Near Death Lessons: Summary Review

What if the very moments that nearly ended your life held the keys to truly living it? In Near Death Lessons: A Dream. A Terminal Illness. An Extraordinary Life Gained from 8 Near Death Experiences, Chris Jankulovski shares his gripping journey through eight brushes with death, revealing profound insights that challenge our perceptions of resilience and purpose.

What is the Book About?

Near Death Lessons is a compelling memoir that chronicles Chris Jankulovski's extraordinary life journey, marked by a rare genetic condition known as Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Diagnosed at 19 and told he wouldn't live past 30, Chris defied the odds, surviving eight near-death experiences, including multiple brain surgeries and the removal of six tumors from his remaining kidney. His story is not just about survival but about embracing life with vigor, turning adversity into a catalyst for personal growth and transformation.

Beyond his health challenges, Chris delves into his entrepreneurial ventures, founding Remote Staff, a successful remote staffing company. He candidly shares the highs and lows of his business journey, intertwining them with his personal battles. The book offers readers a raw and honest look into the resilience of the human spirit, emphasizing the importance of purpose, determination, and the will to live fully, regardless of the circumstances.

Book Details

Print length: 228 pages
Language: English
Publication date: August 14, 2023
Genre: Memoir / Self-Help

Book Author

Core Theme

At its heart, Near Death Lessons explores the transformative power of adversity. Chris emphasizes that facing mortality can lead to a deeper appreciation of life and a renewed sense of purpose. He advocates for embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, urging readers to live intentionally and authentically. The narrative underscores the idea that our responses to life's trials define our journey more than the trials themselves.

Another central theme is the pursuit of one's true calling. Chris discusses the importance of aligning one's actions with personal values and passions. He encourages readers to break free from societal expectations and self-imposed limitations, highlighting that true fulfillment comes from living a life true to oneself. Through his story, he illustrates that it's never too late to redefine success and find meaning in one's experiences.

Main Lessons

A few impactful summary lessons from Near Death Lessons:

1. Adversity Can Become Your Greatest Catalyst

Chris Jankulovski’s life took a sharp turn when he was diagnosed with Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome at the age of 19, a rare genetic condition that forecasted a short life. Initially, the prognosis paralyzed him emotionally and mentally, stripping away motivation and leading him into a spiral of recklessness. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, those very adversities became the crucible that forged a new version of himself—resilient, determined, and unwilling to be defined by disease. This transformation wasn’t instant, but each near-death experience forced him to examine what mattered and motivated him to take bold steps forward, illustrating that pain often holds the raw material for reinvention.

2. Living Without Guarantees Frees You to Truly Live

When told he might not live past 30, Jankulovski began to understand the liberating paradox of impermanence. With nothing to lose, he stopped waiting for the “right” time and started creating his own definition of life. He did not waste time chasing perfection or waiting for a green light from others—he dove headfirst into experiences, including love, fatherhood, and entrepreneurship. The looming shadow of death helped him realize how precious each moment is, and instead of avoiding risks, he embraced life with open arms. In a world obsessed with control and longevity, his journey is a radical reminder that when guarantees vanish, life begins.

3. Pain Can Be the Teacher That Awakens You

For most people, suffering is something to avoid, but for Jankulovski, it became his most honest mentor. Each brush with death became a classroom where he was taught not only about fear, but about courage, meaning, and choice. These were not abstract philosophies; they were visceral moments that stripped away illusions and brought clarity. Instead of letting pain break him, he leaned into it, reflected, and emerged with greater self-awareness. His story affirms that hardship is not the enemy—it’s the uncomfortable but necessary gatekeeper to growth.

4. Who You Surround Yourself With Shapes Who You Become

Early in life, Chris found himself in toxic circles—people who reinforced his sense of hopelessness and fueled his destructive behaviors. It wasn’t until he began to shift those influences and choose better environments that he started to transform. Whether in business or personal life, the energy of those around him either lifted or limited him. This lesson stands out as a universal truth: the company we keep reflects and magnifies our trajectory. Change often begins with changing the people we give access to our lives.

5. Success Means Owning Your Unconventional Path

Jankulovski never fit into the standard mold of a nine-to-five worker, and for good reason—his body and circumstances wouldn’t allow for it. Rather than trying to conform to societal expectations, he carved out his own path, becoming a self-made entrepreneur on his own terms. His story challenges the idea that success must follow a blueprint. For him, it was about alignment with his energy, passion, and limits. The lesson is simple but powerful: create a life that fits you, not one that impresses others.

