Legacy: What Are You Leaving Behind?
For many of us, when we hear the word “legacy” we think of people like JD Rockefeller, Mohandas Gandhi, even Rosa Parks. Someone who’s major accomplishments or courageous actions impacted the world in historic ways.
You may be thinking to yourself, “Who am I to leave a legacy? I’m just trying to get through another day at work while paying my bills and caring for my family and friends.” You’re not trying to change the world – just navigate through it the best you can.
But legacies aren’t just for the leading characters in social studies text books. In fact, you’re kidding yourself if you think you’re not leaving a legacy.
Everything you do touches the lives of other people. All of your actions make a difference somehow. The way you live, the way you love, the work you do all have an effect that reaches beyond the particulars of your day-to-day living. Whether you choose a legacy or not, you are creating a one, moment by moment.
Types of Legacies
Since you are leaving a legacy anyways, consider choosing one consciously. Your legacy might include a combination of some of the following:
• A business or non-profit organization that carries on your work after you’re gone.
• Beauty, inspiration and wisdom passed on through creations such as books, music, and art.
• Money, goods, and property, including endowing scholarships or creating a foundation.
• A beautiful garden that preserves a piece of nature and offers a retreat for the weary.
• The “ripple effect” of your daily impact on friends, family and your community.
• The values you impart to children and grandchildren.
Components of Legacy-Building
To consciously build a legacy, consider the following steps:
Begin with the end in mind. In order to leave a legacy that you deem to be of the highest value, you must first see it in your mind’s eye. In The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey says it’s imperative to begin with a clear vision of your destination. He recommends developing a “personal mission statement.” Based on your core values or principles, the statement focuses on what you want to be and what you want to contribute or achieve.
Clarify your values. With a coach or on your own, explore your values. What do you cherish most deeply? This is not about “morals” imposed from outside, but reflects what you believe at your core is of greatest importance. You legacy will be strong statement about your values. Be sure it’s an accurate reflection.
Determine your arena of impact. Decide where and how do you want to make a positive difference in the world. To clarify your desired impact, ask yourself:
1. Who do I want to impact? What people or community?
2. What gifts do I have to share?
3. What is the best vehicle for sharing my gifts?
4. In what way do I want to contribute to others’ wellbeing?
Start planning. Now that you know where you’re going, it’s time to start mapping out the route to get there. Remember that, while concrete action plans are important, you build your legacy every day with your choices, actions and words. Live your life authentically and you will be building your legacy brick by brick.
To create a formal action plan, consider these questions:
1. What’s my next step to go from where I am now to where I want to be?
2. Who can help me reach my goals? Who do I want on my dream team?
3. How can my impact be sustained after I’m gone?
Now you are on the road to leaving a legacy you can be proud of. One that will leave the planet a little better off for you having been here. Well done!
I invite you to share your thoughts and perspective on the article. What will your legacy be? How are you creating it day-by-day? To join the discussion, simply leave a comment.
