Our living legacy is not just what we leave behind, it’s the lasting influence we create daily. A values-driven life is built on intentional actions that shape our relationships, contributions, and personal growth. The purposeful impact we make today defines how we will be remembered tomorrow.
Measuring Your Living Legacy: The True Value of Your Investments
Have you ever wondered what people will remember most about you? More importantly, how are you shaping that legacy today?
By embracing the power of now, we can cultivate a meaningful legacy, ensuring that our time, energy, and efforts contribute to something greater than ourselves. When we focus on continuous growth and align our actions with our core values, we maximize our impact and create a legacy that truly reflects who we are.
Legacy Isn't Just About Remembrance—It's About Impact.
Legacy isn’t just about what people will say about us when we’re gone; it’s about the influence we create while we’re here. The way we live today shapes how we will be remembered tomorrow.
What Does Legacy Mean?
Legacy ( leg ∙ a ∙ cy ) | noun
Something (memories or knowledge) that comes from the past or a person of the past.
By definition, a legacy is what we leave behind—memories, knowledge, and impact. But more than that, it’s the imprint we create in the present through our words and actions.
Why Building Your Legacy Every Day Is Vital
We all have the power to make a difference in the lives of others. Instead of looking back with regret, we can choose to live with intentional actions, shaping a future that reflects our core values.
By giving unconditionally to others, we become role models, respected, admired, and known for spreading joy throughout life. In many ways, we pass on the wisdom, kindness, and lessons others have given us. Your legacy is not just about wealth or accomplishments, it’s about the impact you have on people every day.
Strategies to Build a Living Legacy
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Lead with Purpose and Integrity: Your actions define your legacy. Stay true to your values, make ethical decisions, and demonstrate integrity in all you do.
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Invest in Relationships: The way you treat people leaves a lasting impression. Prioritize meaningful connections by listening, supporting, and uplifting those around you.
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Share Knowledge and Wisdom: Pass on what you’ve learned. Whether through mentorship, teaching, or storytelling, your insights can inspire and guide others long after you’re gone.
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Serve and Give Back: Impact your community by giving your time, skills, or resources to causes that matter. Acts of kindness create ripples of change.
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Embrace Lifelong Growth: A strong legacy comes from continuous self-improvement. Keep learning, adapting, and striving to be the best version of yourself.
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Be Present and Intentional: Small, everyday moments shape your legacy. Live fully in the present, express gratitude, and take purposeful actions that align with your values.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Several years ago, in preparation for speaking at Mohawk College's Business convocation, I reflected on my life and living legacy. During my speech, I said, "You are the author of your life – you hold your destiny in the palm of your hand, and you have total control of your success."
This quote holds real power. It reminds us that when we focus on our lasting influence, we take more thoughtful and deliberate actions. Our actions define us—they will always speak louder than words.
The Power of Now
Reflecting on your life’s path is crucial for gaining perspective on opportunities, growth, and achievements. Truthfully, we can always shift our path, refine our goals, and revisit the way we build our living legacy.
While we cannot rewrite the past, we hold the power to control the life we live today—and that is a beautiful gift. This gift is the Power of Now—the ability to be present, intentional, and impactful.
What’s one action you can take today to strengthen your living legacy? I recently took a moment to reflect on my own legacy, which led me to write my second book, The Power of Emotion. In it, I explore how emotional intelligence shapes the way we interact, grow, and ultimately build the legacies we leave behind. If you’re seeking ways to deepen your impact and strengthen your emotional intelligence, I invite you to explore its insights. Start today—live with purpose, act with intention, and leave a legacy that truly matters.
This article was originally published on July 14, 2018, and has been updated (February 2025).
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