WHAT YOU CAN TAKE WITH YOU AND WHAT YOU LEAVE BEHIND

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out
(Ecclesiastes 5: King James Bible)
For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.
(Psalm 49:17: King James Bible)

It’s a sobering thought for many, but the reality is that you will most likely be forgotten after three generations. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. Those who enjoyed fame or notoriety during their life may be written about or discussed for longer, but for most of us, the generations to come will have no idea that we ever existed.

I do not know my great-grandparents or all the generations before them, not their accomplishments or failures, their personalities, or the love they had in their hearts. It is as if they never existed, and the same will happen to us all.
It isn’t very comforting to embrace and integrate into our psyches. Physical life often fosters the concept of permanence, and we avoid acknowledging or discussing the possibility of extinction. The fear of disappearing forever is horrifying to some and usually has profound debilitating effects.

Cus D’Amato (a famous boxing manager and trainer) once said: “a hero and a coward both feel the same thing. It’s what they do that makes the difference. It’s what the hero does that makes him a hero and what a coward doesn’t do that makes him a coward.” What we feel will not leave a legacy; it is what we do or don’t do. What do you want people to say about you when you’re gone? What story is your life writing that will be left for generations to come? These are profound questions about what kind of legacy your life will leave. I found the following on “allprodad.com” and edited the content somewhat.

1. Live your legacy. People can only see and experience how we live – so live with character, conviction, and passion. The most indelible legacy is the way that we live.
2. Live like you mean it. Engage this life with passion and gratitude. None of us know how long our lives may be. But we can leave the legacy of living as we care and in a way that honors our creation. People will remember how you live more than the details of your achievements.
3. Love as if your life depended on it (it does). We still have love and care even when we have nothing else to give. Loving and caring with commitment and enthusiasm is a legacy like no other.
4. Share your stories with others. Be an open book. Share your stories. Sharing your experiences will add value well into the future.
5. Be honest. Nothing communicates like authenticity. Share your failings as well as your triumphs. A legacy that speaks of transparency and an open spirit is a legacy that will benefit many generations.
6. Ground your purpose in a greater sense. We each live a story. The best stories are based on timeless principles and objectives and are certainly more significant than ours. Live a story that lasts an eternity.
7. Give people the gift of time. Most people remember presence more than they remember presents. Commit enough to yourself that your legacy is that you loved enough to be there.
8. Live for others. The great legacies of history are people who dedicated their lives to the service to humanity. On a smaller scale (but no less important) is our service to those we love, to our family, friends, and community.
9. Talk about your vision after you have departed from this life. Share with others what kind of life you would like them to live, even after you have died. Having those thoughts constantly play through their heads can help navigate them as they face crucial choices. “What would he/she do?”is the most potent legacy.

Finally, I thought about my own life. Entrepreneurs go into business for many reasons – to pursue a dream, find alternatives to an unfulfilling career or make more money. I was forced by retrenchment to rethink my future and career. I never thought of leaving a legacy or what it would mean. Benjamin Franklin put it this way: “If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” Leaving a legacy through your work means doing something worth writing about – and changing the world.

When you think about your career in terms of leaving a legacy and not merely as a source of income, it takes on a far deeper meaning. You want a lasting impact when you pour your time, energy, and passion into a business. You begin thinking, “What does legacy mean? How can I build one?” Your legacy is an inheritance – your gift of service to others. To leave a legacy is also a gift you give yourself since it paves the way for finding genuine fulfillment in your life.

The main objective of the ‘Autus succession plan’ is the prolonged safekeeping and growth of client assets. Essential requirements are a motivated & sustainable qualified team, appropriate & updated infrastructure, and transparent communication. Thank you to all the people who made me who I am and contributed in some way to help me survive and experience success in some way.