<p><a href="https://peterattiamd.com/waltergreen/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=251124-pod-waltergreen&utm_content=251124-pod-waltergreen-podfeed"> View the Show Notes Page for This Episode</a></p> <p><a href="https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=251124-pod-waltergreen&utm_content=251124-pod-waltergreen-podfeed"> Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content</a></p> <p><a href="https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=251124-pod-waltergreen&utm_content=251124-pod-waltergreen-podfeed"> Sign Up to Receive Peter's Weekly Newsletter</a></p> <p>Walter Green is a remarkable philanthropist, mentor, author of This Is the Moment!, and founder of the impactful "Say It Now" movement. In this episode, Walter delves into the unique insights gained from his challenging upbringing, discusses embracing mortality, and highlights the mindset of "finishing strong." He shares insights on intentionality, thinking in reverse, saying "no," prioritizing relationships, and the essence of focusing on others. The conversation focuses on the "Say It Now" movement, which stresses the importance of expressing sentiments to loved ones well before the end of life.</p> <p><strong>We discuss:</strong></p> <ul type="disc"> <li>How Peter and Walter met through Ric Elias [3:30];</li> <li>The unique perspectives and life lessons provided by Walter's challenging childhood [6:00];</li> <li>Walter's harrowing experience with a sudden mental breakdown and his subsequent recovery with the help of therapy [12:15];</li> <li>A diverse professional journey ending in great success [19:15];</li> <li>The birth of a movement: celebrating friendships through public tributes and expressing gratitude to those who have shaped your life's journey [23:30];</li> <li>Intentionality, thinking in reverse, saying "no", and other guiding principles for Walter [30:45];</li> <li>Walter's global journey of gratitude on his 70th birthday, visiting friends, and creating memorable experiences [40:15];</li> <li>The profound impact of acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the people who contribute to our lives [47:15];</li> <li>The key elements for creating meaningful connections and cultivating deep, authentic friendships [53:15];</li> <li>The "Say It Now" movement: the inspiration behind the remarkably impactful initiative [59:15];</li> <li>What "finishing strong" means to Walter [1:08:15];</li> <li>Finding peace at the end of life through expressing gratitude and finding purpose in serving others [1:16:45];</li> <li>Resources to learn about "Say It Now" [1:27:00]; and</li> <li>More.</li> </ul> <p>Connect With Peter on <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterAttiaMD">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/peterattiamd/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/peterattiamd/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8kGsMa0LygSX9nkBcBH1Sg">YouTube</a></p>
Actionable Insights
1. Prioritize Outcomes First (Think in Reverse)
For any important interaction, project, or life stage, define the desired successful outcome first, then work backward to determine the necessary steps. This process provides clarity, focus, and a framework for decision-making, ensuring time is well spent.
2. Cultivate Intentionality & Say No Strategically
Live with innate intentionality, making the most of every moment by being deliberate about your actions. Use your clearly defined outcomes and indicators as a filter to easily decline opportunities that do not align with your goals, thereby protecting what truly matters.
3. Practice Specific Public Gratitude (Say It Now)
Express profound appreciation to people who have significantly impacted your life, doing so publicly when possible, as this amplifies the positive effect for both the giver and receiver. Prepare by identifying specific contributions and shared experiences that highlight their importance.
4. Prepare for ‘Finishing Strong’
Proactively plan for the end of life by ensuring financial affairs are in order, simplifying complexities for loved ones, and making sure all important relationships are current and acknowledged. This detailed preparation brings peace and allows for continued purpose.
5. Seek Feedback for Self-Reflection
As part of expressing gratitude to those who have impacted your life, ask them to share one piece of insight about who you are from their perspective. This helps you build a ‘mosaic’ of self-understanding and gain valuable insights into your own character.
6. Accelerate Philanthropy While Alive
Consider giving financial gifts to important people in your life who may not have been as successful, rather than waiting until after your passing. This allows you to experience the joy of giving and address needs directly, rather than leaving it to customary practices.
7. Foster Authentic, Meaningful Relationships
Deliberately seek out and invest time in relationships where you can have deep, authentic conversations, rather than superficial associations. This enriches life, provides a strong support system for real-life issues, and is more fulfilling than simply having many acquaintances.
8. Introduce Gratitude Practices to Children
Educate younger generations (e.g., K-12) on the importance and methods of expressing gratitude, as they do not have to ‘unlearn’ societal customs of waiting until death to pay tribute. This builds lifelong emotional health and fosters a culture of appreciation.
9. Commit to a ‘Think About It’ Rule
When presented with an enticing opportunity, make it a black-and-white rule to never say yes immediately; instead, ask for a few days to think about it. This provides crucial time to assess the opportunity’s alignment with your established goals and priorities.
10. Find Purpose Beyond Self for Longevity
Cultivate a sense of purpose that extends beyond personal joy and pleasure, such as caring for others or contributing to a larger movement. This focus on others can provide sustained energy, deep fulfillment, and potentially contribute to a longer, more meaningful life.
11. Embrace the ‘Unfinished Symphony’ of Life
Accept that you will likely die with unfinished projects and goals, as life is a continuous process of creation and contribution. Do not stop pursuing purpose just to achieve a false sense of completion, as this is the nature of a purposeful life.
12. Find Joy in Caring for Loved Ones
Recognize and embrace the opportunity to care for a spouse or loved one as they age and change, finding deep love and fulfillment in supporting them through new stages of life. This focus on others can provide immense personal energy and meaning.
13. Start Simple with Gratitude, Act Now
Don’t overcomplicate expressing gratitude; it can be as simple as a note, a phone call, or a brief conversation. The method matters less than the act itself, and the timing (’now’) is crucial, as the outcomes are often surprising and always rewarding.