There’s an old saying- “An old man can see backward better than a young man can see forward.” The last words of Queen Elizabeth I were -“All my possessions for a moment of time.”
What can we learn from the old man and the Queen? How does writing your own eulogy sound?!
How would your eulogy sound if you died today? “He had such promise.” “He wanted to be president, but...” “She dreamed of ___, too bad she died before she could do it.”
How would your perfect eulogy read? What would your legacy be? How many lives would you want to positively affect? Did you achieve the dreams you had when you were young?
Stonewall Jackson said on his deathbed- “Let me cross the river and rest under the tree.” What would you most regret not doing before you “rest under the tree?” I submit that nothing, absolutely NOTHING, IS STOPPING YOU– BUT YOURSELF!
Here’s an action item for you - make a list RIGHT NOW of 10 things that you really want to do before you die. The list could be as simple as “inspire one person” or as noble as “start a nonprofit Foundation.” How would it feel to leave this kind of mark before you go? Now write your eulogy based upon this list. Remember, IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO WORK ON YOUR DREAMS!
I’ve been using this eulogy exercise for many years to keep my goals fresh and to stay “on task.” Recently I have felt somewhat validated since Steven Covey has endorsed the “eulogy approach” in his writings. I sincerely hope that it catches on.
I’ll tell you a poorly kept secret- one thing on my “list” was my mmission to raise the level of ethical leadership in this country. If I can inspire just one person to be a better leader I will have
achieved my goal. Hopefully this newsletter will help. My eulogy is counting on it!
May your real eulogy be long in coming! Carpe Diem!
