I recently took a trip to Ohio to honor my grandfather, Michael’s grandfather, actually. Our son, Jack, is named after him — Grandpa Jack. He lived to be a vibrant 95 years old. Reflecting on his passing, alongside losing the final family members who were part of the greatest generation, has deeply inspired me. It sparked an important conversation I felt compelled to share — one about legacy.
So often, especially in entrepreneurship, legacy is seen as a distant future concept. But I believe it’s lived in the present. Unfortunately, misconceptions about legacy can lead to regrets, broken families, and lost connections. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re someone driven to live purposefully, valuing your business as a vehicle to create a lasting ripple effect, let’s dive into an important discussion about living legacy today.
The Concept of “Your Big Next”
I’ve been discussing this idea of “your big next” a lot lately. It’s not just about exponentially growing your current vision or business. It’s more about aligning your next big leap with who you are meant to be. For us at Luminary, our business is profoundly family-first. We serve family-focused entrepreneurs committed to making an impact both in their homes and businesses. We try to pull back the curtain on how we do this, showing the importance of intentionally integrating every piece of your life into your larger goals.
Inspired by the Greatest Generation
Recently, attending Grandpa Jack’s funeral got me thinking about the legacy he and others of his generation left. We can learn so much from their regrets and successes. As I look back, I feel inspired to live differently and set my personal and business goals in a way that minimizes potential regret. Legacy isn’t just about what people say when we’re no longer here; it’s the way we live today.
Common Regrets and Building a Legacy
There’s a book I’ve read that really resonated with this topic, “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying.” Let’s explore a few:
- Not living a life true to oneself: In business, this could mean pursuing goals that aren’t really yours. Are you setting goals that honor your true values?
- Working too hard: It’s crucial to find a balance that prevents you from sacrificing what matters most. You can achieve your calling without overworking yourself.
- Not expressing feelings: If you’re not fully living into your potential or ignoring the pain of being away from family due to work, it’s time to address those feelings and make changes.
- Neglecting friendships: Relationships are vital. Moving back to New Hampshire, near family and friends, showed me how essential connection is for mental, physical, and professional health.
- Not choosing happiness or joy: Chasing joy, which is deeper and more intentional than fleeting happiness, can transform how you live and work.
Living a Legacy Now
Reflecting at Grandpa Jack’s service reminded me of the real value in life: relationships, wisdom, and love, rather than accolades or net worth. Legacy transcends material success. It’s about creating intentional impact and nurturing relationships today. As such, entrepreneurial work should be viewed as a vehicle for living one’s true values, not just achieving business achievements.
An Invitation
I’d love for you to join me in this journey. I’m hosting a free workshop designed to help you step into your next big leap without burning out. It’s about creating a life and business that align with your true calling and maximize your impact. Visit luminaryleadershipco.com/ceo or DM me on Instagram with the word “CEO” for the link to grab your seat.
In conclusion, building a legacy is not a distant dream but a present reality. Our daily actions and choices form the legacy we’ll one day leave. So, what steps will you take today to ensure you live a life that’s true to you? Share this with a friend if it resonates, and let’s keep this movement growing strong. Until next time, take care and keep building your legacy each day.
