How to Live Better When You Know Time Isn’t Infinite
Most of us go through life as if it will never end. We plan, we react, and we fill our days with routines, rarely stopping to remember that our time here is limited. But the truth is, life does have an end. When we finally accept this, our decisions become wiser, and we start to enjoy the simple moments—the ones that truly matter.
There’s something special about the quiet, everyday moments. Sitting by the bay on a weekday, with only a handful of people around, I notice how peaceful it is. People speak softly, respecting each other’s space. It’s a small thing, but it brings real happiness. Contrast this with noisy, crowded places where people don’t respect each other—it’s frustrating. And honestly, life is too short to put up with that kind of frustration.
If you find yourself in an environment that doesn’t suit you, don’t just endure it. Change it. Move, travel, or simply find a new spot. The world is full of places, and too often we tell ourselves it’s impossible to make a change. But is it really? Sometimes, all it takes is the courage to admit that what works for others doesn’t work for you.
I love spending time at my favorite café, just taking in life and reflecting on recent events. When something unexpected happens, we can either get frustrated or try to see what we could have done differently. Even if someone else is involved, we’re still responsible for our own reactions. For example, when my server got hacked, it was easy to blame someone else, but in the end, I was responsible for the server. I could have checked the code more carefully. It took a few sleepless nights to fix, but I learned from it.
Time is a train that never stops. Money comes and goes, but time only goes.
— Pierre
We spend so much time working jobs we don’t like, especially when we’re young and eager to learn. I remember my first job in Dublin—I loved it, and sometimes stayed at the office late just to chat with colleagues. But looking back, I wonder if it was worth giving so much energy to a company that wasn’t mine. I worked long hours, hoping to prove myself, but in the end, I was just one employee among a few. What do you really want from life? Many of us dream of building something of our own, something that belongs to us.
Working for a company is fine, but sacrificing your life for a fixed salary, especially without any real stake in the business, is rarely worth it. I once worked over 70 hours a week for a company. Sure, I earned more, but was it worth the trade-off? The real message here is to enjoy the moments you have. Don’t deprive yourself. Money comes and goes, but time only goes.
We often make poor choices because we act as if life is endless. But if tomorrow were your last day, what would you regret? For me, it’s not about missing out on the latest phone or gadget. It’s about missing out on experiences—traveling to Antarctica, seeing Greenland, living life fully. The things we own won’t matter in the end; it’s the memories and experiences that stay with us.
If tomorrow were your last day, what would you regret?
— Pierre
Sometimes, we put off living until retirement, only to find that life throws us a curveball. Why not take “mini-retirements” now? I once took a six-month sabbatical, traveled, volunteered in Iceland, and spent three months in Canada. Those memories are priceless, and I’ll carry them for life.
Ask yourself: what can you do now to create memories that will last? Even small changes can make a big difference. Sometimes, I pause every two hours to reflect—am I happy with how I spent that time? Did I do something just to please someone else? It’s important not to become a “people pleaser”—someone who does things just to impress others, like buying a flashy car you don’t even like.
Your life is precious, and your time is limited. You don’t owe anyone your time if it doesn’t feel right. Everyone has different interests, and that’s okay. The key is to know your own interests and make decisions that serve you.
Your life is a train, and you have to catch it. Don’t let it pass by while you’re busy pleasing others.
— Pierre
Key Takeaways
- Life is short—don’t act as if it’s infinite.
- Enjoy simple, peaceful moments and seek environments that suit you.
- Take responsibility for your choices and reactions.
- Focus on experiences, not possessions.
- Don’t wait for retirement to live; take small breaks and create memories now.
- Avoid living to please others at the expense of your own happiness.
- Regularly reflect on how you spend your time and make changes as needed.
Action Steps
- Identify what frustrates you and change your environment if needed.
- Make a list of experiences you want to have—start planning for them now.
- Take regular pauses to reflect on your happiness and choices.
- Say “no” to things that don’t serve your interests or values.
Reflection
What would you regret if tomorrow were your last day? What small step can you take today to live more fully?
Pierre-Henry Soria
#Entrepreneurship #Happiness #Life Perspective #Mindfulness #Money #Nomad #Self-Improvement #Self-Transcendence #Tech #Time-Management