A Personal Premortem and Your New Years

“I imagine my body old and fragile, my breathing shallow, my life energy almost extinguished,” he wrote in Know What Matters, his 2023 book. “I try to evoke the feelings I want to have in that moment—a sense of peace, completion and, most importantly, self-respect. Then I ask myself: What am I going to do now to ensure that when I reach that ultimate destination, I’ve done what I need to do?”

The above quote is from successful industrialist Ron Shaich, as recently reported in the Wall Street Journal. When I first read the story, my brain read “post mortem.” And that’s Shaich’s point - the post mortem is done and dusted as they say. It’s too late to influence the story. Thankfully, most of us do not know exactly how much time we have left to create our final narrative. However, it’s never too late to write a chapter. How about now? 

“I realized that the time to be having that review was not in the ninth inning with two outs,” he told me. “It was in the seventh inning, the fifth inning and third inning.”

The WSJ: “At its core, the premortem is really about living with intention. Every year, Shaich divides his life into areas of concern. He thinks about his relationships with his body, his work, his family, friends and God. He determines what he’s trying to accomplish in those areas. He comes up with specific projects to achieve those key initiatives. Then he reviews them every quarter to monitor his progress.”

Some may think of this as just a different version of a New Year’s resolution, or setting yearly objectives. However, I think it is deeper in reflection, includes very specific details and has a longer arc of positive impact. 

I’m connecting Shaich’s approach to another article on what differentiates misery and contentment in those of us moving into elder status. In this research, the author points out the importance of advancing optimism, empathy, listening, flexibility, self-awareness, appropriate helping, boundary management and openness to change. Miserable people and those who are hard to be around, go backwards on the continuum of each of these attributes. Those that are on the positive side of this behavior are much more attractive to be with. 

So perhaps consider writing out that personal premortem with complimentary consideration to attributes that others find attractive versus off putting. It might contribute to a more gratifying and peaceful final narrative. What inning do you think you’re in? What do you really want to do now? Can you define why? Don’t wait. 

Think Big, Start Small, Act Now, 

- Lorne 

One Millennial View: I respect the idea of New Year's Resolutions, however I think deep down we know we should be setting goals much more regularly, and they shouldn’t be beholden to a date. People like Staich are inspirational, because those are hard and honest questions/analyses. Guess what? Everything you want to achieve means taking a difficult path. We can all recognize that it’ll be so gratifying if we get there, but we have to also accept that it won’t be today. Or tomorrow. That said, if we have the discipline to stick with it, it might be one day, ideally premortem. 

- Garrett 

AI Response: Ron Shaich's concept of a personal premortem serves as a powerful framework for intentional living, encouraging individuals to proactively shape their life narrative rather than merely reflect on it once time has run out. This reflective practice connects with a broader body of research emphasizing the benefits of mindfulness and intention-setting; studies show that individuals who set specific goals are 10 times more likely to achieve them. Additionally, a 2017 study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that cultivating traits such as empathy and optimism significantly correlates with greater life satisfaction. In a world where nearly 40% of adults report feelings of dissatisfaction with their lives, Shaich's approach not only promotes self-awareness and personal accountability but fosters desirable qualities that enhance relationships, leading to better social connections and improved mental health. So, as we step into another year, let us consider: What legacy do we wish to leave, and what actions can we take now to ensure that our lives resonate with purpose and fulfillment?