“Your legacy is every life you touch.”
– Maya Angelou
Being an achiever can be depleting.
I heard from a former client last week, frustrated by his prolonged job search and slow progress with two creative projects.
I listened. Interspersed with legitimate career-related laments, he lit up when he shared photos of his children…and the summer fun they’re having.
Have you noticed? Goal-setting types love mile-markers and intermediate wins on the way to the big, big win. In my friend’s case, he wall-papered his home office with audacious summer goals. Post-it notes and flipchart paper and something new, he said. “A whiteboard reserved for ideas only. Any and all. No censoring.”
I nodded. He’s admittedly very visual, but the cues in his environment – intended to bolster his progress – are now suffocating him instead. “Not only have I failed at what I hoped to accomplish in June, but July was no better…and now it’s August!”.
But I noted something else. An observation that progress was made – in other aspects of his life. Evidence in the photos he shared, showcasing summer fun and a trip to a family reunion, deep in the woods. His children were introduced to their great grandparents for the first time. Maybe the last time…
Later that day I sent him what I hoped would be an encouraging text. An inspirational nugget from one of my favorite deep thinkers, psychologist Alfred Adler. Wisdom I’ve found useful when self-imposed measuring sticks might be too severe, prompting short-sightedness about one’s accomplishments. Especially those that might go undetected, on the periphery of our grand plans.
“Every human being strives for significance, but people always make mistakes if they do not recognize that their significance lies in the contribution to the lives of others.”
-Alfred Adler
Finding significance by making contributions. Being present. Showing those around you they matter. The best sort of legacy.
Vicki 💝
One more thing before you go! Speaking of legacies, Robert Conlon’s new book, “Celtic Knot” from Eckhartz Press is a must-read. “An orphan’s tale of survival, family, and love in early 20th century Chicago. Based on a true story.” Watch for more when Wynne and I debut our interview with Bob on the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast in just a couple of weeks. So good!
Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press.
Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue”.
Click here for Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcasts with talented creatives.
Click here for videos of our podcasts. Thank you!
Victoria Ponders 
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