Leaving a Legacy: The Key to Lasting Success

Leaving a legacy isn’t just for football stars and great singers… nope. We all leave a legacy. It's just a question of whether you're doing it intentionally or not. If you're stuck on that, earlier this year I also wrote about how to create a powerful vision to get you started.

A legacy is when you pass something on - like your values, work ethic, and contribution to the world. It’s the key to lasting success because others will remember you long after you’ve gone…and isn’t that pretty awesome?

‘The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.’

– Kalu Ndukwe Kalu

Leaving a legacy helps you navigate every day with meaning and direction.

If you're in business, it also ensures your organization keeps its core values and the progression it’s made. When you don’t consider your legacy, people can forget what you stand for and the contribution you’ve made.?

How to Leave a Legacy for Lasting Success

Leaving a legacy means your hard work, your business, or your memory as a person will continue to thrive long after you’ve gone. It’s the true mark of success because your ethics and values don’t leave with you…they continue to live on.

If you’re not sure how to start your legacy, ask yourself:

What do I want my message to be? Is it to spread positivity, hard work, or to be kind? Maybe it’s about creating innovative ideas - or remembering that contributing to the community is crucial. (A big one for me.) Whatever it is…decide so you can start living up to that standard.

What do I really care about? It’s pretty hard to leave a legacy if you don’t really care about anything, right? Find what you’re passionate about…whatever it is! If you’re really into volunteering, being a mentor, or connecting with your community, then do it! Show people who you are so they can carry on the message and continue your excellent work.

How can I live up to my standards? You know the saying, ‘Do as I say and not as I do?’ yeah…don’t do that. Do what you said you would - keep promises to yourself. If you want to leave the legacy of connecting with other people, then…you know…go out and do it. Show others that you care and be the best that you can be.

How can I pass on my skills to others? Great leaders share their experiences with others and, by doing that, create a new generation of leaders. You want to be known as someone who trains others to reach their full potential. So, don’t keep your skills all to yourself. Be generous and bestow your wisdom.

How to Choose Your Next Leaders (Someone Needs to Continue Your Legacy)

Not everyone makes a great leader (and that’s okay), but that’s why selecting the people to continue your legacy is crucial.

If you’re unsure who would be a great next leader, consider the below:

1. Do they accept responsibility? You need someone who provides a proactive direction, owns up when things go wrong , and will go the extra mile for your organization.
2. Do they have the necessary skills? Selecting someone up for the job is crucial, and they need the right set of skills. In some cases natural ability is essential. But in most cases, if they don’t have the skill-set, but they have leadership qualities.... just, you know ...teach them! You'll know when someone will make a great leader, so continue your legacy by mentoring them.

How to Measure a Leader’s Success

If you're choosing the next leader to continue your legacy, you gotta take note of their accomplishments. If you’re not sure where to start - look at yours! How do you know you’ve been a successful leader? Some answers might be…

• You add value to the company. Whether it’s turning in profits, building up the team, or contributing ideas, knowing you add value to the business is the perfect way to notice your achievements.
• You grow your team’s talents. A great leader doesn’t let their team get lost at sea or prevent them from seeking opportunities…no. They take the time to listen to what they want and the areas they need to grow, then help them get there.?
• You will be sorely missed. If you leave, you don’t want the company to fall apart. No. You want to keep the cogs turning and the wheels running smoothly. That’s how a great leader leaves a legacy. But that doesn’t mean people won’t miss your values, support, and contributions. If you’ll miss the business and they’ll miss you, take it as a good thing.

In Short,

Leaving a legacy is the ultimate goal for lasting success. Decide what gift you want to leave, live by it, and pass it on to others. But don’t forget…a big part is choosing the next set of leaders to continue your legacy. So choose right, and you’ll be on your way to ever-lasting success.

Just saying.

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