What kind of legacy are you building for yourself? What will you leave when you depart this earth? Will it be for your boundless and enduring philanthropy, like that of the Carnegies and the Rockefellers, or will it be more closely aligned with politics, like the Kennedys and the Bush family, or your artistic talents like the Osmonds and the Jacksons? Perhaps it’s for an epic adventure, invention or discovery that changes the course of history forever.
But let’s be real.
For most of us, our quiet strengths, loving gestures and acts of service we demonstrate naturally and over time to our very closest loved ones will inspire our legacies. If we want friends and family to remember us fondly, now is the time to start putting a little more strategy and thought around designing meaningful marks we can leave on our world.
Adopting a Legacy Mindset
A January 2024 article in The Washington Post talks about adopting a “legacy mindset,” and this is a great way to prepare our minds for such important work. “Short-term goals such as starting a new hobby or saving money for a special vacation can be valuable, but a legacy mind-set requires different considerations. Building a legacy – which benefits others and will survive beyond your lifetime – encourages you to think deeper and longer term, experts say,” writes author Katherine Kam in this thought-provoking piece.
A legacy mindset can inspire every interaction we have with others and can impact our long-term planning, the vision of our future and the way we develop our own interests and passions. The Good Life Project recently posted a story on this very topic and suggested beginning with the things that interest you now, not an unrealistic vision of how you’d like to be remembered by future generations.
“But when push comes to shove, how do you decide what legacy you want to leave after you’re gone? The answer lies in what you’re meant to do while you’re alive. This may sound counter-intuitive, but think about it this way: it’s your legacy. It has to come from that core version of yourself, which is most important to you.”
My Father’s Legacy
My deceased father, David Person, for example, had a passion for bringing people together and studying history. While living in retirement in Holly Springs, MS, he helped organize two well received local programs called “Behind the Big House” and “Gracing the Table,” which encouraged conversation between black and white residents about the community’s racist and slave-era history.
To many residents, Dad’s legacy is kindness, his generous nature and his embrace of the Holly Springs community. A scholarship and welcome reception have been established in his name. In this example, my father’s authentic actions and qualities became his legacy.
How to Leave Your Mark on the World
A similar story could be yours with a little thinking about what is important to you in the now. Once you have determined what brings you joy and makes you feel alive and purposeful, the next step is putting those theories into action – to practice what you are preaching.
On that note, here are five things you can do now to leave your mark on the world and live out your legacy mindset:
Set Up a Fund, Family Foundation or Scholarship in Your Name That Supports Something Important to You in Perpetuity
Of all the ways to leave your mark, funding it is among the easiest and most significant. And it is certainly the most tangible. Talk to your financial advisor about setting up a fund, or talk to local nonprofits that have been meaningful or supportive to your life.
Another well received act is to establish a 529 college fund or savings account for your children, grandchildren or special young people in your life. Like many elements of Grand Planning, this work begins with healthy conversations with professionals and your family. See what you can do to get that started today, because the sooner you do, the more impact your legacy will have on the people who matter most to you.
Communicate Family Legacy Stories so They Keep Living
Share your knowledge of family ancestry and stories with the loved ones in your life. Even better, write it all down and include photos with descriptions and save this in an organized folder or on a dedicated platform like Ancestry.com or the like. This gift not only informs your legacy as a wealth of information, it also passes along histories of ancestors whose stories may not yet have been shared.
Think About Qualities or Interests You Want to Be Remembered for
Consider the accolades that may be included in your one-day obituary, at least the ones that are super important to you. Maybe it’s “loved her family deeply” or “was an avid traveler” or “was a dedicated volunteer.” Then live those qualities out.
Make those strengths the foundation for which loved ones will remember you: dedicate yourself to the happiness of your family every single day; plan exotic trips annually; and in the last example, make volunteering for an organization a full-time job. These acts ensure others witness and respect your “mark” as well.
Distribute Important Belongings While You Can Do It Yourself
Give things that are special to you away while you are alive and explain to the receiver why it has meant something to you. In fact, it’s a great practice to give most of your stuff away to those who will take it while you are living. Whatever you do, don’t leave a houseful of stuff that people can’t easily identify as special or valuable because that will affect your legacy in more adverse ways.
Make the Time to Build Connected, Special Relationships with Family and Close Friends
Give your loved ones the gift of your time and attention and wisdom. You have learned a lot during your lifetime, and it will enhance your legacy greatly to share what you know. Even more eternal is the connection you can make with others. This is how people keep you alive in the memories forever.
To close, there is one big thing to remember about legacies and leaving your mark on the world. It is a lot easier to mar your legacy than it is to define it. Take the utmost care and caution when it comes to nurturing relationships with loved ones. If you choose to harbor resentment, remain distant, refuse to accept or become selfish with people in your spheres, the chance for celebrating your legacy will be very low.
Anything that you refuse to do, or turn your back toward or harbor resentment about, will wreck any positive mark you may have intended to leave. A full house of stuff, for example, or a reluctance to let others help you, can turn once happy memories into negative ones. It is critical to maintain focus on a positive legacy mindset!
Let’s Have a Legacy Discussion:
Do you think about your legacy? What does it look like? How are you making sure your memories stand the test of time?
