Every year Nobel Prizes are handed out for economics, literature, medicine and sciences, and peace.
These awards are made possible by a massive fortune that supports the program. The idea of honoring each year’s best of the best was created over a century ago by Alfred B. Nobel, who had become wealthy as an arms manufacturer and the inventor of dynamite.
He decided to dedicate his fortune to this noble cause because of something that happened to him—something that very few of us ever get to experience.
When Nobel’s brother died, a newspaper mistakenly ran the obituary of Alfred Nobel. What he read horrified him. He was described as a merchant of death, a man who had made it possible to kill more people more quickly than anyone else who had ever lived. Extremely upset, Nobel decided that he wanted to be remembered for something more positive.
We may never see our own obituary, but like Alfred Nobel, we all have the opportunity to craft a legacy that is aligned with our best self.
How can you create a legacy to be proud of?
Tend to your thoughts. Our lives are created from our thoughts, and when we posses control over our thinking we can choose the life we want to live. If you believe you are a failure, people will view as a failure; if you see yourself as honest, kind and loving the world in turn will respond positively to you. It is always in our choosing to choose our thoughts
The examined life. To live a full life, you must take the time to examine yourself. Plato said “Know thyself,” and Socrates urged his fellow Athenians to live noble lives—to think critically and logically, with probing minds and open hearts, because he believed that through examination we can find a life worth living and a legacy worth leaving.
Take responsibility. If you hope to accomplish great things you must begin to accept responsibility for your actions—today, tomorrow, and in the future—no matter how old or how young you are.
Make yourself necessary. Look at the world around you the people in your life, the community you live in, and think of what you can offer of benefit. Then do everything you can to offer it—in your offering you will change the world.
Give love and give it freely. Life becomes more meaningful and everlasting when you express love without condition. A loving person creates a loving world, and if you can be remembered as someone who was filled with love for humanity, your legacy will be surely be a lasting one.
Count your blessings. The act of gratitude can transform any life, from hard to happy, from melancholy to magnificent, from troubled to tender. The heart that is open to thankfulness is usually receptive to a meaningful life.
Think less about what you can get and more about what you can give. No person was ever honored for what they received but for what they gave. Go the extra mile when you give and your legacy will be great.
Working to create a great legacy helps you to be honest with yourself. You learn what is real, what matters most. you learn to be true to yourself and live your life with dignity and compassion.
LEAD FROM WITHIN: There are no limits on how you can leave your mark in this world but your legacy matters and it matters because you matter.
N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.
Susan Mary Malone
13. Oct, 2015
The idea of leaving a legacy sure re-frames how we see life, no? One of yours really tweaked me, Lolly–Make Yourself Necessary. It truly is in our very gifts, and giving those back, that we change the world.
Thank you for this!
Gordon Smith Senior
15. Oct, 2015
Great information Lolly
Keep up the good work
Gordon Smith
skype me : gordonsmith2015
Milind Jadhav
15. Oct, 2015
I second Susan’s comment on Make Yourself Necessary. In the world we live in, it’s important we ask ourselves how much we are contributing to the well being of others, how much of an impact we are creating. The answer to this question can often shape our thinking on whether we are in the right job or not. Thanks for sharing..
Dr Christopher Daniel
17. Oct, 2015
Very interesting article indeed.
Anisa Menza
19. Oct, 2015
Greetings Lolly what a discussion!
I normally ask myself what legacy will I leave behind me. I work in the community I work with children and women.
Well maybe I don’t know what legacy is exactly but I feel good when I see my clients rising from no-where to somewhere by following my advise and guidance.
Last month I got a whatsup message from one of the boys thanking me so much for changing his life, well I don’t remember him but I felt good and there are more of them I die today will this mean I have left a legacy?
Ricardo
19. Oct, 2015
Dear Lolly,
Thank you for your wonderful summary on the Legacy that we’re leaving in this world.
In a world in which some many experts are trying to teach you how focus on getting what you want, how to use the law of attraction to get this or to get that… very few teach you “how to give,” how to give of yourself and your gifts, and making that a great part of the purpose of our lives.
Your message and the way you serve the world resonates with me in a wonderful way. You have a beautiful spirit and your words inspire calmness.
I almost feel that I am the male version of Lolly Daskal, though not as accomplished as you at this point in my life.
I am at a pivotal point in my life/career and your words inspire me. Thank you for being you!
Many blessings to you and everything that you do to make the world a better place.
Ricardo
john paul
19. Oct, 2015
“A loving person creates a loving world, and if you can be remembered as someone who was filled with love for humanity, your legacy will be surely be a lasting one.”
Lolly, this is how i have always thought about you! Thank you for the legacy you have placed in my heart and in the hearts of SO many others. – john
Victor Benjamin
19. Jul, 2017
Thank Lolly for these inspiring piece.
Tony
17. Jul, 2019
This is a great post Lolly.
I truly agree that crafting a legacy by watching over thoughts, examine yourself, love freely and taking responsibility for your actions is something everyone should try to do.
There are lots of good reminders in here.
iin life
19. Aug, 2019
A good article on Legacy