July 17, 2020

The Tombstone Test

“He’s not really dead. As long as we remember him.”
— Doctor McCoy, Star Trek: The Wrath of Kahn

What one line will be written on your tombstone? Let’s pretend it could be anything, but it has to be the thing you were most known for during your life.

Will it say you were a loving mother or father? Perhaps you’ll be remembered as a community leader or a successful business owner. Were you fun-loving or serious? Maybe you were a consummate learner or an inspirational teacher? Are you the person who refused to quit, defied the odds, and overcame every obstacle?

On the other hand, what if you’re remembered as the guy who never finished what they started? Or just as bad, maybe you’ll be known as the person who never started anything. Were you a failure? Were you lazy? Were you afraid? Did you merely follow along or hang out with the wrong crowd?

Everything you do adds to or subtracts from your legacy. Decide how you want to be remembered and go make that happen.