I speak a lot about creating a legacy, establishing a track record of things you've contributed to the world that benefits people in general and your family specifically. But most of us don't know what it really means or how to accomplish it.

I recently turned 40 years old and intentionally took time to reflect. It was a great time seeing the things that have happened in my life - and more importantly - what I've done in response to them. It was encouraging because I feel I've been blessed to see and act on something many people never figure out - how to grow personally in spite of the obstacles and setbacks to creating a legacy.

On this episode I want to talk to you about the basics behind building a legacy. It takes a lot of personal work, a lot of time discovering who you are and what you are all about. Take the time to listen, I'd love it if you come away from this episode with a clearer vision of what you're on the planet to do.

Self-discovery is one of the greatest accomplishments in life

It's so important that each and every one of us takes the time to discover who we are - in God's eyes. He's our Creator, so it makes sense that we do what is necessary to get in touch with what He's put us on the planet to do. If we don't, we'll wind up floundering for our entire lives, striving to accomplish things that are totally off track.

But self-discovery takes time. It takes intentional time - to reflect, to ask hard questions, to look at the reality of who we have been and what we've been doing in our lives. When we do, we are able to see reality, not the story we tend to tell ourselves during the hurry and hustle of life. Then we have a clear sense of where we are and where we need to go.

Don't skip self-discovery. Don't think you can build any kind of legacy if you're unwilling to take a long, hard look at who you are and what you're made for.

Your ability to address the setbacks you experience in life is vital

One of the things we need to do during a process of self-discovery is to face the things that are causing us the most pain. It could be old habits that haven't served us well. It could be tragic circumstances we've had to endure. No matter what it is, it's causing friction in our lives, or else we wouldn't be feeling pain or frustration. We've got to learn to address those things if we're going to create a legacy that is bigger than us.

Think about that idea - building a legacy. It's about leaving something of value behind, ensuring that the things your existence has deposited into the world is worthwhile.

Your pain is NOT that. Your regrets and hardships are NOT that. You were made for more - which is why you have got to face the setbacks you've experienced. Deal with them. Get past them. Then you will see more clearly how to create the legacy you're made to create.

Identify your unique talents to maximize your ability to create a legacy

Once you've dealt with the difficulties and pain in your life - once you've discovered a bit more of what's in your own soul (that's an indication of what God has designed you for), it's time to dig a bit deeper. It's time for you to find out what is unique about you, what is in you that needs to come out.

It's those unique abilities that will indicate what you're supposed to be doing - and how you should be doing it. You bring things to the table nobody else does. God created you to show up in the world in a way nobody else can. When you're able to do that you'll be able to forget about competition. It doesn't matter because you are successful when you are able to be you. When you're able to do that, you can be done with fear - because you know that you're walking the path God intends for you, which means He will be with you and help you while you are on that path.

Creating a legacy through a business goes beyond the money

People who talk often about the incredible advantages of being an entrepreneur talk mostly about the hustle and the grind that is required to be successful - and they focus a lot on the money that comes as a result. To them, that's the main barometer of success. How much money are they making?

Money is great. It's necessary. But it's only a tool. It's not a good motivation and it's not very useful as an indicator of success. If you want to build a legacy, you need to think beyond the money to what the money enables you to do.

Think of it like you would think of any tool, like a hammer. What can you build if you have a hammer? What can you do? What can you move or adjust or change or manipulate in a good way? Money is that. A tool. A resource. Something that enables you to do other, bigger, more important things.

Business is one of the best ways to generate that resource of money, and the really cool thing is that you get to benefit others as you do. Every good business serves people. They add value to the lives of those who use their product or service. You get to do that with any entrepreneurial endeavor you engage in - and the bonus is that the effort rewards you with the ability to bless your family. That is a legacy in itself. Listen to this episode to discover more of what I believe goes into creating your own legacy.

Outline of This Episode

• [0:45] Looking back after 40 years on the planet - totally grateful
• [3:39] Why the entrepreneurial path is such a growth-oriented and fulfilling path
• [8:00] There is power in acknowledging and addressing your weaknesses
• [11:01] Self-discovery is your greatest accomplishment in life
• [16:25] Face the things that are causing you the most concern or pai
• [19:02] I've found that going to my Creator is foundational to a bigger view
• [23:33] Lessons I've learned from the biblical book of Ecclesiastes

Resources & People Mentioned

• BOOK: Halftime by Bob Buford

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