Last week I wrote about creating an impression and it made sense for me to think about the larger impression being left; one’s legacy….
“All good men and women must take responsibility to create legacies that will take the next generation to a level we could only imagine.” – Jim Rohn
When people talk about leaving a legacy, very often they think in terms of what they can do at the end of their lives to make an impact. But, that’s not necessarily the case. Our legacy will often be measured by the impact that we have on others every day. In other words, it can be more about “living” your legacy rather than “leaving” a legacy. Though leaving a legacy is also something that can be incredible and wonderful.
There are many great examples of legacy leaders such as Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and Marie Curie (sooooo many more!). There is an incredible amount that we can all learn from those who lived and also left impressive legacies, much of which we can seek to implement in our own lives. By offering up your own unique legacy, you can make the world a better place.
“If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” – Benjamin Franklin
How to leave a lasting legacy
Here are 5 key actions that you can take to build a lasting legacy:
Know your true vision, values and purpose
“You make your mark by being true to who you are and letting that be your staple.” – Kat Graham
Discovering your true purpose and mission of life is key to leaving a lasting legacy. Ask yourself:
“What do you actually want to do with your life?”
Or “What’s important to you?”
When was the last time you asked these questions? Or did you ever ask yourself these questions? Such questions inspire vision. The currency of legacy leadership is vision. The function of a vision is to inspire yourself to take action. The vision also functions to inspire yourself to have the courage to persevere in the face of the many obstacles that will arise.
Not just you leave an impact on others, studies show that having a sense of purpose is an increasingly strong predictor of happiness (for example, see the studies of Steptoe and Fancourt, 2019, as well as research commissioned by the John Templeton Foundation here).
Read these articles for more on this topic:
– What is Your Life Purpose? 5 Ways to Discover it Today. https://www.adam-eason.com/what-is-your-life-purpose-5-ways-to-discover-it-today/
– Creating a Vision for Your Life. https://www.adam-eason.com/creating-vision-life/
What are you passionate about? If something drives you naturally, then it featuring within your vision is going to help greatly.
You have a calling. Now pursue it!
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Remind yourself frequently that you were not created to be an imitator, but an originator. Your true purpose may be to discover your calling in life, basking in the joy of the journey along the way, one step at a time. In the end, your legacy is left to these two questions:
- What impact did I make on the lives of others?
- Whom did I serve and make better?
Show genuine enthusiasm
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
You need to put people before yourself. People remember how you made them feel. Try starting with a “How are you doing today?”, or a “Can I help you in any way?” instead! If someone shares good news or a win, there are many ways in which you could respond. One response might be, “That’s fantastic!
Make the effort to connect in person, and over the phone. By doing so, you’ll maintain strong personal relationships and feel more positive.
Be a mentor to others
“That is your legacy on this Earth when you leave this Earth: how many hearts you touched.” –Patti Davis
If you want to live your legacy, be a mentor to others. When you invest in your expertise and experience for other people’s growth, they will enjoy more success and make an even bigger impact in the future. This will carry your legacy even further.
So, exchange your knowledge with someone along with psychological and/or social support. Invite someone to coffee and share something new with this person. It will make you feel better, and the person will appreciate the chance to pay it forward.
Be patient
“The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” – William James
You need to use patience for your advantage. If and when things go south, get perspective, listen to someone you disagree with without judgment, and hold back from reacting head-on. In practicing the virtue of patience, it may mean making the decision to sit on your decision. By thinking it over things with a rational and level-headed mind, you’ll eventually arrive at another, potentially better conclusion.
Look at your current struggles as a part of life that can provide awesome learning experiences. But first, you have to need the patience to wither the storm. You need to learn from each struggles that you face. You’ll grow as a result. Remember, anything worth doing can take time and effort.
Stop trying to be perfect
“Be the change you want to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi
For many with amazing legacies, living their legacy rarely had anything to do with being “perfect.” It was often more about doing the best they could for others. Make sure you’re modelling the behaviours you’d like to see others embody. If you want trust, model trust. If you want creativity, model creativity. If you want action, model action. If you want accountability, model accountability etc.
Never forget your life’s priorities. To keep up with our priorities, we often have the feeling that if we don’t do something productive every day, we’ve somehow failed. Allow your thoughts of perfectionism to rest. Slow down, and know that where you are, at this moment, is where you need to be. As you eliminate the need to strive and be perfect but continue to move forward with realistic expectations that things will work out … things will work out. So surrender to the universe. When you do, you’ll begin to appreciate and focus on other, neglected priorities that bring you joy.
.“Only the passionate were immortal, it seemed. If you fought, screwed, screamed, laughed, or otherwise experienced life intensely, for better or worse, you left a record. Those who lived a quiet, well-behaved, well-tempered life? Gone without a trace. ― Magnus Flyte
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