You Only Die Once: How To Make It To The End With No Regrets

by Jodi Wellman

"YOU ONLY DIE ONCE is a spirited and funny but also profound and highly practical manual for anyone who yearns to show up more fully and wholeheartedly for their all-too-finite time on the planet."
Oliver Burkeman, New York Times bestselling author of Four Thousand Time Management for Mortals

How many Mondays do you have left?

Does that question send you into a panic spiral, or are you convinced that, unlike everyone in the history of life on earth, you will somehow avoid the tragic end and live to tell the tale? Statistically, we get about 4,000 Mondays in our lifetime, so if you're halfway through your life, you might have roughly 2,000 Mondays to go. The good news is that you are in charge of how you spend those toiling at a job you hate, or creating a career you love; scrolling mindlessly for hours a day, or pursuing the hobbies and travel that light you up; dreading the end, or living a full life that allows you to greet the Grim Reaper with a smile.

Built around the principles of positive psychology, You Only Die Once is the jolt that will bring you back to life, no near-death experience required. Full of practical takeaways and research-backed content, this book will motivate readers to take action on the life they want to be living, acting like a defibrillator for the soul. Accompanied by author Jodi Wellman's charming illustrations, this book won't lecture you about eating more kale or insist that the only path forward is to quit your job and move to Provence (although it's not not suggesting you do that either. The latter, that is. We'd never ask anyone to eat more kale.). Instead, it's a real-life guide to small changes that reawaken your passion and curiosity for life. Packed with inspiring stories, exercises, quizzes, quotes, and a step-by-step plan to awaken the liveliest version of you, You Only Die Once is the healthy dose of mortality you need to start living with urgency and meaning.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help, Personal Development, Mental Health, Philosophy, Health

479 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2024

Reviews

[Sarah Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I don't usually pick up a self-help book; I'm far too lazy and cynical to make changes. However, the book's title was far too intriguing to ignore, and curiosity got the better of me, and I'm glad it did.

You Only Die Once, Jodi Wellman crafts an electrifying narrative that urges us to embrace life with an invigorated zest. It's a clarion call to shake off the mundane and dive headfirst into a life brimming with passion and purpose.

Wellman's writing is captivating and deeply resonant, perfectly balancing poignant storytelling and actionable advice. She weaves her insights with real-life anecdotes, making the book feel like a heart-to-heart conversation with a wise and enthusiastic friend. Each chapter reminds us that life is fleeting and that we hold the power to make each moment count.

The book is a blend of motivational wisdom and practical steps. Wellman doesn't just inspire; she equips us with the tools to reshape our lives. Her approach is refreshingly down-to-earth, making the daunting task of life transformation feel genuinely achievable.

You Only Die Once is a radiant beacon for anyone feeling stuck or uninspired. It's a wake-up call to live boldly and authentically. If you're ready to infuse your life with renewed energy and direction, this book is your perfect companion. I even feel motivated to take aboard some of the advice.

[Katrina (Catching up on Reviews) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book shows how embracing the fact that our time is limited can inspire us to live more deliberately and meaningfully. It was way too long, though the author brought up some good, compelling points.

[Rephael]

You Only Die Once offers a unique perspective on living life more fully by considering our mortality. Through a mix of humor and stunning illustrations, the book transforms a potentially heavy topic into something accessible and engaging. Practical exercises help readers apply the concepts to their daily lives, while research-backed insights are interspersed with heartfelt stories. Listening to the audiobook version is particularly rewarding; Jodi's energetic narration adds intimacy and fervor. Her vitality and quest for meaning are palpable, enhancing the listening experience significantly. Whether you’re looking to deepen your appreciation of life or find comfort in the inevitable, this book is a valuable and enlightening read.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honesty upfront: I skimmed, didn't read page by page. Also, this selection was part of my 2024 reading goal to try 2+ books from every Dewey. This is to push me to read things I wouldn't normally pick up, this book being one of them. All that considered, I did enjoy this book. The author has a playful yet serious tone. She offers a plethora of questions and evaluations to help the reader dig deep, if one section doesn't grab you then the next one will. She is non-judgmental. Good use of bulleted points. Plenty of practical tips, inspiration, points to ponder. Almost too much, hence my skimming.

I imagine someone looking for a life-coach-deep-dive would devour this book!

