My good friend Todd from We
The Change is a big believer in the practice of writing
your own eulogy.
He came up with an interesting exercise that I agree can be
powerful and help you generate a clear vision of how you want your
life to turn out.
As Todd points out "Is there any more effective way to think
with the end in mind then to consider what your legacy will be?"
We often get caught up in the day-to-day activities without
considering how our behaviors and actions will impact our legacy as
friends, spouses, parents and citizens of humanity.
Does it matter?
Of course it does. It matters with every breath we take, every
thought we think and every little ripple effect of our actions.
To borrow a quote from one of my favorite movies:
"What we do in life echoes through eternity." Maximus
The Gladiator
In order to ensure that your "legacy" is one you
consciously take part in, take some time to write your own eulogy.
Not only will it help you reflect on who you are, it will, as Todd
so eloquently points out:
Help make your goals clear to you.
Make your daily stresses seem trivial.
Give you a sense of purpose.
Help you create the ideal for yourself.
As per Todd's recommendation, here is my eulogy to myself:
Z. Hereford of Essential Life Skills
Enterprises Dies
After living a full, productive life, Z. Hereford passed
away peacefully at her ocean front home surrounded by her
loving family and friends.
Zee a renowned author, philosopher
and humanitarian was best known for launching the business
that encouraged and motivated people to develop themselves to
reach their full
potential and contribute their talents for the benefit of
all humanity.
She believed that the individual has great power and force
and that this same power, creatively and positively applied,
could elevate the human condition. Zee felt that since the
individual is a microcosm of the rest of humanity, when one
person works to fully develop themselves physically,
spiritually and intellectually, it has broad influence and
effect on everyone.
Although she didn't do it for the public acclaim, Zee's
philanthropic work brought her much recognition and many
awards. Her biggest causes were universal education and the
creation of opportunities for everyone. Because she felt that
every child deserves a chance, she donated much of her time
and money to inner city school projects and development.
As a patron of the
arts, Zee left much of her private art collection to the
local Art Museum. She also donated her collection of classical
and jazz music
to be auctioned off for charity.
Zee's greatest legacy is that she wanted for everyone
what she herself enjoyed in life - the love of wonderful
family and friends, the sharing of joy and laughter,
and the infinite beauty found in nature, music, literature and
art.
There you have it folks! Now it's your turn.
You'll be surprised at how much fun and revealing this exercise
is. Thanks to Todd for this fantastic idea!
Todd Goldfarb is a business consultant and entrepreneur living in
Manhattan, New York. Visit Todd at We
The Change.
He came up with an interesting exercise that I agree can be
powerful and help you generate a clear vision of how you want your
life to turn out.