What Will Be Your Legacy?
Have you ever thought about the end? I have always thought about the end of my life, since I was young. I have always wondered, “what will be my mark on this world?” This type of thinking drives me to be more intentional with everything I do. I am not perfect and there are times I forget this important question, just as I am sure many of you who are reading this also have. Sometimes we miss the mark and do things incorrectly, but the goal is to keep going.
I liken a legacy to working out to achieve weight loss. Every year during New Years celebrations, people from all walks of life commit to achieve a better physique. On January 1st, they quickly to the gym to sign up for a year-long membership and guarantee themselves they will “stick with it” for at least a year. These new-found gym goers understand it is going to take hard work and dedication. For about two weeks to three months most people “stick with it” and are consistent and gyms are full. But shortly after the initial excitement wears off, they begin missing a day or two and then eventually three or four and finally they have stopped going all together. When the next year comes around they often find themselves in an even more unhealthy state, because they did not stick with it.
So here is my point: Those who give up do not achieve their desired goals, but those who “stick with it” achieve what they set out to achieve. Gym goers who are consistent reach their full-potential, eventually. A legacy is similar and those who are consistent will eventually reach their full-potential. If you want to make a mark on this world, it takes consistency. Staying on track is the most difficult part of leadership. Keeping a direction going toward your mission is why we set up crucial markers along the way. It is much easier to reach our mission when we break it down in to simple goals and tasks.
If you get off track pick yourself up and restart immediately. Do not hesitate and make excuses! You must keep moving toward the goal. Remember, your mission is to…, so if that is truly your mission, you must keep working toward it. After all, you believe in your mission. No one else can complete complete your mission the way you can. No one else can have an impact on an organization like you can. No one else can make their mark on this world like you can. Your mission is unique and important, so strive to stay on track, but if you do make a mistake or get off track, you must get back up and continue on to see your legacy fulfilled.