A Life's Legacy

I am pleased to feature an article this week by a good friend of mine, Steve Reed. (Thank you Steve for submitting this article for publication on my BLOG.) Enjoy!

It starts with the first breath of life: a legacy is born. What will she be? What will he accomplish? What impact will she have in this world?

In the beginning of life's journey the possibilities seem almost endless - virtually unlimited. But somewhere in our development the limitations and constraints arise. One perspective is that possibilities turn to realities; consequently, most of us settle for less than we could be. Yet another perspective is that possibilities still exist - just under the surface. It seems as life goes by, reality overpowers possibility. Is this just the way it is, or has the daily routine of life caused us to miss something of vital importance? How do we get possibility back? What legacy are you creating with your life?

For most of us, it is a matter of reconnecting with who we really are and what brings meaning and significance to our life. It's about connecting with your life's purpose. Sometimes the things that we value and bring us meaning and significance change throughout our life: sometimes they don't. Regardless, it is a powerful moment when our purpose meets our passion, and suddenly we are in "flow": a psychological state of self-actualization.

According to Abraham Maslow, "flow" is a state or condition that all humans desire. Self-actualization is a state of meaningful achievement and fulfillment. Each of us want to live a life that has meaning and purpose, and leave behind a legacy we desire. Achieving or completing your life's purpose is a call to destiny. It is what should be. It's about creating your life's legacy. Where do you start? The first step is to understand and connect with the legacy you desire. It's about being intentional. What is your life's purpose? What brings you meaning and fulfillment?

Research shows that creating goals and developing plans to achieve those goals significantly increases the probability of achievement. Why? Setting a goal and creating a plan improves focus and clarity of purpose; intensifies our efforts; helps us to persevere and to follow our goals, even when the going gets difficult. And, it heightens our awareness of our environment so we can distinguish the aspects of our world that are really components of connecting with our legacy.

So what's the ultimate legacy for your life? Have you given this important matter much thought? Have you created a written legacy statement? If not, connect with your purpose, your passion, and what's at your core essence, and get started by writing your legacy statement. A thoughtful, well-crafted legacy statement is the compass you need to set course for your destiny; your life's ultimate legacy. Too busy? What could be more important? Are you defining your life by limitations or by possibilities?