This week I saw a Facebook video of my deceased friend Tom. (He served as my inspiration for writing a book on how to transform your life.) In the video he’s playing a joke on his wife. That was Tom. He created a lasting legacy. And part of that legacy centered on treasured memories.
At our age, it’s time to think about our legacy. If you don’t care about your legacy, stop reading this and go get counseling. How people remember you when you are gone is important. Why? A lasting legacy is important because it points the way for future generations to follow. Your descendents will remember how you lived your life and will walk in your footsteps.
I am concerned about leaving a lasting legacy because I love the next generation and the next. It isn’t a pride thing. It’s all about living a life which will point them in the right direction decades after I’m gone.
Chapter 27 in Tom’s List reminds us of a great truth. Our inclination is to think our legacy is determined by our talent and determination. In the back of our mind is a voice telling us we need to discover our talents and rouse our determination. But those things determine our potential, not our lasting legacy.
The forgotten ingredient in leaving a legacy which lasts is found in your character.
There are many definitions of this word. I’m thinking of this definition, “The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.”
Legacy isn’t based on talent and determination or the value of your estate at the time of death. It isn’t about how many friends you have on Facebook or the number of Twitter followers. A lasting legacy is built on a foundation of morality known as character.
What is your character like?
- When people think of you do they picture someone they trust?
- Would they be willing to loan you $10,000 based on your handshake?
- If a lie about you appeared on Facebook would people dismiss it because they know you wouldn’t do such a thing?
- If you made a hurtful mistake would friends and family recognize you had no intention of hurting them?
Here’s the good news about creating a lasting legacy: it isn’t too late. You can improve it today. The simple way to do this is to ask this question: What’s the right thing to do? Ask and answer this question. Live by the answer and create a lasting legacy.
Character is the missing ingredient to creating a lasting legacy.
I’ve written more on this subject in Tom’s List. Click HERE to see the special offer which will provide you with free copies free Christmas gifts. This offer lasts only today and tomorrow.
Do you have any tips for building a lasting legacy?
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