Apple CEO Steve Jobs knew this all too well.

In his commencement address to the Stanford University class of 2005, Jobs said, “I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself, ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?’ And whenever the answer has been ‘no’ for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever used to help make the big choices in life. Almost everything—all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure—these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.

“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.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

The most precious minutes are the ones we have today, so let’s make the most of them.

Let’s capture memories with loved ones.

Let’s take a risk and help someone in need—even if we fear judgment or criticism.

Let’s spend time asking ourselves tough questions about what matters.

And let’s act with honesty, love, and integrity like there’s no tomorrow.