“Make choices you can live with. Forever.”

Today, we’re diving into the ancient yet evergreen idea of carpe diem. What does “seize the day” even mean in today’s world? And how can we use it to make life genuinely awesome—without wrecking it in the process?

1. The Origins of Carpe Diem: What Are We Seizing, Exactly?

“Carpe diem”—the battle cry of motivational posters and Pinterest boards—originated in 23 BCE from Horace’s Ode XI. While the phrase has survived millennia, it’s become as overused as “live, laugh, love.” But what does it really mean? Is it about throwing caution to the wind or something deeper?

Let’s explore five interpretations of carpe diem—from ancient Romans to Nietzsche’s brain-bending philosophy—to discover how you can live a more meaningful, joyful, and yes, awesome life.

2. “Live This Day As If It Were Your Last”

At first glance, this slogan feels like the mantra of a death-obsessed cult leader. But what if we dial it down?

Living every day as if it’s your last isn’t about emptying your bank account or buying a tiger on Craigslist. Instead, it’s about micro hedonism—finding little pockets of joy in your routine. Let yourself indulge occasionally: eat the dessert, book the concert tickets, or take that impulsive weekend trip. Life is short, but it’s not that short. By sprinkling in moments of fun and spontaneity, you can avoid looking back with regrets.

3. “Live This Year As If It Were Your Last”

A year gives you time to be both spontaneous and thoughtful. It’s about ditching the “someday” mindset and realizing that life isn’t going to magically line up into a perfect moment. Stop waiting for better timing; start living now.

This perspective also introduces gratitude. Instead of focusing on what’s missing, you start noticing what’s already pretty great. Whether it’s a warm cup of coffee or a good conversation, these little things make life richer.

4. “Live This Day As If It Were Your First”

Many of us live on autopilot, trudging through routines. This interpretation is a wake-up call to rediscover awe in the everyday. Remember when your smartphone felt like a miracle? What if you treated the rest of your life like that?

Living as if it’s your first day means embracing curiosity, forgiving your mistakes, and marveling at life’s small wonders. Try looking at your world with fresh eyes—you might find joy in the things you’ve overlooked.

5. “Live This Day As If You Were Living It For the Second Time”

Viktor Frankl’s wisdom encourages us to imagine we’re reliving today with the knowledge of our previous mistakes. This perspective pushes us to skip dumb decisions and say “yes” to opportunities we might otherwise ignore.

Think of it as a cosmic do-over. You’re not striving for perfection; you’re lowering your regret tally while making room for memorable moments.

6. Nietzsche’s Eternal Recurrence: The Hard Mode of Carpe Diem

Here’s Nietzsche’s provocative idea: What if you had to live your exact same life over and over for eternity? No do-overs, no changes. It’s terrifying, right?

But Nietzsche’s goal wasn’t to scare us. It was to challenge us to create a life we wouldn’t mind reliving endlessly. What if your decisions today were ones you’d be okay repeating for eternity? This forces us to think long-term, beyond impulsive whims, and build a life we genuinely enjoy.

7. How Do We Make This Practical?

Living by these interpretations doesn’t mean adopting one and discarding the rest. Mix and match:

Use micro hedonism to bring joy into your life.

Add a yearly perspective to balance urgency with thoughtfulness.

Rediscover awe with a “first day” mindset.

Apply the “second day” lens to avoid regret.

Use Nietzsche’s eternal recurrence to make choices you’re proud of.

Start small: make that call you’ve been putting off. Pause to notice the beauty in something ordinary. Or spend a day doing something slightly ridiculous but immensely fun.

How Will You Seize the Day?

Carpe diem doesn’t mean turning life into a chaotic spree or sticking to an overused slogan. It’s about finding ways to live more intentionally, joyfully, and meaningfully. Whether you take a bite of that decadent dessert or reflect on your long-term legacy, remember: life is yours to shape.