As a business founder, CEO or C-suite executive,, you are always creating a legacy—here and now, and for the future. Your actions and words leave an impact on how you will be remembered every step of the way. Each day you have an opportunity to operate at your full potential, to show up fully in business and in life.
It takes being intentional about what you are creating both in your business and in your life, as one affects the other. And it requires a process.
The following will help you think about where you think you are, where you want to be, and how you can get there to reach your full potential and create a legacy at each stage of your business and life.
Step 1: Discover. The first step is taking an objective look at your current state of your potential—not the way you wish things to be, but purely as they are, without judgment or self-criticism. Acknowledge where you are operating and where you fall short from the legacy you want to create.
Are you taking the time to explore life and business questions that are popping into your mind or challenging the way you have been operating? Are you sacrificing your health to get extra time at the office? Are you too busy to spend time with your family, before the kids grow up and move away? Do you believe there is a higher level you can take your business or your career to, and it just eludes you?
Step 2: Declutter. As with your living space, your business and personal life requires periodic decluttering. Building a legacy requires a consistent commitment and a space in your calendar. This is an opportunity to determine which activities, relationships and priorities will get you to the future and the legacy you want to create.
What do you need to let go of to reach your next level, your vision, your full potential and your legacy? How are you managing daily distractions that take you off course?
Step 3: Strategize. At this point in the process, you should be able to create a plan that will enable you to achieve your goals and reach your full potential. The key is to make it strategic, keep it simple and easy to implement.
What is the most direct path that takes you from where you are today to your full potential in business and in life? And what type of support will you need along
the way?
Step 4: Power up. High-performance cars run on high-grade fuel. The same goes for the human body. In order to perform at your full potential, increasing physical and mental energy is a priority. This is a critical part of the process. We all know that exercising, eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep, are all important; however, what works for one person, may not work for you. You have your own genetic predispositions and anatomical requirements to consider.
What gives you sustainable energy, physically and mentally? And how can you harness that energy to reach your full potential?
Step 5: Execute. The last step is to engage your plan by taking practical and sustainable action, avoiding distraction and creating accountability to keep you on track. What are you doing to step continually into your full potential, to leave your legacy through each stage of your career and business, to improve family dynamics, and to prepare for retirement?
Be intentional about the impact you are making and the legacy you are creating. Reaching your full potential in business and in life will guarantee the legacy you create is a positive one, now and in the future. ♦
Vera Anderson is founder of Global Elements Consulting and a legacy coach who focuses on sustainable growth for her clients. With a private-equity background and global resources, and as an entrepreneur and mentor, she provides customized support to CEOs and C-level executives striving to reach their full potential and create a legacy. Contact Vera at 312.201.1060 or [email protected].
Excellent advice, especially the phased approach to reaching the objective.