“Legacy†is a huge buzzword in today’s world. Everyone wants to do something that resonates throughout history. Then, while they’re working on their entry for TIME Magazine’s next “Greatest Leaders of the Century†edition, someone catches them in a scandal or a cover-up and, there you have it – legacy by default. De-fault of the guy acting without integrity.
So, yes, we all want to be remembered – fondly – 100 years from now. But the most promising path to that kind of immortality is via humility, nobility, self-sacrifice and thinking of others.
AllProDad wants to help you with your legacy. Here are ten ways to be remembered 100 years from now:
1. Don’t live for your legacy – live for your family: Legacy building is counterproductive as an end to itself. People who value their family above their own ego tend to be remembered for generations.
2. Be passionate! Philosopher Howard Thurman said this: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.â€
3. Defer short-term gratification for long-term satisfaction: We work hard to teach this to our children; then we forget about the principle for ourselves! Is today’s 62-inch TV really as important as Junior’s future education? Is the satisfaction of a well-timed volley of sarcasm worth the cost to relationships? Is this one-night-stand a good substitute for a lifetime of commitment?
4. Build other people up: Ask this question, every day, “What can I do to encourage my wife, my kids, my co-workers, my friends…?â€
5. Be an honorable person:
– What’s better than money? Reputation!
– What’s more lasting than fame? Integrity!
– What are future generations more likely to talk about than the coolness of the car you drove? The honor and nobility of the man who may well have taken a bus to work every day for all they know.
6. Define your life in terms of giving rather than taking: You don’t have to be a rich philanthropist with your name on a wall to be remembered. Do what you can; give with all your heart. Lives defined by generosity make indelible marks on history.
7. “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!â€: Share your real self with your children; talk openly with your spouse; let your friends in. Men who build walls around their hearts and souls are not remembered – because nobody knows them. Tell the stories. How can we be remembered if we won’t allow ourselves to be known?
8. Love your family: Does this sound like a no-brainer? Well, a lot of us could use a primer on love. Here’s a quickie definition from the Bible that works – “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.â€
Source: http://www.allprodad.com/top10/inspirational/10-ways-to-be-remembered-100-years-from-now/