What is a Legacy, Writing my Own Eulogy, and How to Articulate your Own Legacy.What is a Legacy?
Bulevar Kulina Bana in Zenica, Bosnia & Herzegovina – left 1970’s; right today. I grew up in Zenica and took endless walks along the river. It is one of my favorite places. I never knew that my father was responsible for planting the trees along the river.
In 2016, I celebrated my 50th birthday by watching *Hamilton* on Broadway with my wife, Laura, and Ray and Amy Kelly.
- The second to last song, “The World Was Wide Enough,” and the line, “Legacy. What is a Legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see”, moved me to tears and made me reflect on what matters.
Last summer, as I spent precious time with my father, I asked him what he was most proud of as the mayor of Zenica. He replied, “Planting the trees on the Boulevard along the Bosna River.” That simple statement became a profound moment for me—a reminder that our legacies are often found in the impact we have on future generations.
The bottom line: Creating a legacy is about nurturing what we may never see, whether through love, values, or literal trees.
- As we ponder our own legacies, let’s commit to planting seeds of kindness and hope, knowing they will flourish long after we’re gone.
- What will your legacy be?
From Success to Significance
In 2003, my boss, Art DeLorenzo, made a request that I found strange at the time: he asked me to write my own eulogy. I was in my mid-30s, juggling the responsibilities of raising two young kids, and the thought of such a task seemed bizarre.
- Yet, he persisted. I sat down and wrote it.
Fast forward to about five years ago when I stumbled upon that eulogy.
- To my astonishment, I realized that everything I envisioned then has either been accomplished or is on its way to being realized.
- It struck me that writing my eulogy was more than a morbid exercise; it was a powerful tool for reflection and intention.
As I think about my legacy, I want it to be clear: I aspire to be remembered as someone who puts smiles on people’s faces.
- A great husband, a loving father and supportive brother.
- A leader that advanced freedom and responsibility and made a positive impact by developing leaders around him.
Building your legacy: Start today
Inspire your future: Stephen Covey’s eulogy exercise in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” highlights the importance of living with purpose and aligning actions with the legacy we wish to leave.
Why it matters: Embracing this exercise can help you clarify your values and goals, ensuring you live intentionally.
- Begin shaping your legacy today by reflecting on what you want your eulogy to say.
Getting started:
- First: Use the Values Cards exercise to determine what matters to you. Visit the Inspire Network Values Cards page.
- Next: Write your own eulogy in about one to one-and-a-half pages long. Consider how you want to be remembered by family, friends, and colleagues.
- Finally: Lead by example. Communicate and align with your team to live the legacy you envision.
Need support?
- Reach out to the Inspire Network.
- Together, we can build the legacies we aspire to leave behind.
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