The 15-Minute Exercise That Changed How My Clients See Their Lives

A few years ago, during a session, I gave one of my clients a challenge that started as an experiment and ended up changing both of us.

I said, “I want you to write everything down as if you’re dying in 15 minutes.”

They laughed at first, the way most people do when they think I’m exaggerating for dramatic effect. But I stayed quiet, just watching. Then I said, “No, really. You have 15 minutes left. Write.”

I watched them hesitate, wrestle with the reality of it, then finally pick up the pen.

At first, they didn’t know where to start. Then something shifted. The page began to fill, letters to parents, siblings, a best friend, a few regrets, a few thank-yous. It was raw, messy, and real. By the end, their hands were shaking and their eyes were red, but their heart was lighter.

When the timer went off, I said, “Stop. Take a breath.”

After a few quiet moments, I asked them to read what they wrote.

They read slowly, their voice trembling at points. Every line was soaked in truth, love, sorrow, unfinished business.

Then I asked a question that often lands like a punch to the gut:

“Why didn’t you write to your boss? Or your ex? Or the people who drain you?”

They blinked, confused. “Why would I write to them?”

I smiled. “Exactly. If they wouldn’t matter in your last 15 minutes, why do they take up so much space in your life now?”

That moment always stays with my clients. It reminds them that much of their suffering comes from misplaced attention. From giving energy to the people and problems that wouldn’t even cross our mind if we truly understood how little time we have.

So now, when a client feels overwhelmed by conflict, comparison, or noise, I often bring them back to this same exercise. Because clarity has a way of showing up when the clock is ticking.

When all the noise fades, what remains is what truly matters. Love, peace, forgiveness, truth.

If you ever need a reset, try it yourself. Set a timer for 15 minutes. Pretend this is it. Write what needs to be said. You might just find out who, and what, really deserves a place in your heart.