What is your legacy?
How do you want to be remembered vs. how will you be remembered? This is a topic that often comes up amongst my peers both personally and professionally. I put a lot of heart and soul into thinking about my legacy. I feel your legacy begins developing at a young age- whether you are consciously thinking about it or not.
This past week I had the opportunity to meet with one of my oldest daughters friends, Deiondre Hall. Once a UNI Football Player, 21 year old Dieondre, now plays professionally for the Chicago Bears. The premise of our meeting was to share some insight and advice on investment opportunities as well as things to be cautious of to avoid being taken advantage of. Little did he know, it was also a meeting about his legacy and what he wants to be remembered for.
Throughout our 90-minute conversation, we exchanged ideas on businesses to consider, real estate to purchase, franchises to look into, and other general areas to invest. When we dove deeper into the topic of what he’s really passionate about and what his interests are he shared, “Mr. Bradford, I also want to do something really neat for the community and to give back to those less fortunate. I want to help kids in the area who might not have the best upbringing and want to give them a chance”. Keep in mind, this is a kid (and I use that term “kid” loosely and with all respect, but to me he he is still a kid) who just landed a spot on an NFL team. A kid who will more than likely, make millions throughout his career should he stay healthy and invest in his future. Rather than buying high dollar vehicles, a lavish home, expensive clothes and jewelry… he was more interested in what his legacy would be and how he would be remembered. Did he view it as his legacy? Probably not. But it was certainly a conversation around just that. He was already setting the foundation for the great things to come from him throughout his life.
So, I ask you to ask yourself- what is your legacy? How do you want to be remembered? It’s a conversation to have with your spouse, significant other, friends, family, and even your co-workers. Take the first step today towards determining your legacy!