[Christine Noel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has good advice, however the writing style is just too *~*~LiVe LaUgH LoVe*~*~* for me; it’s too unfocused, everywhere and everything all at once, too many bullet points, italics and bolded words, little snippets of jokes and acronyms every other paragraph- just too too too much!

I loved Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman soooo much better.

This is choppy and just all over the place, but with a good, underlying message to seize the day and live like you’re dying. Maybe if I were 15 and reading this, it would have rocked my world, but at 37, its writing style is tiresome.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. For some unknown reason I slugged through a little over half of this. It’s complete motivational fluff.

[Sarah Cupitt]

WIP - Title was a slay tba 3.5/4/5
Might be due for a new mindmap on what's meaningful to me - I started this somewhere with the arbitusry stuff from ali abdaal

to live a life with minimal regrets, you have to consciously pursue what truly matters to you.

Action items:
- To viscerally grasp just how finite our time is, author Jodi Wellman encourages us to calculate our remaining weeks. Assuming an average lifespan of 80 years, subtract your current age from 80, then multiply that by 52.
- a key starting point is identifying what makes you feel energized, engaged, and like your most authentic self. One powerful exercise is to make a list of the activities, relationships, places, and experiences that spark genuine joy and aliveness in you
- what you want more of, what you’d like less of, and how you might boost your sense of purpose
- What do you need to start doing, or do differently, to make this vision a reality?
- Imagine you’re 80 or 90 years old, reflecting back on your life as it is now. What words of wisdom would your elder self lovingly offer? Would they urge you to stress less about the little things, or conversely, to sweat the details a bit more? Would they encourage you to be bolder in going after your dreams, or to focus more on appreciating what you already have? Would they advise you to nurture certain relationships, pursue a passion you’ve been neglecting, or make your well-being a higher priority?
- Say you’re on your deathbed, with only 24 hours to live. With unflinching honesty, consider what you would most regret not doing, being, or saying. What dreams would feel most painful to leave unexplored? What relationships, interests, or values would you wish you had nurtured more fully?

Notes:
- Research shows that of all our negative emotions, people value regret the most for its ability to clarify mistakes and guide better decision-making.
- Jodi Wellman distinguishes between two main types of regrets. “Hot regrets” are regrets of commission, like losing your temper at a loved one. They burn intensely in the short term. In contrast, regrets of omission are the haunting “what ifs” that linger, like never pursuing a dream career.
- It’s not about cramming your calendar to the gills. It’s about feeling a sense of autonomy – spending your precious time and energy in ways that feel aligned with what you care about. (someone tattoo this on my forehead)

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved listening to this audio book, especially read by the author. She had a great way of cracking the jokes, and emphasizing the right parts. Really loved the questions/ and quizzes. Great things to think through and consider for some life changes.

[Amy Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to download this book to my brain! As someone with low energy, two jobs and a habit of people pleasing, this book is a great kick in the pants to start prioritizing “adventure time” through the lens of what you want your obituary to look like. I listened to the audio but had to download the worksheets, as this is essentially a workbook to help you start loving your life.
Key takeaways:
Even healthy habits can drag you down if you’re a slave to them.
Make bite-size bucket list items.
Tiny random purchases will infuse your life with joy.
You should always have something to look forward to in the coming week, two weeks, and year.
Don’t ever combine errands with pleasure dates (guilty!)
Unfinished projects (also guilty!) are a sign of a curious mind.

Loads more—-this is for sure a book to buy for continuous reference!

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want more “aliveness” in your life, this is a book for you! Very fun read that reminds us that the Grim Reaper awaits us all but we can squeeze so much more out of our days on Earth.

[Lyndsey Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun dose of inspiration💀✨

[Paul Froehlich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does focusing on our eventual death help us to more fully appreciate life and to live it more intentionally? Jodi Wellman has no doubt about it. 

After her mother died at 58 full of regrets, Wellman determined not to follow in the same footsteps. A Professional Certified Coach, Wellman calls herself an expert in regret prevention. 

We usually avoid talking about the inevitable deadline we all share. We live in denial, which is why so many of us lack living wills and never discuss our wishes about end-of-life care.

Wellman insists we benefit by recognizing that our time on earth is limited. Her thesis in a nutshell is this: Daily recognition that death is approaching can galvanize us into using our shrinking time left to achieve our priorities instead of postponing them. That way we'll end our life with more satisfaction than regret. 

