Why Avoiding Death and Endings Doesn’t Help
We often shy away from discussing death or ending things. But, think about it—whether it’s a job, a relationship, or a phase of life, everything has an ending.
In my work helping people and organizations manage change, I’ve noticed one tough but true thing: facing these endings can really help us grow.
A Real Example from the Workplace
Take, for instance, a time at my workplace when we had to end a much-loved program because it was losing money. Instead of just dropping the bombshell, we chose to ‘celebrate its life.’
We organized a small event to honor what the program had achieved. This not only eased the tension but also helped people in the organization support new changes more openly.
They had a chance to say goodbye and feel okay about moving forward.
Catch the Big Fish
Just like fishing, the deeper you go, the bigger the fish you catch. The same goes for conversations.
Deep, meaningful discussions can bring about big changes.
They make people think and feel differently, which can be transformative in both personal and professional settings.
Transformative Questions to Ask Yourself
- What if you knew you only had 10 years to live?
- What about only 10 months?
- Or even just 10 days?
These questions might sound scary, but they’re powerful. They make you think about what really matters and can push you to live more fully.
Giving Things a Proper Send-Off
Often, we don’t allow ourselves to properly say goodbye to things that are ending.
Whether it’s a job, a belief, or a phase of life, creating a ritual or a formal way to say goodbye can be very healing.
It helps us acknowledge the loss and move on more completely.
Life is Full of Endings and Beginnings
Death and endings are a natural part of life. Facing them boldly can free us to make the most of our lives and work.
When we accept that we don’t have forever, we start to live more fully and embrace the changes that come our way.
Learning from Others
I once spoke with an investor who lived far past his expected lifespan due to a terminal illness. He lives each week as if it’s his last.
Imagine the intensity and passion with which he approaches life! We can all learn from this mindset.
Conclusion: Your Takeaway
Change is inevitable, and how we handle endings can define our experiences.
By embracing the end of something, we can open up new possibilities and support not only our own growth but also that of those around us.
Remember, deep conversations and meaningful goodbyes can transform the way we live and work.
Listen to a powerful podcast episode about living with cancer and confronting death here.
Facing death and change isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. How can you start incorporating these insights into your life and work today?