How Do You Leave a Legacy?
Have you ever wondered what people will remember about you after you're gone?
You may rarely think about that question, but the older I get the more I do.
You may also think that you have little control over what others will say about you, whether at your funeral, future family gatherings or even behind your back. Well, I don't know about that last one, but I do think we can do a lot to ensure how we are remembered, and even more have an impact on those we leave behind.
Last week I encouraged you to consider the difference between a legacy and resume, and suggested that while a resume is important, and reflective of our accomplishments, our legacy is even more important.
But how? And how do we actually leave one?
Here are five ways to increase your impact and lasting legacy..
Get Clear on Your Core Values
One of the best ways to ensure a meaningful life and legacy, is to get clear on your core values, and determine to live them out.
I was recently interviewed on the Covey Wellness Centre Podcast and Sarah Covey asked me about the connection between living a life of meaning and health & wellness...a great question. And my answer included this point...to the degree that we live out our core values, we will experience health & wellness.
I believe that many people never take the time to consider what their true values are...this void can lead to a life of frustration, disappointment, boredom and even despair. At the very least, a missed opportunity to live out our potential.
I explain this in more detail in my book, Vantage Point: Five Perspectives to Live a Better Story (p195)
When we live out our values, we are modelling them for those around us too...IMPACT!
Understand Your Strengths (And Put Them to Work)
It's easy to focus on what we don't have, or what others have, but a better use of time is to get clear on our strengths. This doesn't have to be complicated either.
Q. What are you good at?
Q. What comes naturally to you?
Not sure what they are? Talk to family or friends who know you well. They see more than you think. Better yet, why not talk to the One who made you?
“For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
How cool is that? God created you with specific things to do in this life. I find that compelling, and motivating...IMPACT!
Make a Plan
It's not hard to go day to day without much thought about what we are actually accomplishing. Nothing much is going to happen unless you become very intentional about how you want to live each day.
I bet I can tell a lot about you by your calendar. Why don't you pull it up right now and give it a glance. What does it say about you? What are your priorities and are you spending time putting into practice your values and strengths? Why or why not?
If you want your life to count...be intentional and make a plan...IMPACT!
Take Action
I meet people all the time who talk about doing something different with their lives, but they never do it. They talk about it but never take action.
Deep down, they are unhappy or unsettled and know they could or should do more, but whether it's fear or even comfort, they procrastinate.
Your strengths aren't meant to be hidden from the world. They are meant to be put into practice, largely for the sake of others...IMPACT!
Celebrate Progress
I know some of you are outcome focused; it's all about reaching the goal, making the summit, exceeding targets etc. (More about goals next week, and how they can help and hinder our progress)
But the process is equally of value, in fact I would say more the point. Recognizing wins, big and small along the way can keep you focused, and motivated to keep going too.
In coaching, I want to see my clients experience wins of all kinds, starting with small ones if necessary...this can lead to greater confidence and focus.
There you are; five ways to ensure you leave a legacy long after you've left this world...Impact!
What did I leave out? What would you add to the list?
Remember: your life isn't really about you at all. It's about making a difference in the lives of others; while you're here, and even after you're gone.
How I can help...
Download your free chapter of "Vantage Point: Five Perspectives to Live a Better Story" Click here Vantage Point
Give me a call...