Her premise is that daily reminders about our approaching departure inspire people to make the best use of their time. "Life becomes valued to the extent we recognize its short-livedness." 

It's true that near-death experiences often lead people to appreciate the life they have and to start living on purpose by pursuing what matters most. The newly enriched lives persist for decades. 

The first step in the Wellman  program is a pre-mortem. Where are you already Living Like You Mean It? as opposed to trudging along in daily routines.

According to Wellman, those who rank themselves 7 or higher on a 10-scale tend to be strivers who consistently seeking to improve their life satisfaction. 

She instructs readers to calculate how many Mondays they have left if they enjoy an average life expectancy. Seeing that number will inspire some people to make the most of their time when they see it is scarce. 

One way to evaluate our current life is is to ask ourselves if we would recommend our life to others. Another way is to take her 
68-question checklist about our level of happiness or lack thereof. 

Wellman urges us to engage in more of the activities we associate with happiness and less with those that bring sadness. Die happy should be on our bucket list.

Readers are asked to rate their sense of purpose on a ten-point scale. They are also asked how they'd feel about their life if they kicked the bucket tonight. If the answer isn't "satisfied," then the individual has room for self-improvement.

Another assignment is to write our own obituary but without the date of death. This is useful in considering our legacy and putting our life in perspective. Strolling through a cemetary is also recommended. Wellman's goal is to defang death by weakening the taboo on discussing it.

One technique that enhances long-term happiness by 10% is keeping a daily gratitude journal for a month. (I'm doing it.)  Gratitude leads to happiness because we are focused on our blessings — on what we have — instead of on what we lack. Research finds that contemplating our death enhances gratitude. 

Wellman admits, however, that reminding people of death can also have negative consequences. For example, some people become more dogmatic in their views and  make harsher decisions as judges. Death anxiety can lead to depression. Nonetheless, she asserts that "Acceptance of death is a good first step on the path to a life with more width and depth." 

Humble individuals tend to be more accepting of death and less anxious about it. Older folks are less anxious than younger adults.

"People with a positive attitude toward death feel like they have had a fulfilling life." Achieving life goals is what makes a life fulfilling.

When we appreciate that our time is diminishing, we are less likely to sleepwalk on autopilot through our daily life and more likely to focus on our goals and what matters. 

Routines can become monotonous. If we simply follow our comfortable habits, life may feel boring and unfulfilling. Boredom can lead to a sense of meaninglessness. "Habits, left unchecked, will govern and mummify our lives."

The opposite of boredom is novelty. Better to make some choices to depart from the familiar in order to find more adventure and meaning.

Routines give the perception of time going faster, while new activities seem to slow time down. Variety is the spice of life. A balance between habit and novelty is what works best.

Without vitality, we are more likely to be bored and go through the motions. Hours spent on social media sap vitality, while more vitality equals less anxiety.

Wellman gives advice on other actions and people that enhance  our vitality and on those that reduce it. One enhancement is engaging in activities that we value. 

Having things to look forward to is good for mental health. She recommends making a bite-size bucket list and planning special events to create the pleasure of anticipation. 

Lots of research points to good relationships with others as "the single most important source of life satisfaction." We should act accordingly.

Another factor besides vitality in a better life is living with purpose. Having meaning relates to satisfaction with life, while complacency and regrets diminish that satisfaction.

In addition, "people with high purpose and meaning in life have commensurately accepting and positive attitides toward death." A strong sense of purpose reduces the typical death anxiety response.

Volunteering correlates with a sense of purpose. Random acts of kindness benefit both the giver and the receiver. People who regularly attend religious services are nearly twice as likely as those who never attend to strongly agree their life has meaning. 

Engaging in activities that we find meaningful and fun leads to fulfillment. We need to put those activities in our calendar. Having meaning also "allows us to confront our own mortality with peace of mind and acceptance." 

"You Only Die Once" walks readers through a detailed self-examination of how they live. It contains valuable insights and advice about life. I'm glad to have read it. -30-

[Jung · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You Only Die Once" by Jodi Wellman offers a compelling exploration of how to live a life filled with meaning and minimal regrets. The book opens by confronting the sobering realization that many people sleepwalk through life, merely going through the motions as time slips away. Wellman emphasizes the importance of regularly contemplating our mortality, which can awaken a deeper appreciation for the gift of being alive. One striking exercise she suggests is calculating the number of weeks left in an average lifespan of 80 years, a practice meant to make the finiteness of time viscerally real and urgent.

