What Is Your Legacy?

During a recent speech, I told the audience that my mission was to empower the self-employed to succeed. Instantly a hand shot up in the audience. "What's your definition of success?" I smiled to myself -- I love it when they ask this question!

There are as many definitions of success as there are self employed people. Success could be "hitting my financial goals," or "becoming a nationally-known speaker." But I challenge you to add one more component to your definition of success: What will you leave behind as your lasting legacy?

Every single one of us leaves a legacy. Your very existence has an impact on the world whether you intend it or not. So, how do you want to be remembered?

Ask yourself, "If I died today ..."

  • What would I want people to say about me?

  • How have I helped other people?

  • Have I done my best, given my all?

  • Did my life have meaning and purpose?

Working towards a legacy in both your business and personal life keeps you motivated and performing at your peak. It gives a higher purpose to your life and work. Your work has an edge and energy because you're no longer just "doing work," you're building a legacy. Above all, it helps you share the fullest of what you are. And that's what I call Success!

© 2004 Karyn Greenstreet.

About The Author

Karyn Greenstreet is a Self Employment expert and small business coach. She shares tips, techniques and strategies with self-employed people to create and grow their businesses, stay focused and motivated, and perform at their peak. Visit her website at www.PassionForBusiness.com

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In a  photo provided by the 'Tiergarten Nuremberg' zoo in Nuremberg, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009 'Flocke', the young female polar bear left, seen with a young, nameless male polar bear from Russia. Nuremberg's celebrity polar bear cub, Flocke, has a new friend: a Russian bear. The city's zoo says it introduced the male polar bear Wednesday to 1-year-old Flocke, who was raised by zookeepers after her mother rejected her. (AP Photo/Tiergarten Nuremberg) * EDITORIAL USE ONLY * NO SALES *AP - Nuremberg's celebrity polar bear cub, Flocke, has a new friend: a Russian bear.



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Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Tehran, December 25, 2008. (Morteza Nikoubazl/Reuters)Reuters - President-elect Barack Obama should seek tougher sanctions against Iran, which will be his biggest Middle East challenge, outgoing White House national security adviser Stephen Hadley said on Wednesday.



Gaza residents tell of destroyed homes and naked prisoners as the civilian death toll in the impoverished strip continues to climb. Duration: 01:19(AFPTV)AFP - Israel silenced its guns for three hours on Wednesday to give embattled residents of Gaza's main city time to seek out food and fuel as international support grew for an Egyptian ceasefire proposal.



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