Tip #27: Live Your Legacy

“What does legacy mean to you? So often we think about our legacy as something that happens after we’re gone, or the way people will remember us. I prefer to think about legacy as something we live today. We build our legacy on the foundation of who we are, the values we hold dear, and the actions and impact we make in the world around us. I can change my legacy by changing my behaviors.

Legacy is a living, breathing reminder of what matters most. Identify what matters most to you.”

As promised by 128 Tips to Make You a More Effective Leader, sixty seconds a day is all it takes to make changes that matter... and one clocked in at only 31 seconds!

By my calculations, that gives us another 29 seconds to pat ourselves on the back for a job well done!

Who we are has a greater influence on our legacy than who we were.

Let’s think of our legacy as our shadow: it takes its lead from what we are doing. right. now.

We change; it changes.

As long as we are standing tall and proud, our legacy will follow suit.

We must trust in that. If we don’t, we will constantly be looking over our shoulder trying to see our imprint on the world…instead of actually making one.

What’s more impressive? More intriguing?

The shadow projected by the person marching confidently toward their destiny, eyes focused on their mission?

OR

The shadow projected by the person looking in their wake, eyes focused on catching a fleeting glimpse of how they appear to others?

The wisdom of Walt Whitman still echoes after all these years:

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and the shadows will fall behind you.”

How are you living your legacy today? And what must you change to make you even prouder of who you are?

The Logic Behind the Logo

Every owner will exit his or her business one day.

So how do you exit on your terms?

Prepare your leadership team,  and build your legacy  into the core values of the company culture.

Create value in your business.

When that is done well, you can confidently pass the torch knowing the next in line has the skills and strengths needed to take over.

The Leadership and Legacy is built on this belief.

In fact, that is what the birds in our logo signify:

Their organizational structure is elegant, efficient, sustainable, and inspiring.

In flying together in formation, they  leverage the currents of their collective hard work …and enjoy  the journey without having to exert so much energy that they end up missing the majestic view. They follow solid leadership and have the most iron-clad succession plan I have ever seen!

Their example is a true masterpiece in which strategic leadership paints an unforgettable legacy across the sky.

How are your core values reflected in your business brand?

Time for a Change

As humans we are biologically and evolutionally wired to fear change, but change can be a positive thing, especially if you are not happy with your current situation. More often than not we stay put when we aren’t happy due to our need for stability. And while there is nothing wrong with stability, there is something wrong with doing something you don’t enjoy as you approach the latter part of your career. So how do you know when it is time to move on?

Being financially stable or gathering experience in order to further your career might be good reasons to keep working at a job that you don’t enjoy, but as you reach the end of your formal career, and your work stops serving your needs it may be time to move on. Here are a few signs to look for when you are rethinking your exit timing:

• Are you continuing to learn? If you are not being challenged or learning something new and useful most days, it could be time to find a new challenge or move on.
• Are you working at your optimal level? Your years of experience may afford you a lighter workload, but if you find yourself underperforming or getting distracted too easily you could be bored and ready to move on. Finding or creating something a bit more intellectually stimulating could be the answer to curing these particular blues.
• Do you feel unappreciated? Oftentimes we feel like we give and give and give but receive nothing in return. If you feel that your employees, your customers, your suppliers are not appreciative of what you provide, it’s either time to speak up or maybe you are getting jaded.
• Do you get frustrated more quickly with your executive team or key employees? Unfortunately your leaders can make or break your enjoyment. Getting past petty squabbles or a general dislike for someone can be difficult, but if your executive team members are the main stressors in your business, it could be time to move on. And there is no shame in that. Finding a meaningful and rewarding what’s next, where you fit in and feel valued is of the utmost importance. Just don’t forget to give others the benefit of the doubt.

You have the power to take charge and change your life for the better. You know when the time will be right to move on. Finding out what serves your purpose in life is extremely important, and finding an outlet for that passion is what will make you ultimately happy in both your career and your life.