Rise & Shine:📝 Writing Your Own Eulogy (and Why It Might Be the Most Powerful Career Exercise You’ll Ever Do)

I know… it sounds weird.

But hear me out.

Most people never stop long enough to think about what they really want their life to be about. We’re all so busy checking boxes, meeting deadlines, and doing what’s “expected” that we forget to ask:

If someone were to stand up at my funeral and talk about my life… what would I want them to say?

Several years ago, I went through a coaching program where one of the assignments was to write my own eulogy.

It was awkward at first. But when I got intentional about it and really thought about the words I wanted to be true it was eye-opening.

It wasn’t a list of job titles.

It wasn’t the number in my bank account.

It wasn’t the “likes” on social media.

It was about who I was, how I showed up for others, what I created, and the impact I left behind.

Here’s the thing…

If you write your eulogy today, you instantly have a roadmap. Because if those words are going to be true someday, there are actions you need to take now to make them happen.

How This Ties to Your Career

So many of my clients come to me saying, “I don’t know what’s next” or “I feel stuck.” Often, it’s because they’re measuring their career only in promotions, pay bumps, or job titles.

But when you flip the script and ask:

• What do I want to be known for?

• Who do I want to help?

• What values do I refuse to compromise?

• What kind of leader do I want to be?

…your career decisions become a whole lot clearer.

Your Eulogy-to-Action Plan

1️⃣ Write it out. Don’t hold back. Describe the person you want to be remembered as—in your career and in your life.

2️⃣ Highlight the themes. Pull out the 3–5 values, qualities, or achievements that matter most to you.

3️⃣ Reverse-engineer it. Ask: “If this were going to be true about me, what would I need to do, learn, or change starting today?”

4️⃣ Take the first step. Big goals are built one small, intentional action at a time.

I won’t share my full eulogy here (it’s personal), but here’s the heart of it:

Alyssa was never afraid to push herself outside her comfort zone doing things that seemed impossible or risky to others. She never backed down from a challenge. Having a competitiveness that was born inside her she used that fire and drive to make herself better each day and to not let failures stop her, but rather used them as stepping stones to her next success. This is what fueled her success in her volleyball career, her professional career and finally as an entrepreneur. 

Alyssa genuinely believed there is a leader within every single person, but they had to see it and decide for themselves that they want to lead others to a better future. Anything is possible if we put our minds to it and take that next best step towards our goals. Her favorite quote was one her grandpa once said all the time, "The steam that toots the whistle never turns the wheel". This quote engrained in her from such a young age led her to so many accomplishments in her life because she didn't just talk, but walked her talk. She was a get sh*t done person who was driven to action rather than just dreaming. If she had a dream, you bet she would go get it!

That vision shapes how I coach, how I lead, and how I make decisions in my business and life.

Here’s my challenge to you:

• Write your eulogy.

• Read it back.

• Print it off and put it somewhere to continually remind yourself where you're going.

• Then ask yourself—am I living in a way that will make this true?

• And if not… what’s the next best step you can take this week to move closer to it?

Because your career isn’t just about landing the next role. It’s about building a LIFE and LEGACY you’re proud of.

💛 Alyssa

Founder, Rise Up Career Coaching

Your go-to coach for clarity, confidence & career wins