Most of us were raised on the idea that legacy is something we leave behind. Something to be considered when we’re nearing the end of our careers, or our lives. But what if that mindset is outdated? What if our legacy isn’t something we retire into, but something we live into?
The truth is, waiting for retirement to think about legacy is like waiting until the last chapter to write the story.
As an executive coach working with high-achieving Gen-X professionals, I see a powerful shift happening: More leaders are choosing to redefine success by weaving their values, wisdom, and impact into the fabric of everyday life now. They’re not waiting until “someday”. They’re creating legacies in real time: Legacies of influence, connection and contribution.
What Is a Living Legacy?
A living legacy is the intentional imprint you create today. It’s the way you show up for your team, the values you model for your family, the mentorship you offer, the boundaries you set and the way you integrate your humanity into your leadership.
It’s not measured only in awards or wealth, but in the ripple effects of how you live and lead. A living legacy is deeply personal and deeply felt by those around you.
Why Might Someone Want to Explore Their Legacy Now?
A leader who is misaligned with their purpose and starting to feel the need to figure out their legacy is often experiencing a quiet, persistent internal tension. On the outside, they may still be performing – hitting goals, leading teams, driving results – but underneath, things can feel off. Here’s what that might look or feel like:
- Restlessness: A nagging feeling that something’s missing – even if everything “should” feel successful.
- Disconnection: Feeling emotionally detached from work, their team or even themselves.
- Loss of meaning: Achievements feel hollow and the “why” behind the work has started to fade.
- Guilt or regret: Wondering if they’ve been too focused on productivity and performance at the cost of relationships, well-being, or values.
- Fear of irrelevance: A subtle worry that their impact isn’t as meaningful or lasting as they want it to be.
The Benefits of Living Your Legacy Now
1. Greater Fulfillment: When your actions align with your values, you experience a deeper sense of purpose, not just achievement.
2. Expanded Impact: You influence more people, more meaningfully, when your leadership is intentional and authentic. Your legacy becomes a lived experience, not a historical footnote.
3. Stronger Relationships: By showing up fully – grounded in what matters most – you deepen trust, connection and collaboration with others.
4. Resilience and Clarity: Knowing what kind of legacy you want to create helps you say “yes” and “no” with more confidence. It becomes a compass for decision-making.
5. Long-Term Well-Being: Living with legacy in mind grounds you in that which is authentically you. It encourages you to prioritize what actually sustains you: Self-care, values-driven work and time with loved ones.
So, How Do You Start?
- Ask yourself: If I retired tomorrow, what would I regret not having done, said, or stood for?
- Get clear on your core values—and check if your daily actions reflect them.
- Shift from “someday thinking” to “legacy in action.”
- Prioritize impact over perfection. It’s the consistent, meaningful choices that leave the strongest marks.
You don’t need a title change, a perfect moment or a retirement party to begin building your legacy. You just need to decide that the life and leadership you’re creating right now… matters.
Legacy isn’t later, it’s now -> And it’s yours to shape.
If this message resonates, I’d love to connect. Whether you’re exploring what your living legacy could look like, or you’re ready to bring more intention to how you lead and live, let’s start the conversation.