How do you want to be remembered? Does creating a legacy feel important to you? Would you like people to remember a contribution you made to your community? If you answered yes to any of these questions then it might be time to begin thinking about your own legacy. This article is written in memory of my best friend Charles Henderson who died of cancer in October 2006–this place will never be the same without these two guys for me.
George Carlin
George left behind a controversial, yet truth filled legacy of making people laugh while examining their own political values. He challenged everything from government, religion, status quo, and how we utilize our language. He was a champion of the little guy and proponent of the truth.
George made people laugh, gave them entertainment value, and he did it in a manner that often left people pondering their own ideals
What is Your Legacy?
Do you want to leave behind something people will remember you for, benefit from, and generally recognize as your contribution?
If you answered no or I don’t care then stop reading and go back to your bag of chips and soda. If you answered “I think so” or “Yes” then take heart you can create a legacy
What Do I Do?
1. Analyze what cause or interest you wish to support
2. Choose a charity or interest you wish to help, raise awareness, or raise funds to help
3. Consider ways your business or personal work can benefit people and how you can bring this to the masses
4. Can you teach?
5. Would you mentor a kid?
6. Create a charity event
7. Model your legacy after that of a person or organization you admire
Now What?
This is the easy part. Once you have decided in what direction to move–just move. Commit time to performing the task(s) that will move forward your cause, your work, or your vision. Bring it to the people. Be consistent and watch your efforts grow.
Remember
You don’t have to be famous or glamorous in order to be remembered. You just need to make an “impact” in one person’s life to begin crafting your legacy. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder–go out and create a masterpiece.
Ode to George
I saw Carlin perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. 15 years ago. I have seen some amazing comedians but none as thought provoking as George. May his legacy and magic continue to touch people. We will miss you George!
DeansGuide 