Leaving a Legacy

Wow...I've been so overwhelmed lately with stories and interviews of successful people. Some I have sought out, some have simply fallen in my lap. Coincidence? Don't believe in 'em. So, just feel the need to write what is on my heart.

It's funny...I grew up in a way that if someone asked me to name some successful people I admire, I would have begin thinking about people immediately who had been financially successful. I'm am almost ashamed to admit that now but stay with me for a moment. That was just in my mind because that was part of my definition of success. But as I am growing as a person, wife, mom and business person, I am realizing more and more that success really has nothing to do with money. In fact, money seems to be a by-product SOMETIMES of success but not always.

I watched a story recently profiling the career of Steve Jobs. Now, I didn't know a whole lot about his story before this besides who he was and frankly, still don't know a lot about him other than his career path. But one thing that struck me was this...They told how he convinced the then, CEO of Pepsi, to come over to be CEO of Apple because they needed a strong experienced CEO to manage the executive side of things. The man wasn't interested and he said Steve paused for about 15 secs, looked up and said, "Do you want to be a part of something that will changes peoples lives or do you want to sell sugar water for the rest of your life?" And that was it. He came to Apple.

The other thing that struck me about that story was in 2005, Steve was speaking to a group of college graduates at graduation and said for the past 30 something years, he wakes up every morning and says, "If today were my last day, would I still do what I'm going to do today?" His answer is yes. Mine...I had to think about.

Now, this is not a blog about Steve Jobs because I don't know him personally or anything about his character. But I did stop to reflect on those two things. I thought about my career in Real Estate...Sure, I love what I do, but am I changing the face of the real estate industry that will change people's lives? No...not yet, at least. I will reflect on what that might look like though. But I have a feeling, it will change the way people buy and sell homes in the future and I'd like to be a part of that. I also think, Real Estate companies as we know them would disintegrate and a new evolution would emerge. What THAT looks like, I will let you know.

However, more importantly than all of this, I wonder what kind of legacy I want to leave as a person? Now, when I think of what that looks like, I think it is a person who puts their family first and has amazing balance to life. I think if you can equip your kids to solve problems, keep all things in an eternal perspective, live with charitable hearts and stand with a faith that is unshakable, you have left a pretty good legacy to your kids. If you can live each day like it's your last, cherishing those around you and reflecting on how to give love to everyone you encounter, you are changing the world one person at a time. If you make your focus on building others up rather than tearing them down, your are not only successful; You are a great leader. And the world is craving great leaders today.

One last thing...I had the pleasure of interviewing someone I really admire the other day, who also happens to be incredibly financially successful. One thing he said that has struck me right through the heart was this. If he lost everything, he would have peace because his journey made a positive difference in the world. He has given so much of his money, time and heart and that is what fulfills him. Not making the money but giving the money. Wow! I aspire to say the same about my life someday and mean it!

Thanks to all of you who desire to make a positive difference. I am so grateful that my past has no bearing on what I can and will create. I am so grateful that God's mercy is new every morning. And I am so grateful to have a long list of people who care about me as a person. And I will make a difference.