Five Ways to Live Every Day Like Your First

“See the world as if for the first time; see it through the eyes of a child, and you will suddenly find that you are free.” –Deepak Chopra

We’ve heard the age-old mantra, “Live every day like it’s your last.” On paper, it’s a fertile approach–one where you continuously embrace the present moment and passionately pursue what you love. However, the practice is much more complicated, with unintended consequences like recklessness, heightened anxiety, and just plain wrong decision-making.

Envision your perfect last day. I would abandon all responsibilities. I’d be in tropical paradise served chocolate cake by gorgeous cabana boys (sorry, Glen). If you’re anything like me, your day probably resembles mine a bit. Responsibilities? No thanks! I’ll have another pina colada.

All this to say, looking through this sort of all or nothing, immediate gratification lens is desirable in the moment. It can be disastrous in the long run, however. This holds true especially in these uncertain times when most of us don’t have the freedom to live life on the edge. Many are stuck at home, and even when life is normal, have jobs, bills, and kids!

What if we flipped the advice on its head? What if we “lived every day as if it were our first?” I don’t know about you, but this one doesn’t bear the same pressure or uncomfortable sense of urgency. Author and speaker Leana Delle encouraged this altered approach in her powerful TED Talk. She makes the brilliant point that life doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It is about looking at each day through the lens of curiosity, excitement, and passion.

Delta asks herself every morning, “If today were the first day of my life and there were more days ahead, would I want to do what I’m about to do?” This paradigm prompts intentional action, responsible passion, and youthful curiosity and embrace of every moment. When I ask myself this question, I am more present in my work and with Glen; my clients get the most out of our coaching sessions; and I literally stop and smell the roses.

If today were the first day of my life and there were more days ahead, would I want to do what I’m about to do? Click To Tweet

Here are some ways to start living each day like it’s your first, now:

Ask yourself in the mirror, “If today was the first day of my life, would I want to do what I’m about to do today?” Leana Delta asks herself this question every day to ensure she integrates what makes her feel alive into her day in a positive way.
Go on a silent walk. No music. No podcasts. No TikTok. Just you and your presence. I love this exercise as it forces you to be alone with your thoughts and look at all the surrounding unfiltered beauty. I always come away with a renewed appreciation for life and a creative spark.
Make a living list of the things you love to do or would like to try. Keep this inventory where you can easily access it, whether on your wall or your desk. The items can range from skydiving to sitting with a book under a willow tree. Let your imagination wander in this activity – there is no right or wrong. Wait. I take that back. Leave shoplifting to the imagination. Refer to this list every morning, and choose between three and five actions to commit to that day. Or if you’re in a rut, choose just one item that will make you feel like you again.
Make a list of the things you used to love doing as a child. Chances are, even as an adult, you would still enjoy at least some of them. There is no shame in playing Legos at 30. Perhaps you are over making forts, but how will you know until you turn your living room into a bedsheet fortress? Take up drawing again. Do a cartwheel! Some mini-you soul searching will lead to a whole lot of fun and freedom.
Keep it simple! If you ask a child how they approach life, they’ll probably say something like, “I don’t know. I just do, silly.” The secret is there is no secret, undiscovered way to live life to the fullest. It is about being curious, open minded, and paving your path based on what lights your spirit.

Try it. Tomorrow, when you open your eyes for the first time, ask yourself, “How will I live today like it is my first?” I guarantee that at the end of the day, you will sell yourself on this idea and will never go back.