We all want to leave something behind. Not just memories, but real impact! Footprints in the lives of others that ripple long after we’re gone. But something we don’t really think about is that legacy isn’t just about what we achieve. It’s about what we can inspire others to do and become.
When writing my book, Millie: My Gift of Bangles [audiobook link], I, Millicent Clarke, as an author, HR Executive, and Leadership Coach, reflected on how much of my own story was shaped not by titles or accolades, but by the lessons I was able to pass along to those around me. The bangles transformed from adornments into symbols of strength, culture, and continuity. They were my way of saying that “your life is not only yours! It is part of a bigger story.”
Legacy Is Not Built in a Day
Too often, people imagine legacy as something monumental like philanthropic foundations, bestselling books, or global movements. But legacy is built in the everyday. It’s in how you show up for your team, the values you instill in your children, or the encouragement you give to someone who doubts their worth.
Research has consistently shown that people who focus on creating meaning for others report higher levels of life satisfaction and resilience. In fact, according to a study in the Journal of Positive Psychology, people who engage in “generative actions,” which are acts intended to benefit future generations, experience stronger well-being and a deeper sense of purpose. Legacy, in other words, enriches both the giver and the receiver.
The Gift You Leave Behind
We often think of legacy in terms of “gifts.” Some are tangible, like the bangles in the story. Others are intangible, like wisdom, kindness, leadership, and faith. When people remember you, it won’t be the car you drove or the titles you carried. They will remember how you made them feel, and whether you inspired them to believe in themselves.
So the question becomes: What gift are you leaving behind?
- For leaders, it may be a culture of trust and mentorship that carries on beyond your tenure.
- For families, it may be values that echo across generations.
- For communities, it may be opportunities created for those who follow.
Living Your Legacy Now
Every choice, every word, and every act of encouragement is a part of your story, and therefore a part of the legacy you leave. And the more intentionally you live, the more powerful your legacy becomes.
So don’t wait until tomorrow to start building something that will outlive you. Share your wisdom. Invest in people. Give your gifts.
Because one day, someone will hold the “bangles” you left them, whether literal or symbolic, and they will remember you not just for who you were, but for how you inspired them to keep the cycle going.
