It’s easy to lose sight of what really matters in life when caught up in daily routines and preoccupations. Reflecting on one’s mortality brings goals and values back into focus.

The Your Wisest Self worksheet asks clients to imagine they’re nearing the end of a long, rewarding life. From that perspective, clients offer life wisdom to their younger, present-day selves and reflect on how they can translate this wisdom into action.

Use this worksheet to help clients discover and honor their most-cherished goals and values. Relevant client groups include those experiencing a life transition, loss, illness, depression, or lack of direction. Include this exercise in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), narrative therapy, and existential therapy, or use it as a stand-alone, life-reflection exercise.