Today was the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter. During the last couple of weeks there have been numerous reflections on his legacy, and many of which were recapped today in the eulogies.
President Carter’s legacy as president differs from the one he accrued in the decades that followed. One thing that is consistent, though, is that he was true to his values throughout his life: decency, peace and compassion topping the list.
Most leaders don’t proactively think about their legacies on a regular basis, but in the spirit of this remembrance, it’s a thoughtful time to consider how true you are to your values and how you may be able to improve.
Yes, people will remember you for what you’ve done, your accomplishments, in other words, “things.” But they will also remember you for how you presented yourself and how you interacted with others.
This latter comment informs what will endure: your priorities, your humanity, your sense of service.
No one is going to remember that you made $50,000 in new sales in January of 2025 or that you successfully completed a complicated project.
They will remember your character.
It’s never too late to become this person when you think deeply and move forward with intention.
“The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices.”
– President Jimmy Carter
Header image by David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images.