Are legacies overrated?

There’s been a lot of talk lately about how legacy is overrated.

“Everyone’s going to forget your name a month after you die so do whatever you want to do” says famous gurus in the online marketing space.

Now, while this might SEEM like an empowering message for some.

For most, myself included, took to nihilism thanks to it.

Nothing matters.

So why bother trying?

That actually caused me to go into a downward spiral for many years.

I was making great money.

But my life felt pointless, like there was no reason to live.

Not in an “I’m gonna kill myself” kind of way.

But moreso in a “what’s the bother in trying?” kind of way.

So I did the bare minimum to keep my commitments to others to get by and was miserable as byproduct.

Now that I’m through that, I’m starting to adopt a nuanced take on that mindset.

Legacies exist.

Just not in the way most people think about them.

Most people think legacies are:

• Leaving behind a large sum of money

• Having a massive business to pass on

• Decked out life insurance policies

No wonder people think legacies are meaningless and slip into nihilism.

Now, to me, a legacy is:

• Passing on the torch of your lessons to the next generation and to the next person

• Having lots of kids and being there for them as a loving parent

• Being kind and compassionate to others so they remember your character after you’re gone and continue to act in good faith to others

• Overcoming generational trauma so your kids don’t have to

• Impacting those with your work while you’re alive so your essence is passed on

• Impacting others with a series of works that continue to remain relevant over time

The point is:

Your name may not be remembered after you’re gone.

But your lessons, habits, actions, and essence will be felt by hundreds or thousands or more - indirectly.

My goal is to increase that essence and impact exponentially by creating series of works that will live beyond my time.

Yes, I’m going to create business books.

But longer term I’d like to write about helping people overcome their mental and internal blocks stopping them from being who, where, and what they want to be.

Overcoming irrational fears.

Finding life meaning.

Finding inner peace and joy and compassion.

Developing a better relationship with the Self and quieting the inner critic and self doubts.

Cultivating mental strength to CHOOSE power, presence, and peace instead of fear, doubt, and anxiety.

These are all things I’ve had a hard time with and have made massive strides in.

And some I still am overcoming because I know how far to go there is.

But I’d like to share my experiences with them (as I have been here and there) but in a more instructional format vs. just random thoughts haha.

And in terms of business, maybe people won’t remember my bodies of works.

But the people I impact directly with my consulting and their clients and families will feel the impact of my work whether they realize it or not.

I’m no hero.

I don’t need glory.

No statues need to be built.

It’s enough to know that my work has helped thousands or even tens of thousands of people indirectly by the work I do with my clients.

And that energy of forward progress will carry on through generations.

There’s a song that really gets this.

It’s called “My Song Will Never Die” by Luke Combs.

“When I hear that Hallelujah chorus callin' me back home

I'll lay down this guitar and someone else can sing my songs

It ain't about the leavin', it's in what you leave behind

I will, but my song will never die”

Give it a listen here.

Ed Reay

P.S. So yea.

We are going to die one day.

But right now we’re alive.

Rejoice in that.

Do work that matters.

Help people you care about.

Find beauty in every moment.

And spend time with those you love.

P.P.S. Don’t let nihilism win.

Your actions matter.

Your life matters.

Do a small act of greatness today.

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