When I think about my dad, Kent Clothier, Sr., I think about the legacy he’s building. Because we’re all together in the family business of Memphis Invest — my father, myself, and my brothers — I see every day how he conducts himself with integrity, service, and grace. I’m thankful for his example in my life and how he’s impacted me.
At the same time, thinking about my father leads me to wonder — what kind of legacy am I leaving for my children? What about my peers?
I think for many of us, legacy comes second to success. However, when we think about what really lasts, it’s going to be what we leave behind. With that in mind, I want to share a few thoughts on how to reorient your life and your mindset with the purpose of leaving a great legacy.
How to Build a Legacy Worth Leaving
1) You edify those around you.
There’s a quote from beloved American poet Maya Angelou, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
I find this to be astonishingly true. When striving to leave a legacy behind, how we treat people around us in both word and deed should be of utmost concern. When you speak, do you speak to inspire and encourage? For our children especially, this is critical. Legacy isn’t just about how you will be remembered but how your life impacts the people around you.
When you make a conscious effort to edify others, you will find that people will remember how you made them feel — hopeful, encouraged, and spurred on to achieve.
2) You act with a heart for service.
In our business, service is at the heart of what we do. We know that this is the path and the way to earning trust and building meaningful relationships. That’s true of individuals, too. Thinking about my wife or my kids, I know that serving them, providing for them, and loving them is one of my greatest privileges.
Service is putting yourself aside and working for the good of others. It might not be what we want to do in the moment. It’s not a natural inclination. In our heart of hearts, most of us will follow our selfish ambitions. That said, acting in the pursuit of the good of others (not just yourself) is one of the most powerful messages you can send and among the most admirable legacies to leave.
3) You recognize the value of others.
How we talk to people matters. How we serve people matters. At the heart of that is our belief in the value of others. That value isn’t based on who they are, what they have done, or in their potential to achieve. When we value other people as people, it comes out in how we treat them. This is a message we send loud and clear to our children, colleagues, and friends. Whether it’s openly appreciating the intern, refusing to speak ill of anyone — even your competition — or being friendly and kind to a waiter.
These actions, big and small, are a testament to your character. You’ll find that treating others well leaves a worthwhile message behind.
4) You manage yourself well.
Not all of the components of a worthwhile legacy are outward. Some are inward! No matter what I say and do for others, how I manage myself, my work, and my home — that all speaks a lot louder. Am I taking care of myself physically, mentally, and emotionally? Do I value healthy relationships? How about money management — am I teaching wisdom? I would like to think so. If we’re honest, we all have areas of self-management that could use improvement.
5) Your manner inspires others.
Do you consider yourself a pessimist or an optimist? If we hope to leave a great legacy, optimism is essential. This doesn’t mean that you navigate life through rose-colored lenses. What is does mean is that you tackle problems with a can-do attitude. You exude confidence, not only in yourself, but in the notion that everything is going to work out.
You demonstrate tenacity and strength by picking yourself up from failures and pushing forward. You don’t let anything knock you out of the race. This drive and positive energy will stay with people!
What legacy are you looking to leave behind? Share your thoughts in the comments.