1,872 — that’s how many Mondays I might have left on this earth. (The idea and calculation are from the book “You Only Die Once”)
If I retire in 8 years (my FIRE goal), that’s about 320 working Mondays.
If I spend a month with my family in Taiwan each year, that’s 148 Mondays…
If I take two big trips a year, I might have 72 trips left.
Shocking, isn’t it?
I always thought — I have more time in the future.
The safari trip can wait.
Work is more important — my family back home can certainly understand.
I’m not ready to pitch a TED Talk yet.
What about the book I want to write?
There are so many things I thought I’d get to “one day.”
Yet, when I look at these numbers, I start to see my remaining days very differently.
With 320 working Mondays left, I now view every Monday as precious time to create connections, impact, ideas, and even miracles—rather than just going through the motions.
With only 148 Mondays left with my family, I think about how to enhance the quality of our time together and express my love, even when I’m not physically present.
And with 72 big trips left, maybe I’ll make that safari trip happen sooner rather than later.
I’ve already noticed myself doing things differently:
- I randomly called my younger sister to say I missed her voice and offered her a few career tips when she asked (we rarely talk about careers, even though I’m a career coach :P).
- I’m going to my first live comedy show for my birthday 🎉.
- I’ve started my weekly planning with the intention of maximizing both joy and impact.
Yes, maybe I can work longer, spend more time with my family, or take more trips each year to increase those numbers.
But I’ll never regret a good working Monday, a high-quality Monday with family, or a once-in-a-lifetime trip I’ve already taken.
How many Mondays do you think you have left?
Reply to this email —I’d love to hear how you’re planning to make the most of them!
Love,
Wen