Legacy over Ego

by Quantal Langford
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For driven individuals, reaching their greatest potential is always the end destination. I find myself always wanting to read that next great book—or maybe write the next great one. I'm driven to create another new design or concept. I’m always looking to get out of my comfort zone to reach whatever vision I’m looking to make into reality. 
If there is something you are passionate about that gives you purpose, go after it. I want everyone to follow these aspirations. However, we can be so focused on creating a lifestyle that makes us feel energized and passionate that sometimes we allow our ego and mind to take over something that began with our heart and feelings. 

I believe a healthy ego plays its part in creating success; you need that confidence and boldness to make your vision a reality. The problem comes when the ego is left unchecked—when you want to be successful, or achieve your definition of success, by any means necessary. You could have everything you wished for, but at what cost? Are you willing to burn personal relationships for that new client that may push your business to the next level? Destroy your relationship with your partner over a promotion? Destroy friendships over the illusion of fame and stardom?
As I was listening to Dr. Coyte Cooper on his podcast, “Earn the Right”, he referred to the funeral scenario, which simply asks, “Who will show up at your funeral?” What legacy or impact did you have on this Earth? Can people say that this planet was better because you showed up and expressed your gifts, talents, and knowledge and that you will be missed because of it? Or will you have people gossiping about you and your life? Even worse, would anyone even show up?

One action does not define your legacy; it is determined by many daily small actions, be they positive or negative. What’s your legacy right now currently, as a parent? As an entrepreneur? A CEO or leader? 
What significance, positive or negative, will be left from the legacy that you created after everything is said and done? 
One thing that I’ve started to implement more in my daily life as a creative entrepreneur is creating the intention to use my abilities to find a way to inspire one person daily. I believe that when you give and inspire without expectations, especially when you share knowledge that you are passionate about, then your legacy is cemented. 
Individuals that have created a legacy of giving, sharing and inspiring over getting, forcing or manipulating are people that will be remembered for the impact that they had while they were alive. These individuals are remembered generation after generation, not for what they acquired or achieved, but what they gave from themselves. 

This can apply to virtually anyone. What’s the last time you gave your heart and energy to potentially help another human being? What gifts and talents are you holding back because “the timing isn’t right.” or “no one will like it.” Will that be your legacy? A scarier thought … is that the legacy you want to pass on to your children? What creations, ideas, books, music, inventions will not manifest on the planet because of your own ego? 
Become a legacy builder. Create something of value. Wake up everyday with the intent to create something, to become someone who will be a service to your family, your community and to the planet. It will be tough at times. There will be times when you feel like nothing is working. But the truth is, building a legacy is not for you. It is for your children, your grandchildren and every person you came into contact with in your life. That’s who your legacy affects.

Quantal Langford
Founder/Creative Director, Langfordesign
[email protected]
423.715.0000
langfordesign.com
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