What would your "deathbed self" tell you today? | Lauren Deeley - TED Talks Daily Recap

Podcast: TED Talks Daily

Published: 2026-03-10

Duration: 8 min

Summary

Lauren Deeley encourages listeners to connect with their 'deathbed self' to make more intentional life choices. By envisioning their future selves, individuals can shape their decisions around what truly matters, leading to more fulfilling lives.

What Happened

In this episode, Lauren Deeley presents a transformative approach to decision-making by urging listeners to visualize their future 'deathbed self.' At just 22, she faced a pivotal moment when considering the purchase of a hostel in Costa Rica. By closing her eyes and connecting with her future self, she felt the joy and disappointment tied to her choices, leading her to confidently decide to pursue the venture.

Deeley shares poignant stories from her career in financial planning, illustrating how this concept has helped others like her clients, Alex and Avery, who redefined their retirement plans after a friend's sudden passing. Instead of adhering to a conventional work-to-retirement pathway, they chose to prioritize experiences and relationships, finding greater joy in their day-to-day lives. Similarly, she recounts Lil's journey, who took a leap of faith during the pandemic by purchasing a struggling business, leading to unexpected success and abundance. Through these narratives, Deeley emphasizes the importance of aligning current decisions with our core values and future aspirations.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

How can I connect with my future self?

Lauren Deeley suggests that one way to connect with your future self is to take a moment of quiet reflection, imagining yourself on your deathbed, smiling and fulfilled. By visualizing what that future self looks like, what they value, and the life they lived, you can gain insight into the choices you need to make today. This approach taps into your core values and can guide you towards making bold decisions that align with who you want to be.

What are the benefits of visualizing my deathbed self?

Visualizing your deathbed self can help clarify your priorities and inform your decision-making processes. Lauren notes that research shows our brains often treat our future selves as separate entities, making it challenging to make long-term beneficial choices. By maintaining a connection with that future self, individuals can lead more fulfilling lives and make choices that resonate with their true desires, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being.

How did Lauren Deeley make her career choice?

Lauren Deeley’s journey into financial planning began with a pivotal moment at the age of 22 when she had the opportunity to buy a hostel in Costa Rica. By speaking to her future self, whom she calls 'Deathbed Dealy,' she felt empowered to make the decision to proceed with the purchase. This experience shaped her career, leading her to help others engage with their future selves in the context of financial planning and wealth management, focusing on more than just money.

What prompted Alex and Avery to change their retirement plans?

The sudden passing of a close friend catalyzed Alex and Avery to reevaluate their life choices and retirement plans. They realized that the traditional model of working until 65, only to enjoy life afterward, was misaligned with their values. Instead, they decided to work until 55, take a decade for pre-retirement experiences, and then return to low-stress jobs, finding joy and fulfillment in their decision to prioritize living fully in the present.

What lesson did Lil learn during the pandemic?

During the pandemic, Lil experienced a profound shift when she was offered the chance to take over a struggling retail business. Instead of declining due to the uncertain circumstances, she trusted her instinct and her future self, leading to a successful venture. This leap of faith not only transformed her career but also enriched her life, demonstrating that embracing opportunities aligned with your core values can lead to unexpected abundance.