Thinking of your own death can be morbid and scary. Most of us can’t even bear to write a will, let alone write an obituary for ourselves. A few weeks ago, however, I challenged about 40 business leaders to do just that as part of an introspective workshop designed to help them make sure their companies were living a life worth remembering. 

The workshop, titled “What’s Your Why,” was delivered at the Iowa Association of Business and Industry’s annual conference in Sioux City. We challenged ABI members to think about the end of their lives as well as the lives of their companies. We asked them to identify key changes they needed to make to ensure they can be proud of their legacy and their business.

For those who didn’t get to experience the combination of creepy morbidity and good-natured fun, we’ve put together four things you can do to make sure both you and your company are living your ideal why:

1. Write your final message to those you are leaving behind and then read the words ? ideally in front of a podium. The next time your final message is read, you won’t be the one reading them, so think about how you want to be remembered.

2. Think about the impact you have made on those around you. How would they describe you? Happy like Mickey Mouse, or grumpy like Ebenezer Scrooge?

3. Pick one of your clients and write out the last experience they had with your company (in their words). Is it one of which you are proud? How could you have made this experience even better?

4. Write three actionable goals you can do to move both you and your company from reality to ideal.

Preparing for your death is an introspective path that brings out emotions ranging from humor to tears. “What Measured Intentions gave us was so much more than could ever be expected from a convention breakout session,” says Dick Davidson, President of Thombert Inc. in Newton, Iowa. “This was the best breakout session I’ve ever been to,” said Bobbi Segura, regional manager of Iowa Women Lead Change.

Change your life and your company’s life while there’s still time.

Kathleen Riessen, in addition to her business ventures, is active with the American Advertising Federation, where she has served in roles on the local, district and national levels. She was named Silver Medalist by the American Advertising Federation in 2015, President of the Year in 2010, Ad Pro of the Year in 2009, and Rookie of the Year in 2007. She also holds a certified public accountant license, although she begs you not to ask her anything about taxes. Riessen also mentors college students and young professionals.

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Riessen can be reached at 515-868-0240 or by email.