Three friends were recently hiking down to the rock bridge on Koko Head crater when they encountered an exhausted hiker carrying his injured dog up the steep incline. One of the hikers quickly offered the young man with the dog a drink of water, making sure they were okay and would be able to make the rest of the climb successfully. The struggling young man was deeply impressed by the generosity of this stranger.
Watching the news later that afternoon, the young man learned that the generous hiker who attended to him so compassionately had suddenly passed away, no more than fifteen minutes after their quick, yet impactful, encounter.
In the last few minutes of the man’s life, he encouraged and assisted a fellow struggling journeyman on his way to his destination. His life ended while making an impact on another—leaving a legacy.
If you were in an unexpected accident today, what legacy would you leave in the lives of those around you?
THREE LEGACY-BUILDING PRINCIPLES
There are many ways we can leave a legacy, including through the work we do Monday through Friday, 9 to 5. It is in this area of our lives that I have come to realize we can really leave our mark in the world, seeing that we spend so much of our time and effort at work.
It really shouldn’t just be a job. It should be something we are truly passionate about.
Although I’m young (especially because I’m young), I’ve made the decision to begin implementing these three legacy-building principles in my work and life.
#1. NEVER SETTLE…BE COURAGEOUS & EXPLORE!
I was at my last job for nearly three years, and, for a while, I was motivated, growing, and enjoying my work while making an impact in the healthcare industry. But, over time, I outgrew the opportunities and I found myself beginning to settle into a rut. I made the decision not to settle for existing in a job, which wouldn’t have served our clients, my company, nor my legacy. It was scary to leave, but I knew I had to be courageous to push myself to explore and grow.
#2. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH INSPIRING PEOPLE
Putting yourself in an environment where you can be mentored by both young and old is an excellent way to help you realize your potential. Plus, it forces you to take the time for self-reflection and thus personal growth. Inspiring people lift me up, challenge me, and motivate me to keep shaping the legacy I am building.
#3. CONVERGE YOUR PASSION WITH YOUR WORK
I am so pumped to be pursuing my passion at ‘Ekahi Health.
In fact, I recently attended a retreat in preparation for a new initiative called the ‘Ekahi Ornish Reversal Program, which reverses the effects of heart disease. Participants learn about four heart-strengthening life components: nutrition, exercise, stress management, and group support, to set them up for a revitalized, healthier lifestyle.
Near the end of the retreat, we were visited by graduates of the very first program who told dramatic stories of being on death’s bed with no clinical options, but found hope through Dr. Ornish’s program (and are thankful, passionate advocates twenty-five years running!). Their heart-warming, personal accounts reminded me about why I’m so passionate about what I do. The blood, sweat, and tears involved in launching this program transcends a “9 to 5 job” that pays the bills. It’s a part of building my legacy.
MAKING EVERY DAY COUNT
That exhausted hiker with the dog was my boyfriend.
His experience not only made a deep and lasting impression on him, but on me as well. We don’t know how much time we’ll have during our journey through life. But we can make decisions today to make our time count—leaving a powerful, life-impacting legacy for our families, friends, and those we are privileged to serve through our careers.
If you were in an unexpected accident today, what legacy would you leave in the lives of those around you?