Consider this:
Who is in your sphere of influence? How many lives do you affect in a positive way? Will your obituary list all your achievements and affiliations with important groups of people, or will it describe the impact you had on the lives around you?
Charles
Schultz Philosophy
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remembers the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. However, the applause dies. Awards tarnish.
Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here is another quiz. See how well you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Name five people you would enjoy spending time with if you became a millionaire.
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia" -Charles Schultz
Life is about relationships; people. Career goals, personal accomplishment, wealth, and popularity are nice, but if they are the focus of your life, you are missing the point. At the end of your life, the only thing that matters is who is standing at your bedside and the cherished memories of a life well lived. If you want to leave a legacy, invest in the lives of others, not in your own happiness and wealth.