To live life "astonishingly," Wellman encourages readers to identify what makes them feel energized and authentic. This involves listing activities, relationships, places, and experiences that spark genuine joy and aliveness. It might include anything from engaging in creative projects to spending time in nature or having deep, meaningful conversations. She advises incorporating these elements into daily and monthly routines to ensure a life well-lived. Conversely, the book also encourages confronting areas of life that feel stagnant or empty, asking hard questions about engagement and purpose. Keeping a diary to track daily activities and feelings can be a helpful tool for this introspective process, allowing individuals to identify what they want more or less of in their lives.

Wellman proposes a thought-provoking exercise: writing one's own obituary. This exercise is designed to clarify what one truly wants to be remembered for, whether it's accomplishments, relationships, or personal qualities. By envisioning the ideal summary of one's life, individuals can set clearer priorities and make choices that align with their most profound desires. This can also involve imagining advice from one's older, wiser self, providing a compassionate perspective on current challenges and choices. The aim is to cut through the noise of everyday life and focus on what truly matters.

A significant portion of the book delves into the concept of regrets. Wellman distinguishes between "hot regrets," which are immediate and intense regrets of commission (like saying something hurtful in anger), and regrets of omission, which are the more enduring "what ifs" (like not pursuing a dream). She emphasizes that while regrets can be painful, they are also valuable learning tools. By examining past regrets, individuals can gain insights into better decision-making for the future. Wellman suggests creating a "deathbed regrets list," identifying the most gut-wrenching regrets and taking immediate steps, however small, to address them. This could mean reaching out to mend a strained relationship, prioritizing health, or reviving a neglected passion.

The book also explores the concept of vitality, which Wellman defines as a positive sense of aliveness and energy. Vitality involves feelings of enthusiasm, curiosity, passion, and engagement. Many people mistakenly believe that vitality is solely a product of genetics or circumstances, but Wellman argues that it is a malleable state that can be cultivated through deliberate choices. She identifies common "vitality snuffers" like excessive screen time, overwork, and negative social influences, which can drain energy and diminish one's sense of life and connection.

To boost vitality, Wellman advocates for engaging in activities that induce "flow" states, where individuals become deeply absorbed and lose track of time. She also emphasizes the importance of savoring sensory pleasures, such as enjoying the taste of delicious food or the beauty of nature, as well as incorporating physical movement into daily routines. Additionally, nurturing meaningful connections with loved ones is highlighted as a vital source of energy and joy. The book stresses that the goal is not to fill every moment with activity but to align one's time and energy with personal values and passions.

In conclusion, "You Only Die Once" by Jodi Wellman encourages readers to live intentionally and fully by recognizing the preciousness of time and the importance of pursuing what truly matters. By reflecting on what brings joy and meaning, addressing regrets, and cultivating vitality, individuals can create a life that is not only fulfilling but also aligned with their deepest values and aspirations. The ultimate message is to wake up from the autopilot of daily routines and actively shape a life that, in the end, will leave little room for regret.

