Weekly: The legacy we leave
Old Happy: I have to leave a legacy through my achievements.
New Happy: I can leave a legacy by being who I am.
Think about someone who has had a major impact on your life. It might have been a family member; a friend who was there for you in a difficult time; a coach or mentor who helped you to grow.
Even if those people are no longer alive or involved in your life, they are still with you. Their presence is not a mere memory: their past loving actions are preserved in the person that you have become in this present moment. They left a legacy within you, and you have the power to do the same for other people.
Researchers have defined three different ways to leave a legacy. The first two are the ones that probably come most quickly to mind:
The legacy of your biology — like having and nurturing children
The legacy of your possessions — like bequeathing your heirlooms or assets
But there’s a third way to leave a legacy:
The legacy of your values — what you teach someone about living a good life, navigating challenges, and making a positive difference in the world, just by living your own life
In one study, almost every single participant ranked this third type as the most important legacy that they could leave for their loved ones.
It’s not stuff that matters most. It is character: the kindness, integrity, courage, patience, and resilience that someone demonstrated. Your legacy isn’t limited to what you physically pass on; it’s what you embody as a person. With this new framing in mind, we can see that a legacy is something we’re creating every day, in the ways that we show up for other people.
To get more deliberate about your legacy, pause and ask yourself: how do I want to be remembered in the future?
Choose one word to describe the value you hope to leave as a legacy, like 'brave' or 'considerate' or 'loving' or 'generous.' Now, with that word clearly in mind, you have the chance to decide: how will you embody it today?
Tips and Tools
1. Accepting it — This week's animation.
2. Do it imperfectly — Progress wins.
3. Find your values — Try this for your legacy-building.
4. The way to achieve your dreams — You need to start small.
5. You deserve help — Ask for help with that thing.
More from TNH
Book — Order New Happy today to find true happiness.
Podcast — Get a daily morning pep talk — in five minutes or less
Speaking — Book us to speak to your team about well-being, resilience, and productivity.
Articles — Read more articles on our website.
Community
What do you value most?
"Being open to life's experiences."
"The happiness of my loved ones and also the peace of the world."
"My health and my family."
"Making a difference in the world."
"Striving to be a better person."
"Helping others."
Before You Go
The Definitive Guide to Happiness
A groundbreaking new approach based on a decade’s worth of research and brought to life with beautiful artwork, New Happy shows you the proven path to happiness.
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