Goal
In this post, we will reflect on our legacy and how we want others to remember us.
Why A Legacy is Important
We all have values.As individuals, if we want to live our values, we have to change our daily actions. Furthermore, the more we understand where we want our lives to go, the better we can align our actions towards achieving our ends.
Therefore, it’s essential to define and understand our end goal. By determining how we want others to remember us, we can better decide how to live our lives in the present. Similar to a life goal, determining what our legacy will help guide our present decisions.
What I want to be remembered for
I want to be recognized as a man who took every opportunity he could to be a better person. It’s simple, it’s short, it’s memorable, and through this reflection, I can take the focus off myself and place it towards others. Through this declaration, I can assist people as well as strengthen my individualism.
On the other hand, I could focus strictly on my short-term comfort. For example, I could let my legacy be “he sought comfort wherever he cold.” However, such a legacy is not impressive, noble, or interesting. By challenging myself, I can increase what I’m able to accomplish and leave behind an impressive legacy.
How to choose a legacy
Memento mori “Remember that you have to die.” Always reflect on what you want to be remembered for because one day, you won’t be able to redeem yourself.
How do you choose a legacy? Always keep the ten virtues in mind when choosing a legacy. Furthermore, you must remember nothing is concrete – your legacy may change as you go through life, but the virtuous foundation cannot change. For example, I could change my end goal to something entirely different. However, I can’t choose “be a jerk” because such a legacy undermines my life goals, the ten virtues, and becoming an individual.
Your legacy has to push you out of your comfort zone and towards meaningful change and productive solutions. Anything less than greatness will not satisfy your heart or settle your mind.
Things to be remembered for:
• You’re never ending pursuit of virtue
• Your fairness, kindness, and empathy
• The person who always asked profound questions
• A great listener and a loyal friend
Conclusion
We are continually growing, and by reflecting on what we wish to be remembered for, we can improve ourselves, enhance our lives, and help others do the same.
Actionables
1. What do you want to be remembered for? What legacy do you wish to leave?
2. If you need help devising a legacy, reflect on the virtues and your life goals. From these elements, think about what you want people to remember you for, i.e., what would you like on your tombstone?
Please remember that it’s important to do the actionables. You’re not on this earth to simply read but to do. To become an individual, you must act more than you consume.
*Image credit to Unsplash
