“Begin with the end in mind.”

It’s powerful advice I often give to myself and others. Whether I’m writing a book, a script, giving a speech, prepping for a negotiation — or simply contemplating the mark I will leave in this lifetime.

Knowing the ending, the final destination, simplifies our decision-making and precious time investments, because, when it doubt you ask yourself the question, “Which decision takes me nearer my ultimate destination, versus which decision takes me further?” 

Given my hyper-awareness of “Begin with the end in mine,” it’s no wonder Dr. BJ Miller’s eloquent, moving and humbly stated “What Really Matters At The End of Life” ranks among my favorite TED Talks.

In particular, in the final days of someone’s life, even while experiencing great pain, discomfort and fear … “so much of it comes down to loving our time by way of our senses,” Miller says.

“Probably the most poignant room in the Zen Hospice guest room is our kitchen, which is a little strange when you consider that so many of our patients can eat very little, if anything at all. 

“But we realize we are providing sustenance on many levels … smell … a symbolic plane … Seriously, one of the most tried and true interventions we know of is … to … bake … cookies. 

“As long as we have our senses, even just one, we at least have the possibility of accessing what makes us feel human (and) connected.”