[Charles Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

90%

My perspective on this book couldn't diverge more. The author is, like, addressing with people they really have no expectation to die. And I, specifically, really have no expectation to die, and here's why. I am an immortality scientist. One of the few serious ones in the world. And that can be classified as a transhumanist as well. I wouldn't personally classify myself that way. But I enjoy this book because it gives me a lot of unique perspective into how most people think about things. I completely diverge from this in the perspective that, like, I need a deadline to work towards something. Like, oh no, I won't get all my work done. No. The fact that I'm going to live forever actually gives me a sense of urgency because... maybe every single person on this planet will die. And, honestly, that's pretty fucking stressful. To have this concept going where... you're trying to save the planet and all of the people on it, and having this cognition and understanding of all the people and the world around us. So trying to save the planet and save the humans on the planet... inflicts a sense of urgency as well because I'm going to be here forever and I would like people to be able to be here with me forever. On other planets, wherever. Doesn't matter. I mean, it would suck to be all alone, right? I mean, even beyond humans, like, working and saving the environment and the animals within it, crops. There's a whole perspective that separates yourself and the rest of the world when you actually think in forever terms. Including the heat death of the sun. And the universe entirelySome thoughts I had during this. This is a silly book, so this is really how people think. What if you die more than once? For example, clinical death. Does clinical death and resurrection cause ultimate hormetic training? What's the damage of the resurrection process? What are we doing currently to avoid death? How are we taking advantage and living for today? This is something I do quite often. I stay focused on the moment, inflicting extreme quality of life, going between a 9 out of 10 to a 10 out of 10 emotionally, and taking time to enjoy the world and people around us.This is the Experience Machine. And when you bring up, like, well, what if you actually did die at the end of this book, I'd be like, well, damn, that sucked. I mean, I lived my life without regrets in the first place, that's a thing. If you're nervous about something, you should almost absolutely try it every time. And I work towards extending the lifespan and quality of life of humanity. It's a beautiful thing. And I think a lot of perspective, separating a person that's like, yeah, I'm going to live forever in two different classes, is how sympathetic and empathetic you are to people. Like, for me, when I say, I'm going to live forever, it's like, I'm going to live forever, and that helps me to work towards, like, solving all of these crises. And I feel like crises should have an I at the end of it, ChrisiA lot of people just, like the author says, stay in front of their screen, though, and are totally self-obsessed. They don't even think about the fact that if they did live forever, if the world goes to shit, they could be living forever in a literal void, vacuum space..

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I checked this book out and didn't have time to read it, so I returned it and immediately requested it again.

I really enjoyed the introduction; it seemed like a sound premise and I wanted to follow up on it.

But after the introduction, I found that, first, I really dislike the breezy tone; the author tries to balance a ridiculously breezy tone with serious aspects of her topic, and it drove me batty. I believe she loved her mother (whose death and the aftermath were part of the inspiration for this book), but what she said seemed to be saying that she wasn't going to be a loser like her mother.

She also describes her practice of the Latin phrase "memento mori" as telling herself regularly, "You're gonna die soon! (soonish)" which doesn't capture what the phrase means. It does literally mean, "remember you must die," but it's definitely not a chipper, "You're gonna die soon! Whatcha gonna do about it? Ha ha!" It's much more profound, and related to the brevity of life and our often jaunty denial that we ourselves will eventually die.

I won't mention the absolute need that she and other authors have (possibly at an editor/publisher's insistence) to say "shit" and other cool cuss words a lot. I don't object to a juicy word at the right moment, although I object to it being used at someone ("eff you, you effing loser!"); sometimes the f-bomb conveys a lot that really can't be conveyed a different way these days because of the way the usage of the word has developed. (These days I think saying, "What. The. Fuck???" conveys something that we all relate to, or even, "WTF?") But making a list of "Shit I haven't done yet and shit I want to do" is silly and unnecessary. Oh, wait; I guess I just contradicted the first sentence of this paragraph: did mention the current need to use "shit" or "fuck" in many book titles and in many more books throughout the content.

Then the book gets into an extremely detailed process, and here I can admit that I've completely outgrown these kinds of programmatic approaches to life. First, there's not a single one I can remember that I've actually followed. They all become artificial at some point when it's somebody else's detailed program. And this one: it's outrageously bloated, and it's hard to imagine anybody actually going through the whole thing. I have heard that sometimes editors require filler sometimes in order to make the book seem long enough to publish. ? Maybe.

Anyway, this wasn't the book for me, and I'd argue that while the author seems really knowledgable about her field, and would even be a great coach or counselor taking somebody through such a program, it still needed a lot of editing. There's too much shit in there. Literally. But it needs more than a profanity make-over. I'm sure, though, that some readers will get a lot out of it, even though I doubt they'll go through the pages and pages of assignments. I definitely wouldn't give it one star, because although that's described as "I didn't like it," I reserve it for books that absolutely should not have been published. That's not this book. I admire anybody who finishes a book and gets it published. And there's plenty of interesting information that anyone willing to persevere and plough through it will find.

[Linda Dao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jodi Wellman's "You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets" is a compelling and transformative book that does more than just provide food for thought—it serves as a full-course meal for the soul. Wellman, a seasoned coach and positive psychology expert, leverages her expertise to craft a narrative that is both inspiring and practical, making it an essential read for anyone looking to inject more meaning into their life.

The central premise of the book—How many Mondays do you have left?—is a provocative wake-up call that cuts to the core of existential complacency. This isn't just another self-help book; it's a profound exploration of mortality and the choices we make every day. With about 4,000 Mondays in a typical lifetime, Wellman challenges readers to consider each day as a precious opportunity, not to be squandered.

