Today, people all around the US are observing Memorial Day. They’re hanging out and having fun with family and friends. They’re grilling, swimming, fishing, and celebrating. Celebrating what? They’re celebrating the legacy left behind by some special men and women who have come and gone before them.
According to History.com, Memorial Day is…
“An American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.”
What exactly is a legacy? How does it help you be more productive?
You’ve likely heard – over and over again – the importance of setting goals. Setting goals helps you both be more productive and much more likely to achieve the things in your life you desire. It’s basically a win-win!
A legacy is the mark a person makes – and leaves – on the world.
As explained on Legacyproject.org, “Legacy is about life and living. It’s about learning from the past, living in the present, and building for the future. Legacy is fundamental to what it is to be human.” They go on to elaborate that a legacy is an… “Interconnection across time, with a need for those who have come before us and a responsibility to those who come after us.”
Have you ever thought about what you want your legacy to be when you’re long gone?
Your legacy is basically your “mega goal” or “life goal.” Once this idea is set, it ultimately shapes all you do, and will do, between here and there. With this ultimate-goal in mind, everything becomes clearer.
Better productivity is a natural byproduct of a clear idea of what you want your legacy to be.
Legacyproject.org confirms that with this statement:
“Research shows that without a sense of working to create a legacy, adults lose meaning in their life. Exploring the idea of legacy offers a glimpse not only into human relationships and building strong communities, but also the human spirit.”
Thus, it’s vital to come up with a clear vision of the legacy you want to leave and then take intentional steps to get there.
On this Memorial Day, as you are celebrating the legacy left by many Veterans who have served their country and passed on, consider your own legacy—what you want it to be. And remember… Memorial Day is also known as the beginning of summer – a new season, a new start – ready for new adventures and new accomplishments. Thus, it can be a new start for you too. A day for your own new beginnings. A day to start on the road to your own new adventures and new accomplishments. A day to begin moving toward creating your own legacy that will leave forever.
Happy Memorial Day!
