I have a quote that I come back to again and again, and it always leaves me feeling more alive, more free, and more true to myself. And lately, I’ve needed this reminder more than ever. So there’s this quote from Steve Jobs, and it goes like this:

“Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

Wow, right?

This quote has the power to shake us out of our comfort zones and challenge us to live life on our own terms. It’s a reminder that our time here is truly limited, and that the only thing we can truly control is how we choose to spend it.

Most people never realize this until it’s too late.

For me, I try to remind myself of this quote especially whenever I need to pull the trigger and embrace letting go of fear. It’s about embracing impermanence. It’s about recognizing that we’re all just one heartbeat away from being gone, and that this realization can be both terrifying and liberating. When we’re faced with our own mortality, we can’t help but think about what’s truly important to us, what we really want to achieve in life, and what we’re willing to sacrifice for our dreams.

And what I love most about this quote is that it’s not just about being bold or taking risks (although those are definitely important too). It’s about being honest with ourselves about what we truly want, and having the courage to go after it.

When we’re living in alignment with our values and passions, we’re not worried about what others think of us or what we might “lose” by pursuing our dreams. We’re too busy living life on our own terms, following our hearts, and making the most of the time we have.

If you are feeling stuck in a rut, tired of playing it safe and wondering what could have been, then it’s time to shake things up.

Here are three ways to stop playing it safe and start living the life you were meant to live:

1. Take that Leap of Faith: Sometimes, we get stuck in our comfort zones because we’re afraid. But what’s the worst that could happen? You might fail, but you might also succeed! Apply for that job, book that trip, kiss that stranger, or start that business. The only sure way to guarantee failure is to never try at all.
2. Say Yes to New Experiences: When was the last time you did something for the first time? Whether it’s trying a new hobby, taking a different route to work, or attending a concert outside of your usual genre, saying yes to new experiences can be a powerful way to break out of your routine. Challenge yourself to think outside the box and step outside your comfort zone.
3. Embrace Your Inner Rebel: Who says you have to fit in with the crowd? Embrace your individuality and don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd. Be unapologetically yourself, and break free from societal expectations.

Don’t waste time playing it safe or chasing someone else’s definition of success. Take risks, make mistakes, and grow through what you go through. If nothing else, prioritize your happiness and fulfillment above all else.

We’re all just one heartbeat away from being gone, and that there’s no reason not to follow our hearts and live with intention.