The Bucket List is one of my favorite movies. It tells the story of two men, played by Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, who come from very different backgrounds. The two are brought together through sickness and end up spending time in the same hospital room. They develop an unlikely friendship and decide to do some amazing things together before they die. Some of these experiences are heartwarming, others are heartbreaking, but the most compelling aspect of the movie is the way they both grapple with questions of life and death.
In the clip above, they consider two difficult questions that the ancient Egyptians believed they would be asked after death. They thought that if you gave the right answers, you would enter into heaven.
- Have you found joy in your life?
- Has your life brought joy to others?
While this is not my personal view of what it takes to get into heaven, these questions are thought-provoking and worth asking every day. They have helped me pose the questions below and think more intentionally about my personal and professional life.
Read the following questions, reflect on your answers, and be open to making changes in your own life.
Do you find joy in your work?
Do you add value, even in the mundane aspects of your job?
Do you know why your work is important to your clients, colleagues, or employees?
Do you take time each day to have personal and meaningful interactions with your colleagues?
Do you know what drives your employees or coworkers?
Do you see your work as an opportunity to encourage and connect with people?
At the end of each day, are you satisfied with the work you’ve done?
Do you make a daily effort to support and encourage your family and friends?
Do you find opportunities to connect with people who are different from you?
Have you found ways to consistently serve others?
Think about these questions. Are there others you would add to this list?
Whether you are a landscaper, a salesperson, a manager, or you stay at home with your children, you can find meaning in what you do each day. The most important aspect of your life is not your job description—it’s how you choose to care for the people around you.
