A Legacy of Giving

Our legacy lies not in what we accumulate but in what we give to others.

This powerful quote emerged from John Maxwell's extensive work in leadership development and his personal philosophy about legacy. During a leadership conference in the early 2000s, Maxwell was reflecting on the impact of mentorship and the true measure of success. Having mentored thousands of leaders worldwide, he realized that his greatest achievement wasn't in what he had accumulated, but in what he had given away to others. This quote became one of his signature teachings, emphasizing the importance of living a life of significance rather than just success.

To put this truth into action, consider starting a mentoring relationship with someone younger in your field. Share your knowledge freely through lunch-and-learn sessions at work or volunteer to teach skills in your community. Keep a journal of lessons learned and actively look for opportunities to share these insights with others. Create systems to document your experiences and wisdom so they can be passed on. Make it a habit to invest at least 30 minutes daily in someone else's growth, whether through coaching, teaching, or simply sharing your experiences.

Biblical Reference: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." - Luke 6:38

This verse reinforces the principle that generosity and giving lead to multiplication. Jesus teaches that our willingness to give determines the measure of what we receive in return, not just materially but in terms of impact and influence.

Begin your journey of living for significance by identifying specific ways you can invest in others. Consider these questions:

· Who are three people you could mentor right now?

· What unique experiences or knowledge do you have that others could benefit from?

· How can you structure your week to include dedicated time for pouring into others?

· What systems could you create to document and share your wisdom more effectively?

· What's holding you back from starting today?

Let's schedule a discovery call to discuss how you can create a personal legacy plan that focuses on giving rather than getting.

Your wisdom and experience are valuable gifts - it's time to share them intentionally.

And speaking of sharing, do you know someone who would get value from this newsletter? I’d very much appreciate you sharing it with them.