As we move into February, most of us have set personal and professional growth goals for the remainder of the year.
However, I’d like to challenge you to think about goals that transcend 2023. More specifically, I recommend you:
1) Look to the horizon line of your career and think about the lasting influence you want to have on the people around you (at work and home). What do you want your legacy to be? By contemplating your legacy, you’ll practice one of the seven habits outlined in Stephen Covey’s classic book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. That habit is:
“Begin With the End In Mind.”
2) Write down your desired legacy. Draft a succinct “legacy statement” that will serve as a tangible tool to guide your day-to-day choices. In the words of leadership author John Maxwell,
“People will summarize your life in one sentence. Pick it now.”
3) Publish your legacy statement – This doesn’t mean you need to post it online. Instead, you can place your legacy statement prominently in view and share it with someone you trust, so they can help you stay accountable.
4) Review and revise your legacy statement, as needed – While the review process should be consistent (e.g., every six months), you may decide your legacy statement never needs a revision. On the other hand, as your life and career change – you may wish to adjust your desired legacy.
5) Look for opportunities to expand your impact and influence – In their book Launching a Leadership Revolution, Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward suggest influence can be calculated by multiplying your effort by your scope. In addition to increasing effort toward your desired legacy, you can expand your scope by mentoring others. Your influence will grow even wider by encouraging the people you mentor to do the same for others.
Will you draft a legacy statement, publish it, seek an accountability partner and mentor others?
Someday, when you look back on your career, you will reflect on the creation of your legacy statement – as time well spent!
I’d love to help you realize your legacy, so let’s talk soon. You can get in touch with me at josephmichelli.com/contact.
Joseph A. Michelli, Ph.D. is a professional speaker and chief experience officer at The Michelli Experience. A New York Times #1 bestselling author, Dr. Michelli and his team consult with some of the world’s best customer experience companies.
Follow on Twitter: @josephmichelli
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