The 7-Foundational Principles of Living Your Legacy Today!
Legacy – Have you ever asked yourself, “What do the people I care about say about me now?” or “What would others say about me when I am gone?” Each day we make choices and decisions. How we live life and interact with those around us build our legacy. Are you living your legacy today?
In my journey to understand legacy, I have done a lot of reading, and in my reading, I have come across some articles about individuals that were honored for successes or accomplishments which expressed a legacy that they lived. People of influence and renown are susceptible to making huge mistakes that tarnish their reputations and jeopardize their integrity. On the flip side, there are people that maintain their reputations and integrity despite their fame or influence.
From the readings and study, I have come to recognize characteristics in individuals that have exemplified what legacy is and how legacy is lived out in those that have done life well. I have boiled these characteristics down into 7 foundational principles of living your legacy today and have identified how some famous men exemplified these 7 foundational principles. Read the quotes said of these individuals and reflect on the traits they exemplified.
Character: Bart Starr, former Green bay Packer quarterback. Of Bart Starr, Jay Sorgi writes, “It seemed as if it was a product of his intensely-rooted Christian faith, one which for him espoused discipline, priorities, humility and the dignity of all people.”
Connection: Rob Babcock , former executive of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Of Rob Babcock, Jeff Feld said, “That’s why Rob was special. He was humble and unassuming, had a blue-collar work ethic and never swung his ego or pulled rank. He treated interns the way he treated owners and star players. In the exhausting life working in the NBA, dealing with Rob was a refreshing reminder that the way you treat people, matters.”
Competence: Joe Gibbs , former NFL coach and NASCAR team owner said. Of Joe Gibbs, Thom Loverro said, “Gibbs has to be considered perhaps the greatest football coach of all time because of the unique and unmatched way he won three Super Bowls as the Washington Redskins head coach — with three different quarterbacks, none of whom are or will be with him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The success of his racing team also came with different drivers and different personalities winning races and championships, with Gibbs being the common denominator. The gift is Gibbs, who creates an atmosphere filled with class and competition that consumes those who are fortunate enough to be part of it.”
Courage: Gary Painter , deceased Midland County Sheriff – Of Gary Painter, Midland County Judge Terry Johnson said, “Sheriff Painter never hesitated to run towards danger, and created stability in chaotic situations that ‘would have overwhelmed anybody else’.”
Consistency: Don Fraser , former U.S. Congressmen from Minnesota. Of Don Fraser, Iric Nathanson said, “I discovered the strong will and the keen intelligence that he used to advance his policy and political concerns. Guided by a strong core of beliefs, he moved ahead with single-minded determination once he decided on a course of action.”
Clout (influence): Bart Starr, former Green Bay Packer quarterback. Of Bart Starr, Jay Sorgi said, “He had the gift to make people feel like the most important person in his world in that moment. He used it. Often.”
Coachability: August Turak ,writer and contributor to Forbes.com. August Turak quotes someone who had said, “Augie, I enjoy teaching you. No matter what I ask you to do you give me 150%. You’d be amazed at how many guys pay me just to argue with me. They don’t really want to change it; they’d rather be right than good.”
I challenge you to think about what others are saying about you and will say about you when you are gone. I would encourage you to take a few minutes and think forward to your 80th birthday party and contemplate what people might say about you then. What would your wife say? Your best friend? A coworker? This exercise can guide you in how you live your life today. Having “the end in mind” can help you make decisions in the things that you choose to do or not do.
“He had the gift to make people feel like the most important person in his world in that moment. He used it. Often.”
Jay Sorgi about Bart Star
Every day we make choices. Are your choices getting you to where you desire to be? Think about your legacy and live it today.
Give me some feedback on these foundational principles. What might you add to the list?