Compelling questions help to focus us to think more deeply and opens the door to self-examination.

QOTW.09.16.2019.jpg — Legacy

Start with end in mind

Have you ever met someone who is crystal clear about what they want in life? These people act with purpose and seem to be “going places”. I’ve been lucky enough to have met a few of these folks in my life and have found that they all have one thing in common; They live their life with the end in mind.

We all have a limited time on this planet. Yet, most of us live our lives day-to-day, with maybe a vague idea of where we want to go. We may make short-term plans like; attending college, but few of us plan our lives thinking about how to make the most of our lives; what we want our life to have meant; what we are remembered for.

This can lead to feeling like we’ve left too many things undone or failed to live life with enthusiasm or purpose. The good news is that you can live a fulfilling life, a life worthy of admiration, you just need to discover your legacy and then start living it. Here are a few strategies to help you get started:

1. Determine your core values: Figure out what’s most important to you. Take your time. You only have one life so make it as meaningful as possible. What truly matters to you?

2. Start with the end in mind: Imagine you’re on your death bed. Where are you? Are you living in a mansion with a private nurse? In a nursing home? In a modest family home? Who is with you? Close family? Do you have a string of friends, family, and admirers stopping by to pay their respects?

3. Take a look backwards: What will your life have been about? Spreading peace throughout the world? Building a real estate empire? Traveling the world and learning about different cultures? Mastering the piano? Becoming the most powerful person in your city? Living a well-rounded life with a close-knit family?Make a list of everything you want to do, have, and accomplish over the course of your lifetime. What great cause do you want to represent? What would make you proud?

4. Look at your calendar: Imagine your average weekday and weekend day. If you continued living this way for the rest of your life, where would you end up? Are you on the path to living the legacy you desire?

5. Determine the first step: What do you need to do first? Create a set of goals with the ultimate end in mind. Create a starting goal that can begin working on immediately. For example, imagine one of your goals is to climb Mount Everest. Your set of goals might look like:

Join a gym and get into great shape.
Start saving money. Equipment and traveling are expensive.
Get a passport.
Take a mountaineering course on Mt Rainier that will prepare me for my next climb.
Climb Ecuadorian volcanoes.
Climb Mt Aconcagua.
Climb Mt. McKinley.
Climb Mt. Cho Oyu.
Climb Mt Everest.

6. Get started: This can be the hardest part. Building a business empire can seem out of reach when you only have $158 in the bank, but your journey is all about progress not perfection. It’s just going to take a hard work and patience.

7. Have a clear vision: Avoid getting discouraged by unexpected setbacks and obstacles. Focus on your vision and celebrate your progress. Every step is a step closer to your legacy.

You can create a life that is exciting and fulfilling. Dream big, be bold, and get started today to make your new reality.

“You Can Never Leave Footprints That Last If You Are Always Walking On Tiptoe.”

-Leymah Gbowee, Liberian peace activist