At some point in everyone’s life, three questions haunt your thinking.
Who am I? Why am I here? And where am I going?
Perhaps you’ve visited these questions more than once, stopping at various stages; the ones we think of as defining moments. Events like getting married, having children, changing jobs, buying a new house, and moving into that house create opportunities to examine ourselves.
As the years go by, our thinking shifts slightly. I submit that the three questions change too. The trio becomes:
- How did I do?
- What difference did it make?
- How will I be remembered?
All three get rolled together to become the Legacy we leave behind.
Many of my executive coaching clients are concerned about that legacy. They know the company isn’t going to name a building after them, but they wonder whether their leadership influence matters.
Just about the time you think you have answers to all the questions, life throws you a curveball.
Life’s Surprises
Recently I received an email from someone introducing themselves as my first cousin from my paternal grandmother’s side of the family.
I’ve been following my family genealogy for quite some time. I knew I had reached a dead end on the branch that was my grandmother.
Because of the power of the Ancestry.com database, the first cousin found me. She had begun building her family tree only a few weeks ago, yet there I was in the database.
We have already spoken by phone, exchanged many family photos, and made plans for future connections.
I had resigned myself to the notion that this portion of my history was going to go unknown. In fact, I’ve been thinking that all of my adult life.
Yet now, I have a whole new light to shine in my story. It has brought new energy and excitement to things.
It turns out this family line is a Lewis family; notably of the Lewis and Clark Expedition as well as some Hawkins namesakes who trace relationship to Davy Crockett (of the Alamo). I now have a complete line of heritage that includes military service in the American Revolution, War of 1812, the Civil War and both World Wars.
I realize many Americans can claim similar family history, but it made me proud all over again for the roots and legacy others left me.
It has created a renewed commitment to live my remaining years to the full.
So What?
The big so-what is that we all should take time periodically to recalibrate. We need reflection on the things that have happened. We need to reaffirm our purpose.
For the things that have already happened, you can make amends for shortcomings. For those yet to happen, make stronger plans driven by better choices.
I use a tool to define a personal purpose vision statement. Once this has been done the first time, it’s helpful to review it periodically to account for life events that may have changed your perspective. If you’d like a free copy of the Power of the Personal Purpose tool click here.
If you need someone to work through the next chapter with you, I am always available to come alongside as your coach or mentor.
