You’re Not Too Young to Think About Your Legacy

Source: Garrett, Flickr, CC 2.0

Even if you’re young, it helps to consider the long view. That can help you set goals and shape the kind of person you're trying to be. I illustrate with this composite case study drawn from my clients, friends, and me:

My grandfather just died. As I sat at the funeral, I remember him telling me, “In a blink of an eye, you go from young man to old fart. Live wisely, kid.”

Thinking so loftily feels like a burden. But while my grandpa's advice doesn't dominate my thoughts let alone my actions, every so often, it pops into my head, especially when I'm on the cusp of a big decision: career, relationship, money, an ethical dilemma. Maybe that's a good thing. Actually, I'm sure it's a good thing.

Identifying your aspirational legacy

What do you want your legacy to be? You’ll want to go beyond the standard “I want to be remembered as a good person.” Get specific. Here are some possibilities. Put a checkmark next to each that feels important to you:

• S/he had high standards. Examples: meticulous, discerning in everything s/he bought, done, or associated with.
• S/he was compassionate, for example, usually opting for mercy over justice.
• S/he was a worker. During the work day, while others slacked, s/he worked, plus s/he put in long hours.
• S/he knew how to have fun, leaving plenty of time for good times.
• S/he made a difference at work.
• S/he was a generous and effective mentor.
• S/he was excellent in (insert a hobby, avocation, or recreation.)
• S/he was good with money: earning it, spending it, investing it.
• S/he was a loving spouse.
• S/he was a loving parent.
• S/he was a good friend.
• S/he balanced work, family, and fun.
• S/he was ethical, considering the impacts on all stakeholders, including long-term.
• Most important, other (specify):

Living your legacy now

In your own words, paraphrase the items you check-marked. Then write a shorthand version, just a word or two for each, perhaps on an attractive notecard, and keep it on your desk. Paraphrase your aspirations again before you begin your day and again before you go to bed. Do that for a few days so your aspirational legacy gets branded into your brain and thus is more likely to become suffused through your days.

I read this aloud on YouTube.