Legacy is What You Put In Motion: Everyday Legacy | Bill High

Legacy is What You Put In Motion: Everyday Legacy | Bill High

Legacy is a way of living your life. It's not just about what we leave behind, but about what we put in motion through our lives. This idea resonates with the book "The Greatest Legacy", which states that a noble way of living is the greatest legacy for future generations.

When we think about our legacy, one of the easiest ways to be reminded about what's important is to consider the end. Remembering that we are going to die is the best way to avoid the trap of thinking we have something to lose. If we were to fast-forward to the end, what would become irrelevant? What would be left when we strip away the things that don't really matter? The answer is people, not things.

Legacy is who we are everyday and what we give to people. It's about living purposefully while we're alive in a way that uplifts the lives of others. Legacy is not about accumulating material possessions or achieving personal success. It's about investing in the things that we'll see in heaven, the things that truly matter.

In today's world, where smartphones and tablets have become ubiquitous, personal experiences are constantly shared on social media, leading to a sense of déjà vu. We are bombarded with experiences that feel familiar because they have been reproduced and shared so many times. This phenomenon has given rise to two different types of consumer behavior: "モノ消費" (mono-consumption) and "コト消費" (koto-consumption).

Mono-consumption is centered around the consumption of material goods. On the other hand, koto-consumption refers to the consumption of experiences such as travel, dining, hobbies, and relaxation activities like yoga and spa treatments. However, the desire for experiences that can be easily reproduced has diminished the appeal of koto-consumption.

Consumers now seek value in "トキ消費" (toki-consumption), which refers to the enjoyment of experiences that cannot be replicated elsewhere. This includes attending festivals, pilgrimages to sacred sites, idol elections, World Cup viewing parties, collaboration cafes, fan meetings, and Halloween gatherings where people dress up in costumes. The development and widespread use of tools that allow us to share these experiences have made it possible for others to virtually experience them. As a result, those who have had the opportunity to virtually experience someone else's experiences start to lose their enthusiasm for actually experiencing things themselves.

This phenomenon, often referred to as "social fatigue" or "SNS fatigue", has also dampened the desire for koto-consumption. As a result, the urge for individuals to experience something on their own has started to fade.

In light of these insights, here are three actionable pieces of advice to consider when thinking about your everyday legacy:

1. Focus on meaningful experiences: Instead of chasing after material possessions or seeking validation through social media, prioritize experiences that truly matter to you and uplift the lives of others. Invest in experiences that cannot be replicated or shared, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

2. Nurture relationships: People are at the heart of our legacy. Take the time to build and strengthen relationships with your loved ones, friends, and community. Show kindness, empathy, and generosity in your interactions with others. Your legacy will be measured by the impact you have on the lives of those around you.

3. Live with purpose: Determine how you want to live your life before your time comes. Set meaningful goals and align your actions with your values. Live each day with intention and make choices that contribute to your legacy. Remember, it's not just about what you leave behind, but about what you put in motion through your life.

In conclusion, legacy is not something we leave behind, but rather something we put in motion through our lives. It's about living purposefully and investing in the things that truly matter. In a world where experiences can be easily replicated and shared, it's important to focus on meaningful experiences, nurture relationships, and live with purpose. By doing so, we can create an everyday legacy that uplifts the lives of others and leaves a lasting impact.