Assignment 1 Part 1 Five Wishes When You Are Working On This

Assignment 1 Part 1 Five Wisheswhen You Are Working On This Assig

Assignment 1 - Part 1: “FIVE WISHES” — When you are working on this assignment, it is important that you are a hundred percent truthful to yourself. This assignment is to help you know yourself better and take action steps towards your goals. Question: Imagine you are on your deathbed tonight or some fifty years from now. I stand by your deathbed and look you right in the eyes and ask you the following question, ‘What would be the things you’d wish had happened that would have made your life a success to you?’ (For example, J. Paul Getty, who at the time was the wealthiest man in the world, said on his deathbed that he’d gladly give up all his millions for one experience of marital happiness.) Please write down five wishes (If you have more than five, you are welcome to write down those as well). Please note that the bigger the question, the more important it is for you to answer it right away. This moment is all the time you need to answer this question. When you are writing down your wishes, put them in the perspective of your deathbed, and, therefore, put them in the past tense. As you note down each of your wishes, also write down the reasons why each wish is important to you. Once you write down your wishes and why they are important to you, turn your wishes into goals by putting them in the present tense as if they are happening at this moment. Once you put down your goals, think of whether these are the things that you really want, things you are willing to commit yourself to, body and soul. Then, write down your commitment to realizing your wishes. Also, please make sure that your wishes are as specific as you can make them be. Here is an example below. Please feel free to follow the same format as you are working on the assignment.

Paper For Above instruction

Imagining oneself on their deathbed prompts profound reflection on personal values, accomplishments, and life’s true meaning. This exercise encourages individuals to articulate their deepest desires and translate those desires into actionable goals. The process of envisioning death and encapsulating wishes in past tense helps clarify what truly matters, stripping away superficial ambitions. It facilitates a realistic yet aspirational roadmap toward living a fulfilling and authentic life.

In this context, the five wishes often encompass core aspects of personal success—relationships, career, personal growth, happiness, and legacy. For many, these wishes may include finding love, pursuing a passion, contributing meaningfully to society, maintaining health, or achieving spiritual fulfillment. Articulating why each wish is essential deepens understanding of one’s intrinsic motivations. Transitioning these wishes into present-tense goals bridges aspiration with present action, creating a tangible pathway toward realization.

For example, a person might wish, “I wish I had explored all my passions,” which becomes, “My goal is to explore and utilize all my strengths and passions in my daily life.” This transformation from wish to goal signifies commitment, emphasizing not only desire but also the readiness to act. The pivotal step involves sincere commitment—an affirmation to dedicate oneself physically, emotionally, and spiritually to achieving these goals, regardless of obstacles. This entire exercise cultivates self-awareness, focus, and purposeful living that aligns with one’s deepest values.

Through this process, individuals often challenge limiting beliefs and emotional barriers, fostering personal growth. Recognizing and welcoming emotions or fears associated with change empowers individuals to move forward with clarity and resilience. The exercise underscores that wishes are fluid and subject to evolution—keeping an open mindset allows continuous refinement, ensuring personal aspirations remain authentic and attainable over time.

References

• Hendricks, G. (2007). Five Wishes: How Answering One Simple Question Can Make Your Dreams Come True. New York: Hay House.
• Emmons, R. A. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377-389.
• Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being. New York: Free Press.
• Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want. New York: Penguin Press.
• McCullough, M. E., Emmons, R. A., & Tsang, J. (2002). The Psychology of Gratitude. Handbook of Gratitude, 1-19.
• Brown, B. (2010). The Power of Vulnerability. TEDxHouston.
• Frisch, M. B. (1998). Life-Developmentiam psychology: Implications for spiritual and religious growth. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 26(2), 107-116.
• Schwartz, T. (2010). The Power of Full Engagement. Free Press.
• Reivich, K., & Shatté, A. (2002). The Resilience Factor. Broadway Books.
• Neff, K. D. (2003). The Development and Validation of a Scale to Measure Self-Compassion. Self and Identity, 2(3), 223-250.