When I was a child, an elder in our compound asked my brother, cousins, and me a simple yet deep question: “If the world was ending in two hours, what would you do?” At the time, I thought it was just another strange question from an adult. I was more focused on playing, climbing things, and getting into trouble.
Years later, after graduating from university in 2019, I was trying to find my dream job and work on my Master’s degree, but I often felt lost and wondered why success seemed more manageable for others.
One morning, the elder’s question came to mind again. Memories from my childhood came rushing back, and I began to understand its meaning. Growing up in our busy compound was filled with laughter and discipline. I always wanted to fit in, especially because I struggled with math. I tried to copy what the boys did to belong, but it never worked, and I often faced punishment with them.
I realised that the elder’s question was more than just a question. It reminded me that our time is limited and that how we choose to live is important. While the world may not end in two hours, our time on Earth is short. This understanding led me to write these five lessons that can help us live with more purpose, clarity, and freedom.
So, if the world was ending in two hours, what would you do?
What I would advise you to do:
This is precisely what I am currently building my life around, too
1. Your World is in Your Hands (Take Responsibility for It)
When I was younger, I believed life just “happened” to people. You either got lucky or you did not. But as I grew older, I learnt a simple yet life-altering truth: your world is in your hands.
Psychologists call this the locus of control, which is the belief that you either have power over your life (internal locus) or that life controls you (external locus). Studies have shown that people with an internal locus of control are happier, more successful, and better at handling stress.
If the world were ending in two hours, you would not want to waste time blaming others. You would like to take charge of what you can control.
What is one thing in my life right now that I have been avoiding responsibility for? What would change if I started taking ownership today?
2. Live Life One Day at a Time (But Live It Fully)
We are constantly taught to chase the future, work hard today, and enjoy life later. But if you knew the world was ending in two hours, would you still spend all your time worrying about the future? Or would you slow down and savour the moment?
In The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle argues that most of our suffering comes from living in the past or worrying about the future. The present moment is all we truly have, yet we often overlook it.
For instance, in my early twenties, I spent so much time stressing over a perfect future that I forgot to enjoy the simple joys around me: conversations with loved ones, laughter after a long day, and the beauty of simply being alive.
Don’t get me wrong, living one day at a time does not mean stopping to plan for tomorrow. It means being fully present and engaged in the now, knowing that every small moment matters.
If you feel like life is rushing by, pause for a second. Ask yourself: What would you love to enjoy if you only had today?
3. Understand Your Strengths (You Can’t Be Great at Everything)
Growing up, I tried to match every skill my brother and cousins had. If they climbed a tree, I wanted to climb higher. If they solved a math problem, I tried to solve it faster. I thought success meant being good at everything. I was wrong.
One of the most freeing truths you can embrace is that you are not meant to be everything, but you are meant to be something.
Instead of fighting against your weaknesses, invest in what you naturally excel at. Whether it is writing, speaking, problem-solving, or connecting with others, lean into what you do best.