There is something about the beginning of football season that surfaces thoughts of "Leaving a Legacy". Is it because we hear the term used in reference to football heroes like Vince Lombardi, the Manning family, Hank Stram, Brett Favre, Joe Montana and other athletic legends? Each of these individuals and their legacies are tied very much to their accomplishments on the field. For most of us, our legacy will take on different meanings.
Each person leaves a legacy of some kind. We may not consider the topic until we are older and look back on life events. I've often contemplated the meaning of legacy but perhaps not in the right framework. To me, legacy is much more than accomplishments in the business world or in your chosen profession. Legacy speaks to the way others will reflect on your contributions to life after you have departed. A special quote by Shannon Alder:
"A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you"
The challenge is to decide what type of legacy we wish to leave, how we want to be remembered and then live our lives accordingly.
Recently the sports channels have been airing shows on "A Football Legend". One story sparked my renewed interest in the “legacy” concept
Joe Delaney was a running back in the NFL from 1981-1983. He played for the Kansas City Chiefs for 2 years and set 4 franchise records that stood for almost 20 years. A young athlete with great promise, Joe’s legacy would not be one of football fame. At the age of 25, he died while attempting to rescue 3 children from drowning in a pond in Monroe, Louisiana. Joe had a life long history of helping others. That history extended to his final living act. When he witnessed the children struggling in a nearby pond, his instincts took over. Even though he did not know how to swim, Joe dove into the water to attempt to save the children. President Ronald Reagan honored Delaney with the Presidential Citizens Medal. His words spoke to Joe's life legacy:
"He made the ultimate sacrifice by placing the lives of three children above regard for his own safety. By the supreme example of courage and compassion, this brilliantly gifted young man left a spiritual legacy for his fellow Americans"
I relay the story in an attempt to bring the meaning of legacy into perspective. As a Kansas City resident, I've seen Joe Delaney's name on the ring of honor at Arrowhead Stadium but assumed it was due to some football achievements. I didn’t fully understand his full life legacy until I heard his story.
Recognizing these antidotes of heroism and their link to legacy are indeed fascinating, it is up to each individual to define their personal legacy for imprint on the world. For some that legacy may be fame, fortune, and business success while others may choose spiritual being, family relationships, personal integrity, faith and respect.
There is an old "Seven Habits"
Although I don't have any great words of wisdom, I encourage everyone to reflect on your own life and the type of legacy you may want to leave either to your family, business colleagues and partners or to the world. Someone recently told me "It is never too late". I guess that depends on what you do with the time.
Have you considered your personal legacy?