Continued from page 1
Few of us have
wherewithal to create a legacy of magnitude of Nobel Prizes. But all of us can recreate opportunity Alfred Nobel had in looking at his legacy and then taking steps to change it if it displeases us.
Most of us never stop to think of legacy we would like to leave. How do you find out what legacy you would like to leave? Here are two exercises that will help you clarify your thoughts on subject. The first is to write your own eulogy. Warning! This can be an emotional exercise, so keep box of tissues close at hand. Make sure you are alone and in an environment where you will not be disturbed. Before you start, take a few deep breaths, close your eyes and visualize your funeral. Be objective. If you were to die tomorrow, what would be said about you? Look it over. If eulogy you write does not please you, write down what you do want to be said about you. Look this eulogy over and decide what actions you would need to take now in order to create legacy you really want to leave. Notice that legacy you want to leave has little to do with your business or job. It is about kind of person you were, who you were being when you were at work, with your family, or handling a difficult situation.
The second exercise is to imagine that you had everything you needed. Write down words to complete sentence "If I had__________ I would________________." What changes would you have to make in your life to live a life consistent with your dreams? This is your real legacy. What is your stand? How do you live your life?
Here are some immediate actions you may want to consider taking, with regard to your legacy.
1) If you don't have a will, call a lawyer and make an appointment today.
2) If you have a will, review it. Is it up-to-date in terms of your circumstances today? Does language in will say anything that could be construed as hurtful or damaging by anyone? Are you giving from a generous heart or are you attempting to control living from grave?
3) Ask your accountant if its time to do estate planning.
5) Now, today start creating your true legacy.
Copyright Unlimited Resources 2000, all rights reserved.
Ruth Zanes has been a Business, Career and Personal Success Coach since 1985. Her broad range of experience prior to coaching includes consultant, business ownership and corporate executive for some of the world’s largest corporations. Contact Ruth at: http://www.unlimitedresourcesinc.com
