Build Your Legacy Today: Inspire, Teach, and Lead

When you hear the term legacy, what comes to mind? A trust fund, a bank account, or perhaps other assets passed along to loved ones? The dictionary certainly suggests this: an amount of money or property left to someone in a will.

But legacy is more than just material wealth. It is the family business passed down through generations and the wisdom shared at Sunday dinners. Unfortunately, for many of us, legacy often feels like something that happens after we’re gone. It’s something we only start thinking about when life forces us to confront our own mortality.

So, here’s my question: Why do we wait?

Sharing Wisdom Now: Why Legacy Shouldn’t Wait

Recently, I attended an incredible conference in Nashville, hosted by LaunchTN, designed specifically for founders and entrepreneurs. For two days, I listened to successful business leaders share wisdom—lessons hard-earned through years of experience. They shared stories about their wins; but they shared their mistakes, too. They wanted others to avoid the traps that caught them, delaying launches or funding.

As I was listening, a thought struck me: Why is legacy always tied to death? Why do we wait until we’re no longer here to share the lessons we’ve learned? What if we flipped the script and built it right now, as we live and breathe, to see our wisdom shaping others around us?

Legacy Isn’t Just About Wealth: It’s About the Lives You Touch

There’s another important definition of legacy to consider: the long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc., of a person’s life. Think about that—legacy isn’t just about passing down wealth or property; it’s about the impact we leave on the world.

How do you want the world to remember you? What impact will your decisions and actions have on future generations? If you have lessons, experiences, and stories worth sharing, why not start leaving that legacy today? Your legacy could be a living, breathing part of your life today—something you shape and share now.

A living legacy is about sharing your knowledge and insights in a way that positively affects others today. Whether your audience is budding entrepreneurs, college students, or aspiring musicians, you have the unique opportunity to lead, inspire, and guide others while you’re still here to see the impact.

Why not flip the script?

Writing a Book: A Powerful Way to Preserve Your Legacy

So, how do you create a living legacy? It doesn’t require grand gestures or massive followings. Start small. Or go big. But get moving.

Speak at Events or Conferences: Just like the one I attended in Nashville, events give you a platform to share your stories and help others learn from your successes and failures. If you’re not ready for large stages, local events or even virtual webinars are great starting points.

Teach: Maybe your style is to teach a course at a local college, a community center, or even an online platform like Udemy. I once taught as an adjunct professor at Seattle University, but I got even greater fulfillment from teaching a course at my son’s school years ago. This course for fourth-graders, called The Great Veggie Challenge, seemed like a small effort at the time. But those young minds eagerly tasted (and loved!) yummy vegetable-forward creations from my kitchen. Influencing young children on how to eat healthier foods is a legacy in itself.

Mentor Someone: You don’t need a large audience to make a big difference. Think about how one mentor who has made a tremendous difference in your career path or life–now it’s your turn to pay it forward. Mentoring is a powerful way to leave a lasting impact on someone’s life. Find someone in your field or community who could benefit from your experiences.

Write a Book: Writing a book is one of the most profound ways to create a living legacy. Books allow you to capture your stories, your wisdom, and everything that makes you, you. A book not only preserves your knowledge, but it also has the power to reach readers far beyond your immediate circle. Books can shape your personal history and the lives of all who read them.

Write Your Way

What books have you read that have shaped your opinions, opened doors, or shed some light? One of the most accomplished entrepreneurs on the planet, Bill Gates, reads over fifty books a year. And he’s written a few, too. As he says, “Reading fuels a sense of curiosity about the world.” Wouldn’t you like to do the same?

Stephen Covey’s The 7 Skills of Highly Effective People motivated me years ago as I set out on my career in marketing management. Aaker’s Building Strong Brands helped guide my approach to building brands at my former agency. Zobel’s Minding Her Own Business taught me practical ways to run my small business more efficiently. And Building a StoryBrand, written by Donald Miller, has been a wonderful guide for developing messaging for people and businesses.

What books are on your list? How can you help entrepreneurs and business leaders along their paths?

Final Thoughts on Building a Legacy

The beauty of creating a living legacy is that you get to witness the ripple effect of your influence. You can see the impact your words and actions have on others. You can build stronger relationships, inspire the next generation, and share in the success of those you’ve mentored or guided.

So, here’s the challenge: Don’t wait until it’s too late to think about your legacy. Start building it now. Share what you know, tell your story, and leave a mark on the world while you’re still here to see it.

Start creating your living legacy today with authoring a book. An Advantage Books advisor can help you start your authorship journey. Request a consult today.