6. You Are Allowed to Dream, Even When It Hurts

One of the most courageous choices Jankulovski made was to continue dreaming—even after being told he might not live long, even after facing illness after illness. He chose to have children, build a business, travel, and write. Many would have buried their hopes under the weight of that kind of prognosis, but he dared to believe that he could still have a future. His decision to keep dreaming wasn’t naive—it was defiant. This lesson speaks directly to the human spirit’s ability to envision something better, even when reality seems to argue against it.

7. Perspective Is the Key to Unlocking Gratitude

Facing eight near-death experiences drastically shifted how Chris saw everything. Suddenly, things like a regular day, laughter with loved ones, or a breath of fresh air became luxuries to savor. This newfound perspective rewired his emotional life, helping him find joy in the ordinary. Gratitude wasn’t a cliché mantra—it was a natural response to simply being alive. His story encourages us to stop overlooking the small wins and start celebrating the miracle of simply being here, today.

8. Humor Is a Tool for Survival, Not Just Relief

Despite the heavy and painful nature of his experiences, Jankulovski often approached his story with humor—even laughing at himself when appropriate. He didn’t use humor to avoid truth; he used it to soften the blows and carry on. It was his way of regaining power in the face of helplessness. This lesson reveals the quiet strength of laughter in dark times—it doesn’t erase the pain, but it gives us the courage to stand through it with grace.

9. Fulfillment Begins When You Decide to Live Fully

There came a turning point in Chris’s life when he realized he didn’t want to just survive—he wanted to thrive. He didn’t want to count the years left but make the years count. That decision to live intentionally, to stop waiting for permission or perfect conditions, was what unlocked his ability to find meaning in his chaos. His story is proof that fulfillment isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you create, by showing up to life with courage and commitment.

10. Life Becomes Limitless When You Believe in Yourself

Above all, the most repeated and emphasized lesson in Near Death Lessons is the power of self-belief. Jankulovski was told what he couldn’t do more times than he could count—by doctors, society, and even his own fears. But what changed everything was his internal decision to believe in his capacity to shape his life, regardless of his diagnosis. That shift in mindset was the seed from which all else grew. When you stop doubting and start trusting yourself, limitations begin to dissolve, and life expands in unexpected ways.

Key Takeaways

Key summary takeaways from the book:

• Adversity can be a catalyst for personal growth and transformation.
• Living intentionally leads to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
• Aligning actions with personal values is key to true success.
• Embracing vulnerability and authenticity fosters deeper connections.
• It's possible to find meaning and joy even amidst life's greatest challenges.

Book Strengths

Near Death Lessons stands out for its raw honesty and emotional depth. Chris's storytelling is both engaging and inspiring, offering readers a candid look into his struggles and triumphs. The book seamlessly blends personal anecdotes with actionable insights, making it both relatable and instructive. Readers have praised its authenticity, noting that it resonates deeply and prompts introspection.

Who This Book Is For

This book is ideal for individuals seeking inspiration and guidance in the face of adversity. Whether you're navigating personal challenges, contemplating a career shift, or simply looking for a motivational read, Near Death Lessons offers valuable insights. It's particularly resonant for those interested in personal development, resilience, and authentic living.

Why Should You Read This Book?

Reading Near Death Lessons provides a profound perspective on the human capacity to overcome and thrive. Chris's journey serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of living with intention. The book not only tells a compelling story but also offers practical lessons applicable to various aspects of life. It's a reminder that, regardless of circumstances, we have the power to shape our narratives and find meaning in our experiences.

Concluding Thoughts.

Near Death Lessons is more than a memoir; it's a guide to embracing life's uncertainties with courage and purpose. Chris Jankulovski's story challenges readers to reflect on their own lives, encouraging a shift from merely existing to truly living. His experiences underscore the idea that our greatest trials can lead to our most significant transformations.

For anyone seeking motivation to overcome obstacles or looking to find deeper meaning in their journey, this book offers both inspiration and practical wisdom. Chris's narrative is a powerful reminder that, even in the face of adversity, we have the capacity to choose our path and live authentically.

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* The publisher and editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, lessons, takeaways, or summary notes.

Chief Editor

Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.