What sets this book apart is its practicality. It's not about overhauling your life overnight but making incremental changes that add up to profound transformations. The book is peppered with relatable stories, actionable exercises, and thought-provoking quizzes that guide readers through a journey of self-discovery and reinvigoration. Wellman's charming illustrations add a personal touch that enhances the reader's connection to the material, making complex concepts accessible and engaging.

"You Only Die Once" is more than a book; it's a companion for life's journey. It doesn't preach or dictate but instead offers tools that are adaptable to any lifestyle or career path. Whether it’s reassessing your professional trajectory, deepening relationships, or pursuing long-neglected passions, Wellman provides a roadmap that is both flexible and insightful.

In a world brimming with distractions and superficial engagements, this book is a necessary antidote. It reminds us that while we can’t control the length of our lives, we can certainly control the depth and richness of them. Reading this book is like having a heart-to-heart with a wise friend who wants nothing more than to see you thrive. If you're ready to stop counting your Mondays and start making them count, "You Only Die Once" is the perfect place to start.

[Jordana Confino · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You Only Die Once" is an absolute must read for anyone who is sick of languishing and wants to learn how to finally start living like they mean it. It can be so easy to get sucked into the wind and grind of daily life and just assume we're doing "well" if we're not seriously suffering. But this book is a powerful reminder that life is about so much more than surviving, and Jodi provides a whole toolkit of science-backed tools and strategies that we can use to bring our lives from "meh" to "MAN THIS IS FREAKING AWESOME!!!" Plus, the awesome illustrations and Jodi's wicked sense of humor will have you smiling and laughing the whole way through -- who knew that was possible in a book about death?!

[Jody KL · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book and found the author a bit annoying and it distracted from the book. there were times I felt like the best embodiment of the main message was me ditching the book. I picked it up for the title, and was shocked she could write stich a long book with substance that was pretty common sense. did it inspire me to live life to my fullest because I only have so many Mondays left? maybe? I think it made me realize I'm generally happy with my life, albeit the crazy ideas I have a entrepreneur, etc. but she doesn't address the concept of failure, and while we all go to the same place at the end, the journey and not the destination is what we can about and don't want to actively make unpleasant. I felt like she didn't address the unnecessary risks and the grading of risks.

[Gloria Sebulsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book. And it was written by a person with such joy and excitement in their lives - it was so uplifting! Jodi, we need to be BFFs and take cooking classes and try a random sport. I listened to the audiobook so I got to hear Jodi's lovely, joyful voice and her colorful inerludes. And I audiobook in the car, which means that I didn't get to do the questions that she asks of her readers. But I want to! I think my life is pretty darn good but why not make it better! I'll go out and buy the physical book, do the questions (but god, not all of them!!) and then share the book with my friends. To quote an awesome line from the book: Let's carpe the fuck out of this diem!! You only die once so you might as well enjoy yourself along the way.

[Krystal Wiebelhaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great, introspective read with plenty of fresh exercises—especially for someone like me, who has already gone through a number of self-help and growth-oriented books. In the spirit of “how to make it to the end with no regrets,” Jodi’s exercises do a fantastic job of guiding you toward a deeper understanding of yourself and your life, while nudging you out of your comfort zone just enough. My main critique is the writing style, which leans toward stream of consciousness with frequent sidebars and parenthetical thoughts that can be distracting for a reader who prefers a more direct approach. Either way, I found it to be a thoughtful and valuable guide.

[Vovka · Rating 3 out of 5]

A breezy writing style wraps this book about a dark topic: death. As with many other books in this genre, this one's full of advice about how to live life to the fullest so that you don't have regrets on your deathbed. It's an easy read, but I found it borderline chatty and unfocused. There are better books on this topic.

Try:

The greatest book ever written on death: Denial of Death by Ernest Becker

or

Four Thousand Weeks
(if time management is the important thing you're struggling with)


The advice in this book really didn't speak to me because it encourages a widening of interests. My interests are already too wide, thank you.

