Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.
Shannon Adler
LIFE’S QUESTIONS
Let’s face it, our time on earth is limited. Whether we like it or not, our life has an expiration date. One question we ask ourselves is “when will that day will come?” The truth of the matter is that we don’t know and never will.
So, what does this mean for us? Do we live our lives in fear? Do we hide under our bed? Do we tell ourselves, “I’ll just do it tomorrow?” Sure, this might sound comfortable to a select group of people. I’ll be the first to admit that I even like the sound of all of that!
But what if there is no tomorrow? What if the expiration date we fear is closer than we think? Suddenly, the things we wanted to do, or experience are taken away from us in a heartbeat. To me, what makes life so valuable is that it is limited.
So, what will you do? Will you stress over a 5-question quiz you have to study for? Or, will you enjoy the fruits of life you were gifted at birth? We could only tell in due time.
WHAT IS LEGACY?
Imagine your funeral. Sure, it is sad to see everyone distraught over loss. But, for the purpose of this post, let’s not focus on the weeping, crying, or sadness. Instead, let’s focus on what people are saying about you. Are they talking about how caring you were? Are they talking about your humor or jokes? Are they talking about your High School memories with them?
Now, let’s fast forward 20 years in the future. Are these same people still talking about what you accomplished in life? Or are you just someone who has arrived and passed?
Houses, cars, and money are the physical objects we leave behind. However, the impact we had on other people is the legacy we leave on earth that lives in eternity. People might not remember what you said or who you were in 20 or 30 years. However, they won’t forget what you did and the impact you had on their hearts and minds.
So instead of focusing on yourself and worldly possesions, focus on making a difference in just one person’s life. Live up to life’s challenges, live fearlessly. Ignite the fire that burns inside of you and activate your full potential. When we live life to its full potential, we have the strength to touch the hearts and minds of others. There is no power greater than a person’s ability to inspire others.
I’m sure 9/10 people have watched The Sandlot. Although it might not seem like the most motivational movie, it has one of the most inspiring quotes. Babe Ruth states:
Heroes get remembered but legends never die.
Babe Ruth
You might ask, how does this relate to my legacy? It’s simple, BE THE LEGEND. Your legacy is not built in the future, it is built right now. Make a difference today, spark the fire in someone’s heart. Be remembered as the one who made a lasting impact and helped make society better as a whole. Only you control the keys to your legacy, and it starts right now!
CREATING YOUR LEGACY
Defining legacy is the easy part, creating your legacy is the real challenge. Here are three little steps that, in my opinion, will help jumpstart your legacy.
1.BE A LEADER
Some people might be living the life their parents or friends want them to live. This hinders our ability to create our own path. You think you are creating your legacy, but really you are creating someone else’s. This leads to the first legacy builder: Be a leader, not a follower. I’ve played both leader and follower in my life. Being a follower is comfortable, I agree. However, being a leader makes you stand out amongst others. Building a legacy requires us to break out of our comfort zones and reach new horizons.
2. DON’T BE AFRAID TO FAIL
Sometimes, you must fall in order to rise. Today’s society believes failure makers you a disappointment. Well, I got news for all of you, THEY ARE WRONG. When we reach failure, we hit rock bottom. It makes us think, “What now? Do I stay here forever?” Some might choose to, but not me. Once we reach the bottom there is no other way to go but up. Failure is the greatest teacher in life, we learn to overcome obstacles that scare us. Don’t be afraid to fail in any aspect in life, rise above the expectations.
3. BE YOURSELF
Personalities are complex, colorful, and, above all, unique. It’s vital that you discover who you are before impacting others. Obsessing over society’s expectations is irrelevant. There is a common misconception that we must listen to everything that the media says. DO NOT LET MEDIA OR SOCIETY CHANGE WHO YOU ARE! Every one of us was created with a unique personality, use it! Focus on understanding who you are, lead yourself before anyone else, and live true to the person you were created to be.
The clock is ticking
Everything we do serves a purpose. What we do with our lives today could ultimately affect our futures forever. Now, let’s go back to your funeral. Are you going to be the person who left their mark on the world? Or, are you going to be the person who didn’t have the guts to step up? Only you could control your future. Don’t hesitate to pursue your dreams and visions. Before you know it, it could be too late. So, it’s time that I ask you the overriding question of this conversation, what will your legacy be?
