Legacy reflection and well-being: more connected than we think
In our fast-paced world, International Self-Care Day (July 24) reminds us to pause and reflect on our well-being. While self-care often brings to mind activities like exercise, meditation, or a day at the spa, there's a deeper aspect that's often overlooked: the legacy we leave behind. Actually, scratch that. The legacy we’re living right now.
Thinking about our personal stories, values, and the impact we want to have and make can be a powerful form of self-care, enhancing both our mental health and sense of purpose. Financial wizard Warren Buffett once wrote in an annual letter to shareholders an intriguing perspective on this connection. He suggested that much of his firm's success stemmed from avoiding "major mistakes." When asked how to avoid such pitfalls in investing and life, Buffett advised, “You should write your obituary and figure out how to live up to it.” This blueprint for avoiding mistakes, whether financial or personal, underscores the profound link between living intentionally and achieving lasting well-being.
To better understand people's perspectives on legacy, I recently conducted a survey with a sample size of close to 1,000 participants from various professional backgrounds and countries. The results were incredibly humbling and offered profound insights into how we view our lasting impact.
Legacy: beyond material wealth
One of the most striking revelations was that legacy has nothing to do with money. Instead, it’s about the personal and lasting story we want to share. The biggest barrier? Time. Yet, what better time than now, on International Self-Care Day, to think about how we can live our lives more intentionally? And the health benefits that come.
People expressed a genuine interest in sharing their stories with those closest to them. They believe that understanding others' reflections and life lessons can inspire better living. By knowing more about ourselves, we can strip away the unnecessary and focus on what truly matters.
A statistic from a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology reveals that individuals who engage in legacy thinking and planning report a 25% increase in life satisfaction and a 20% decrease in depressive symptoms. This demonstrates the significant positive impact that contemplating and crafting one's legacy can have on overall well-being.
Emotional well-being and legacy
The process of considering and building our legacy contributes significantly to our emotional well-being. It provides a sense of purpose and direction, anchoring us in the knowledge that our lives have meaning beyond the present moment. Engaging in legacy planning helps us to articulate our values and ensure that they are passed on, fostering a sense of continuity and connection.
Why should we care?
So why should we care about legacy? In a world where we are often focused on immediate concerns, thinking about legacy forces us to look at the bigger picture. It prompts us to live more intentionally, knowing that our actions today will shape the memories and values we leave behind. This awareness can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
Additionally, legacy planning can reduce family conflicts and ensure that our wishes are respected after we are gone. It provides clarity and comfort to our loved ones, knowing that they have a piece of us to hold onto, whether it be through shared stories, documented values, or personal reflections.
Market research insights
Back to my market research on how people feel about the word legacy:
Legacy beyond money: For many, legacy has nothing to do with financial wealth. It's about the lasting impact and the stories we leave behind.
Interest in personal stories: Thinking about one's personal and lasting story is of great interest, though the biggest barrier is time. However, there's no better time than now to think about how best to live our lives.
Sharing stories: People are eager to share their stories with those closest to them, as it helps to foster deeper connections.
Inspiration from others: Understanding others' reflections and life takes inspires better living, providing guidance and motivation.
Self-discovery: Knowing more about ourselves helps strip away unnecessary aspects of life, allowing us to focus on what truly matters.
Great legacy: Ultimately, a great legacy is about having a positive impact on others and passing on wisdom and life lessons to future generations.
These preliminary findings are still part of my ongoing research, but they highlight the deep-seated human desire to leave a meaningful legacy.
Moving forward
As I continue to delve deeper into this topic, I encourage you to start thinking about your legacy. Reflect on your values, your experiences, and the stories you want to share. Consider how these elements contribute to your well-being, what you stand for, what you don’t stand for, who you want to become and how they can positively impact those around you. Embracing the concept of legacy is not just about the end of life; it’s about enhancing the quality and purpose of the life we live now.
In the coming weeks, I'll be exploring this topic further, discussing practical steps for legacy planning and sharing insights on how to create a meaningful and lasting impact. Stay tuned, and join me on this journey of reflection and purposeful living.
