Go Live That Life

 Begin with the end in mind. In Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” this is Habit number 2.  Covey tells us to think to our own funeral.  He tells us to consider what we hope people will say about the life we lived.  Then he reminds us to go live that life…create that legacy. I was reminded of this during the past week as I prepared to give the eulogy at a friend’s funeral.  He was my best friend growing up.  He was the best man at my wedding.  But there I was, preparing to try to speak about his life and his impact on me.  It was an honor to have been asked.  But wow. For the better part of a week, I struggled with what stories to tell and what words to use.  What would he want me to say?  What would his family need to hear?  Honestly, what would be therapeutic for me to say?  But of course there are no special words in a situation like that.  What I think brings healing in those moments are to celebrate a life lived.  We did that, I think.  Eric was very much my brother.  I certainly hope we all remember the best in him. But now, as is the case in situations like this, we are expected to move on.  So this week, as I come out of the fog of grief (piece by piece), I am reminded of Habit number 2.  What do I want people to remember about me?  What life do I want to have lived?  What legacy do I want to have created? I have thought a lot about that.  Now I need to begin with end in mind…and go live that life. 

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Written by: Kirby Hasseman

Kirby Hasseman is the CEO of Hasseman Marketing & Communications. Kirby hosts a weekly Web show called Delivering Marketing Joy where he interviews business leaders from around the country. Kirby has published four books. His most recent is “Fan of Happy.” His book, called "Delivering Marketing Joy" is about doing “promo right” and is perfect for people in the industry and customers. He also wrote “Think Big For Small Business” and “Give Your Way to Success. All are available on Amazon.