Newsletter: How Do You Want to be Remembered in 100 Years?

This Week at a Glance

• How will you be remembered in 100 years? Will anyone remember who you are? And if they do, will it be how you want them to remember you? Because if you don’t write your story, others will write it for you. That’s why this week I’m discussing three ways you can write your own story.
• Markets breathed a sigh of relief on Wednesday and into Thursday’s open as Fed Chair Jay Powell stated during Wednesday’s post FOMC presser that “it is unlikely the next policy move will be a hike…” This sentiment came on the heels of higher than expected inflation and worries that the Fed’s rate pivot wont come as soon as some home.
• Are the markets keeping you up at night? Are you worried about all the bad things going on in the world right now? Truth is, I get nervous during times like these too. Last week, I covered three things I do to avoid sitting idly by when volatility picks up.

If You Don’t Write Your Story, Someone Else Will

How will I be remembered in 100 years?

You know, the older I get, the more I linger on this question.

And it’s not because I’m intentionally looking for ways to gain notoriety.

Instead, I’ve come to realize that I only have a finite amount of time to get done what I was put on this earth to do.

The reality is that, over time, my priorities have changed.

You know, the motorcycle life that I once was so fond of in my youth is now long gone.

And today, when I think about working out, it’s more about staving off heart disease than it is toning down my waistline.

But when it comes to how I want to be remembered, I’m reminded of a truly impactful quote that I recently came across that said, “In 100 years, no one will remember who you are.”

It’s shocking to think about, right?

In a way, I’m sure you likely already knew that intuitively.

I mean, can you remember your great-grandfather’s name without looking it up or asking a relative?

I start getting depressed just thinking about it!

But here’s the thing: instead of looking at this quote as being a cause for disappointment, I’ve used it as my inspiration to purposefully write my life’s story.

You see, in 100 years, few people will care about what corporate title I earned, how much money I made, the square footage of my home, or all the toys I’ve owned.

But they’ll likely be interested in my legacy, or rather, the story of what I did with my life.

Have you thought about your legacy lately?

Have you thought about what folks will say about you in 100 years?

And no, I’m not talking about the monetary inheritance that you could leave behind.

Instead, your legacy is the story that you want people to tell about you when you’re not here to tell it yourself

But here’s the thing though: your legacy can only be as solid as the vision for the ideal world that you’re trying to bring into reality in the right here and now.

It’s something that you can make happen right now; it’s not something that magically happens in the future.

How to Write Your Story

That’s why, if you want to create a story worth remembering, then you need to prioritize daily activities that are aligned with your legacy-building vision.

Because if you don’t, in 100 years, someone else will write your story.

Here’s how to start writing your own story:

Step #1: Identify Your Values

Writing your own story starts with knowing your values. Values represent what’s essential now, not what you aspire to be.

Therefore, knowing what matters can shape your journey and enable you to create a legacy that reflects how you want to be remembered.

Ask: “Do I truly understand what’s essential in my life, and if not, how can I find out?”

If you don’t know where to start, try a values assessment or explore resources on values discovery.

Either way, aligning your actions with your core values is vital to writing your story.

Step #2: Practice Deathbed Meditation

Maranasati meditation, or deathbed meditation, can bring clarity, reduce anxiety over trivial matters, and emphasize what truly matters.

This awareness encourages living in the moment, valuing each day, and avoiding getting caught up in minor issues.

Ask: “In my final moments, who will I be surrounded by, and how will they remember me?”

Then, consider how your current path and values align. From there, set goals that bring you closer to your ideal vision and track these reflections for future guidance.

Step #3: Take Daily, Incremental Steps

Writing your story requires consistent, focused action. By taking intentional, daily steps toward your goals, you can write the story of your life and build a meaningful legacy.

Ask: “What do I need to do today to live in alignment with my values?”

Outline your vision and commit to one small step today that brings you closer to your goals. This consistent effort ensures progress toward building the legacy you dream of.

I talk more about this approach in this week’s article >>>

What I’m Reading

We’re all busy in the daily rush of things. That’s why I’m sharing a list of articles that I’ve read this week to help you stay on top of your own financial independence journey.

I’ve consolidated all of these links here for your ease of viewing.

• Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers
• Setting Healthy Family Goals This Year
• 4 Questions to Answer When Creating a Family Vision Statement
• How to Choose Core Values for Your Family
• A Guide to Family Core Values

Thanks for taking a look!