[Mina Purser · Rating 5 out of 5]

How many Mondays do you have left? Carpe the F—- out of Monday! Maximize Momento Mori! There was so much wisdom and fun take-aways in this book. I listened to the audiobook and then ordered it in hardcover. I usually can’t stomach self help books because they get so boring and redundant. This author puts such a fun twist on the normally macabre topic of death. She says things like, “Death is our friend”! What??? This was an easy listen on audible, but I did often stop and rewind to take notes. I’m sure there are tons of books on this topic, but I really enjoyed this mostly light-hearted way of considering the inevitable victory of the Grim Reaper.

[Ithmam Hami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pop culture is filled with references like what would you do if gone back in time to meet your younger self. This book interestingly talks about spawning your future self on deathbed and taking their advice to take charge of your mundane days.

A very upfront and striking narrative style working as an in-your-face wake up call. I could relate a number of things mentioned in the book to things I'm not doing, which is what's putting my daily life in the background.

Openly writing about managing regrets in life hit too close to home for me. I could take some notes for sure, however, some other stuff from the book were the same self-help tropes I've grown tired of. That's what brings down a star from me.

[Synthia Salomon · Rating 3 out of 5]

“to live a life with minimal regrets, you have to consciously pursue what truly matters to you. By engaging in deliberate reflection, you'll be able to identify what sparks joy and meaning for you personally. Recognizing the preciousness and finitude of your days can jolt you out of complacency and into committed action. And remember that vitality, that ineffable zest for life, is a malleable state.”

“You can deliberately amplify it through the right choices like engaging in flow, savoring sensory pleasures, and nurturing connection.”

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, here's something different. If you think this is about death and grief, you're absolutely right and completely wrong.

Humorous, biting, and tell it like it is writing confronts the sticky issue of how we are going to live our one and only precious life. Wellman tackles issues like feeling stuck, boredom, guilt, wishful thinking, goals and setbacks. Much more.

Not sure there's been a more humorous-while-sticking-to-core-issues book on death that you will actually WANT to read. Tackle this with pen and paper in hand. Definitely would recommend this to people in their 30s-50s. You have a lot more "Mondays" left. Read it. You'll understand.

[Sharon Danzger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started Wellman's book and decided it was so great, I needed to savor it. So I resisted the urge to plow through it in one sitting (which would have been easy given the inspiring evidence-based content combined with trademark Jodi Wellman wit and illustrations to match!)

As someone who focuses on productivity and building habits, Chapter 7 was a little tough for me. And yet - I can see that living life in autopilot (having your habits mindlessly fill your day) does fly in the face of being Astonishingly Alive. I especially loved the "Coaching Chestnuts" and "Positive Psychology Interludes." GET THIS BOOK....you won't regret it!

[Manish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memento mori (remember you must die) philosophy: meaning if you must die, how can you prepare for it. Most people don’t think about death, ignore it, but if you are aware that it will happen eventually why not embrace it and prepare for it
Say i will live till 80 years old that means i have 1248 mondays left. What do i want to do knowing this
Assessment of how i am living my life today; what makes me happy
avoid regrets
Habits are bad (not always), because they make some activities routine and we do them autonomously as opposed to taking pleasure in them

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book.....this book! I was so entertained with the author's style that it is not only a book on Memento Mori and Memento Vivere but a lesson in life itself. I wasn't sure what to think of this book after seeing the title but it is truly a wake up call to live the heck out of this life! For me I needed that kick in the backside to stop living for tomorrow and enjoy all the Mondays I have left. I have worked in health care and more specifically in hospice care but was NOT comfortable thinking about my own mortality. This book got me thinking and doing what I needed to enjoy this crazy, mixed up life! The author's snarky prose kept me laughing and holding up my own mirror and saying "Yup, yup that's me." Buy the book. I'd lend you my copy but my daughter would put me in a nursing home if I did!

[Mir Shahzad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:

To live a life with minimal regrets, you have to consciously pursue what truly matters to you. By engaging in deliberate reflection, you'll be able to identify what sparks joy and meaning for you personally. Recognizing the preciousness and finitude of your days can jolt you out of complacency and into committed action. And remember that vitality, that ineffable zest for life, is a malleable state.

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a lot of great ideas and suggestions, but it's...way too long. There are soooo many bullet points and it started to feel very overwhelming and counterproductive at some points. The premise is you only die once...but that also means I only live once and I would have liked a much shorter, punchier book. (this is over 300 pages).
I read the first half word-for-word, but only skimmed the second half because it was just starting to feel too long by that point.