10 Ways to Leave a Lasting Legacy

by Phil Gerbyshak on March 2, 2010

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I attended the memorial service Saturday for an inspiring man, my former co-worker and mentor Chris.

Though I worked with Chris over 10 years ago, and only directly for 14 months, his impact on my life was a lasting one. Judging from the standing room only crowd at the service, it’s apparent to me he impacted many others in the same way.

I wanted to share the lessons I learned in order to keep Chris’s legacy alive and to offer a window into amazing man’s life.

Engage people where they are at

Share your stories

Ask about and Listen to other’s stories

You can’t control whether your life is an epic novel or a short story. Make every day count.

Look for the best in others

Know where you’re going

Have a realistic understanding of who you are

Live life full out and with no regrets

Always keep the faith

Thanks for sharing your life’s purpose with me Chris. I’m a better man and a better person for having met you. Thoughts of you will never be far from my heart.

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Tagged as: death, legacy

Article by Phil Gerbyshak

Phil Gerbyshak is a self-proclaimed relationship geek who loves people way more than he loves tools.

Phil has written 1742 awesome articles.

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Not so famous last words
April 19, 2010 at 4:53 pm

{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }

Mick Morris March 2, 2010 at 6:56 am

Phil, great way to honour the legacy of your friend. Everyone has a story and a lesson to share… it is clear that Chris did his part in doing so. RIP Chris.

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Phil Gerbyshak March 2, 2010 at 6:48 pm

Thanks Mick! Chris rocked, and I’m so glad he was able to share his story with me…and now with you.

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Shannon - SKS Designs March 2, 2010 at 7:08 am

You are too right! There are so many things we can learn from the people that come into our lives – no matter how short of a time they spend there.

What an inspiration!

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Phil Gerbyshak March 2, 2010 at 6:49 pm

Shannon – I was, and continue to be, inspired by Chris. He’s a permanent part of every presentation I give about Making it Great! from a few weeks ago forward.

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Craig Gagnon March 2, 2010 at 7:59 am

Thanks for sharing your lessons learned. Sounds like your friend knew how to live. Made my day.

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Phil Gerbyshak March 2, 2010 at 6:49 pm

Craig – Chris knew how to live for sure! So glad you could share a little of him with me. Reading your comment made MY day. Thanks!

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George Krueger March 2, 2010 at 8:09 am

Thanks for sharing your friend with us, Phil.

“Epic novel or short story” – I really like that line. As with your friend, short stories can make just as much, and even more, impact.

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Phil Gerbyshak March 2, 2010 at 6:50 pm

George – It’s always a blessing to see your smiling comments. Thanks for sharing them, and impacting me!

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Tammy Lenski March 2, 2010 at 12:59 pm

I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, Phil. Would that we all could leave the kind of legacy that he did!

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Phil Gerbyshak March 2, 2010 at 6:51 pm

Thanks Tammy! Everyone CAN leave the legacy Chris did…if they stay focused to their purpose and live a real life. Thanks for sharing your real life with me!

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Todd 'tojosan' Jordan March 2, 2010 at 9:38 pm

Phil, I want to steal this post. Serious reminder of what’s important versus what’s flashy or fashionable.

Sorry for your loss. Sending hugs.

Cheers and thanks for making IT great.
Todd

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Phil Gerbyshak March 4, 2010 at 1:12 pm

Please steal it. Would do my heart good, and Chris’ legacy being shared with more people is a VERY good thing, in my opinion.

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Susan Schoultz March 3, 2010 at 2:54 am

Phil,

I am very sorry for the loss of your mentor and friend. Thank you for sharing this story and what you’ve learned on leaving a legacy.

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Christina Steder March 3, 2010 at 1:48 pm

Thanks for sharing this inspiring story, Phil! It sounds like Chris was a man ahead of his time. So many of us say this stuff all the time – you remind us all to not just say it but actually live it!

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Ozias - Motivcenter March 7, 2010 at 3:52 pm

Phil, I’m seeing your great article after I’ve sent one to my subscribers about the same subject two weeks ago. I could have added some of your insights. lol. Thanks for sharing this is good.

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Adam D. March 9, 2010 at 7:49 pm

Thanks for the GREAT post and for remembering Chris. He was a great guy and impacted so many of us in a big, positive way.

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Tim Brownson March 22, 2010 at 7:18 am

My mom died a couple of years ago and I was 4,500 miles away. I’d been back a few times when she was sick, but my timing sucked as it was only 2 weeks after my previous visit. I had chance to tell her how much she meant to me, unlike my dad who had a stroke at 79 when he seemed fit and healthy (he was still working in his own business). I did tell him when he was in hospital, but sadly I have no way of knowing if he heard me.

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Shannon - SKS Designs March 22, 2010 at 7:21 am

We have been in that situation where my husband couldn’t talk for close to 9 months while he was on a ventilator. It was hard because there was so much he wanted to say and that was a wake up call for us. Now a day doesn’t go by where we don’t express ourselves to the people around us and tell them how much we really love, appreciate and respect them.

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Stacy Snook March 22, 2010 at 9:00 am

Phil. I’m humbled that anything I would write would inspire you. You also inspire me, in many ways. I appreciate the opportunity I’ve had to get to know you.

If this was the last chance I had to communicate with you, I’d say: I’m proud of you for doing what many people dream of, but never have the courage to do. I’m greatful for your friendship and inspired by your passion and optimism. I’d also give you a great big giant hug… because that’s how I roll.

This comment was originally posted on Phil Gerbyshak

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Scott Scanlon March 22, 2010 at 1:30 pm

Great message today Phil.

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Phil Gerbyshak March 22, 2010 at 9:43 pm

Wow Tim, what a powerful story. So glad you let your mom feel your love. Though you’re not sure about your dad, I have no doubt he felt your presence and all the love you had for him.

Thanks for sharing your heart with us.

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Phil Gerbyshak March 22, 2010 at 9:43 pm

Good for you guys Shannon. Glad you could wake up before it’s too late.

Big hugs to you both!

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Phil Gerbyshak March 22, 2010 at 9:44 pm

Stacy – you’re a star and an inspiration. I read your stuff all the time, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your willingness to bare your soul so I can learn from you.

So glad we can be friends and learn…together!

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Phil Gerbyshak March 22, 2010 at 9:44 pm

Thank you Scott. Glad it hit home with you.

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Melissa March 23, 2010 at 12:17 am

The spoken word is not as much of an issue in my house since we all know and use sign language. What I would do is sing to my children. For some reason, they love their mommy’s horribly off-key singing — find it comforting, even!

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El Capitan March 23, 2010 at 8:49 am

Wow Phil. I’m speechless…really I am. I’ll be back. I have to talk to some people.

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