As we embark on the incredible adventure of life, we focus our thoughts on what we want to do, see, experience, and accomplish. But as we progress further down the path of mortality, our attention shifts to what we will be remembered for—in other words, our legacy.
Depending on your personality, thinking about how future generations might remember you can be exciting, terrifying, or a mix of both! The good news is that, as long as you have breath in your lungs, you can still shape the story your posterity will tell about you.
Five ways of leaving a legacy
Here are five things you can do to leave a legacy. Implementing these simple practices will help ensure that future generations feel the impact of your life.
1. Curate your family history
We’ve all got old family photo albums tucked away somewhere. Take a look inside one of them and see if you know who all the people in the pictures are. Chances are, you don’t. Most people know surprisingly little about their ancestors. In fact, one third of adults can’t name any of their great-grandparents, and one fifth have no idea where their grandparents were born.
By becoming the curator of your family history, you not only build your own legacy but help create one for your ancestors. One easy way of doing this is to write the names of all the people you know, plus a little bit about their life and times, on the backs of your photos.
You could also research your ancestors and start a family tree—there is a wealth of online resources to help you glean information. Taking a DNA test is an affordable and increasingly popular way of finding out about your roots—you may be surprised by what you learn!
However you do it, documenting your life and the lives of your family members will enrich your life and add to the legacy you leave.
2. Write your story
Do you ever wonder how much your family actually knows about your life? You may think you’ve had a relatively uneventful existence, but we all have amazing stories to tell!
Putting your history into words in a private autobiography or memoir will preserve your precious memories, and it’s a great way of leaving a legacy. Write about what you have experienced, your parents and grandparents, the times you have lived through, and the lessons you’ve learned. Writing about your experiences means they will live on long after you’ve gone, and you’ll be creating a gift for your family that they will treasure for generations to come.
If the idea of putting your life into words feels daunting, LifeBook Memoirs is here to help. We are the world’s leading memoir and autobiography service, and our team of experts can work with you to define a theme and ultimately create a beautiful book that will tell your story and define your legacy.
Here’s what LifeBook Memoirs co-founder Roy Moëd has to say about legacy …
Contact us today to find out more about starting your memoir project.
3. Mentor others
We all have experiences and advice that we can share, whether by simply supporting friends and family or through something more formal with students, co-workers, or direct reports. Whatever the setting, strive to be someone who uplifts, encourages, and positively impacts others. By doing so, you’ll be helping them to become mentors too.
While you may think you don’t have knowledge to impart, give it a try and you’ll be surprised. Sharing bits of knowledge, insight, and wisdom may seem like a small thing, but it can make a lasting impression and really cement your positive legacy.
4. Give of your time
Time is everyone’s most valuable resource, and by giving it you can make an enormous difference in your community. There are many organizations who need your skills, passion, and time, and there are countless ways you can help: cleaning up a local park or volunteering in a food bank are just a couple of examples.
Giving your time to others is also very good for your health! Research shows that volunteering decreases stress and depression and keeps you mentally and physically active. It can even help you live longer. You’ll make lots of new friends too, and you’ll be spreading your legacy of goodness and service far and wide.
5. Donate to a good cause
A wonderful way to leave a legacy is by contributing money to a charitable cause. Using your money to improve the lives of others is something that your loved ones and your community will be able to see tangible benefits from for decades to come.
There are many ways to donate or contribute to causes you believe in. Gifts left in wills are a major reason why charities are able to operate and run their services. Bear in mind, though, that philanthropy isn’t just for millionaires—it’s not the size of the gifts that matters most but the way the funds are used. Any amount that you contribute will demonstrate the causes you believe in and enrich the legacy you leave.
Final thoughts
In this article, we have suggested just a handful of great ways to leave a legacy. Of course, there’s more to it than just these examples—the actions and choices you make throughout your life will help define what your legacy will be. In other words, if you want to leave a legacy, you need to live it. By doing so, you’ll get to see the wonderful benefits of what you do while you are still here. The results will help ensure your legacy is preserved for generations to come.
Written by the LifeBook Memoirs editorial team
