It's easy to lean into the idea that there's going to be more time, more opportunities and joy to be shared and experienced. Sure, we have the benefits of technology to keep in touch via phones, video chats, and emails, but how often will you physically be in the same place? How aware, how present are you in those moments? Going into them with a finality mentality can help us make the most of the chances we get. It helps us to not take an opportunity for granted.
00:04:03
Speaker
Every moment is the last time you exist in your current form. The person you'll be tomorrow will be different. They'll be shaped by the efforts and memories that came before.
Personal Experiences with Finality
00:04:12
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Life changes. Life evolves. There is a finality to the current you. Same goes for everyone else. Life happens to all of us and affects everyone differently. It can affect the frequency you'll have to see someone or work on a project.
00:04:25
Speaker
The mental and physical strength we're able to bring to these opportunities might change. Things can change in subtle or drastic ways that are unpredictable. Having kids is an example from my own life. I miss the frequent opportunities I had to sit around a table playing multi-hour strategy games like Through the Ages while catching up with close friends. But I've happily traded those frequent nights out for fatherhood, even though this means I see these friends far less, and it takes far more effort in planning to get together.
00:04:54
Speaker
Sure, we can play the same games on our devices, and we do. Taking asynchronous turns over the course of a weekend, but it's nowhere near the same thing. Maintaining awareness of this reality helps me make the most of the opportunities that I get to see them.
00:05:08
Speaker
Same goes for creative work. The next book I write may be completely unexpected by the current me. This podcast episode was unexpected too, inspired by a conversation that went an unexpected direction on another podcast.
Creativity and Life Changes
00:05:22
Speaker
Things in our lives and environments will change, for good or bad, impacting what and how we create and interact. My skills will continue to improve. My ideas continue to broaden and deepen. My words able to express clearer and with greater impact.
00:05:37
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Right now requires my focus. I try to consistently remind myself that what I'm making now matters most. Who I'll see and interact with today deserves the best and most present me possible.
00:05:50
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So we'll cap off this episode with a quote from the Stoic philosopher Seneca. Let us prepare our minds as if we'd come to the very end of life. Let us postpone nothing. Let us balance life's books each day. The one who puts the finishing touches on their life each day is never short of time. And with that, have a great day.
Episode Conclusion and Call to Action
00:06:08
Speaker
If you feel that Chris dealt with it, I'd appreciate your support of the show by sharing it with someone who might benefit. Ratings on your favorite podcast player are also helpful in growing the audience. Visit chriscroiter.com for free downloadable PDFs with notes and resources from today's episode, sign up for the CDWY mailing list, or to send in your problems or requests for future shows, that's C-H-R-I-S-K-R-E-U-T-E-R.com, or use the link in the show notes. Thanks for listening to Chris'll Deal With It.