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What will you be
known for?
We will all be
known for something, by someone. Perhaps this is the time for you to
find out how others perceive you and your gifts, and decide if that is how
you want to be known. You may be surprised that others already
think so much of you -- in your family, among your friends, throughout your
professional and other communities . . .. And, there may be things you
really care about and want to be involved in -- that you want to be
connected with your name and efforts.
You CAN affect others profoundly, and
leave a significant and important mark on the world while involved in what
is meaningful and important to you. You may want to give this some
conscious attention. If you're thinking, who am I to accomplish
anything great, the real question is: "who are you NOT to?" Each
human being is endowed with talents and gifts that can make a difference,
and will connect meaningfully with someone along the way. And the
principle of the "Butterfly Effect" multiplies our efforts: whether we
ever realize it or not -- our actions ripple out and can make a greater
impact than we may ever know, if we just focus and start . . .
What do you care
enough about to see exist -- to create, support or participate in?
Maybe it is something as intimate as a
family -- or it's a business or professional accomplishment impacting a
broader group. Maybe you want to develop a community project, make
a contribution in a rural village, teach or mentor others, or start a
scholarship program or charitable foundation. What are you drawn to?
What is it that you
will leave behind for the world?
Legacy is about building on who
you are and consciously designing what you do -- to make a
significant impact on what's important to you, and quite possibly the
rest of the world. This may involve decisions about how to
build or contribute your financial wealth, to focus your day to day
efforts, or likely, both.
Contemplating
these questions can help you design a
legacy to live today and leave for future generations. Many of
them are foundational to estate and financial planning, and legal or
financial professionals may not be equipped to help you work through them.
A coach can provide a mirror and an objective sounding board to help you
make foundational decisions and act on what you value, without judgment or a
vested interest in the outcome. Where financial contributions or
developments are involved, those decisions may include helping you develop a
team of the right advisors and stay on track when things seem bigger than
you can imagine accomplishing on your own. But that's how big things
are built, one step at a time with a team that can properly support each
one.
Want some
inspiring ideas? Check out these legacy examples:
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