Graffiti vs. Legacy

Written by Deb and Brad Warren on Apr 9, 2009 9:24 am

Read More: Law of Attraction | Personal Development

While driving across several states to a company event, we were amazed at the incidences of graffiti on bridges, signs, and overpasses. Our two inquisitive kids noticed as well and asked us, "Why?"

Their curiosity was not directed at any specific spray painted message. They weren't asking why 'The Grateful Dead Will Live Forever' or why 'UNC Rules!' or even why 'Stacy is a Total Babe!!!'

They wanted to know why someone would do that. Why deface public property? Why risk being arrested, or falling and breaking your neck, or having Stacy's dad catch you and breaking your neck?!

We believe that it's evidence of an innate desire that we all have - we want our lives to be significant, to be remembered. Have you ever carved your initials somewhere?

The lesson for our children was that the real marks we leave behind - our legacies - are not left on wood, stone and steel, but in the hearts and minds of the people whose lives we touch.

Mark Sanborn does a fantastic job of illustrating this when he points out the enormous differences between building a resume and building a legacy.

A resume lists what you've accomplished. A legacy tells what you've contributed.

A resume lists your results. A legacy lives on in your relationships.

A resume focuses on the past and the impression you leave. A legacy focuses on the future and the impact you have.

Life rushes by at an ever-increasing rate, and if you don't use each day to do even one thing to make your mark, to become your brilliance, to advance your vision, you'll simply be scribbling in vain.

You're writing your legacy right now through your daily actions. As a network marketing leader, you have an obligation for greatness, an opportunity to serve, and the power to influence.

It's that simple and that grandiose.

How big of a life are you living?

How bold of a dream are you dreaming?

How remarkable of a person are you becoming?

How large of a legacy are you creating - such that future generations who follow you will know that you've been here, that you stood for something, and that you made your mark?

Keep Leading Forward!

Deb and Brad