What’s Your Legacy?
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Imagine being described as a “great humble giant”, “a generous but modest philanthropist”, “an American icon, philanthropist and champion for children” and having “selfless humility and generosity”.
These were some of the tributes paid to the late Paul Newman.
To have such a consistent message delivered, Paul Newman must have identified what he wanted to contribute to society early on and just kept doing it. He had a clear vision.
Do you know what you want your legacy to be? Is it about leaving a tangible reminder, having discovered or solved something, been a successful business person? Or the intangible of having been a great friend, supported people through difficult times or inspired?
What words match your values, that you would like to see in your obituary? Kevin Spacey creates a great oxymoron of Newman when he describes him as a “great humble giant” – which paints a fantastic image of a powerful man who is down to earth.
Ensure your values and vision are complementary but they don’t need be boring. Get creative and evolve a vision that you are excited about, will challenge you and that you will be proud to look back on.
His daughter Lissy spoke about honouring his memory by doing things for other people & looking out for one another. Some of the examples she gave were simple (we don’t all need to start Hole in the Wall camps for children or set up a line of sauces); bring soup to a friend, donate money or vote were some of her suggestions.
Also look local – who needs help now? Is there a charity event which would benefit from your expertise, is there a programme to teach computers to the elderly, a charity shop who needs volunteers or how about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister?
- What do you want your legacy to be?
- Specifically what words do you want in your obituary?
- How are you living that today?
- What else can you do you live your vision?
- What can you do for others?
Remember, what you do today will reflect where you are in 5 years time, so make it worthwhile.
For more information on setting goals and building a lasting legacy click HERE
Wow…awesome post Alan. Everyone needs to have that vision. My wife and I strive to help those in need through our church. My wife spends 5 days per week volunteering to help the needy. One of my favorite quotes:
“You can use ‘most any measure when you are speaking of success, You can measure it in fancy home, expensive car, or dress.
But the measure of your real success is one you can not spend - It’s the way your son describes you when he’s talking to a friend.”
As in your post, they remember him for what he did and not how much money he had.
Great post…keep up the good work.
Leon Bowes
Hi Alan,
Material staff just make life much easier not happier
because of that people have to help other to live beter.
Paul Nuwman was legend but also good man and
sociaty member, hi make big success in peoples lives
for cherity action and that is BIG MAN. Every one of us
should to tray make trace in this wrold
Regards
Mira Stjepic
Awww.. Very nice reading there. Your questions gave me some good thoughts about myself… Starting to get nostalgic..
Makes you think.