“Time goes so fast,” said Don, a ninety-two-year-old, former Twin Cities real estate legend. A few weeks ago, I visited Don at a senior center and chatted with him and few of his buddies. It got me thinking about legacy.
Legacy is deeper than income, number of properties owned, or deals done. It’s about making a lasting impact––on your profession and the people who come after you. For some people, legacy can be a powerful driver. For me, I think about it as a way to live a more fulfilled life.
If we see our legacy as a gift to be valued and treasured by those who survive us, here a few suggestions:
1. I say it all the time––mentor. It brings countless benefits. However around legacy, it’s a great way to pass on knowledge, make other people’s lives better, and set an inspiring example for future generations. And that’s a beautiful legacy.
2. Know your purpose. In my younger days I definitely had a different purpose in life. 😉 But as I’ve matured and grown, my purpose has changed. I’m at that place I wanted to get to eventually––I have a loving family, great friends, a solid footing in my profession, and the knowledge, connections, and resources to help people. I’m living my purpose.
3. Preserve memories. Back in September 2021, when I wrote my first blog, I wasn’t sure how this would go. This is now my 50th blog! Well, not counting the 27 short blogs. Because I chose to write about my life––my thoughts and ideas, what matters, and what I’ve learned––I’ll leave Halie and Levi with a record. Someday my great-great grandchildren might be reading about my commitment to mentorship and helping others. It’s a way for them to know me.
4. Connect with people. It was good to visit with Don and his buddies in a community. Social connections give people a sense of meaning and build self-worth. For seniors, that means they continue to build their legacy even after retirement. For people younger, having people around that support and engage, means you don’t have to go it alone to make your dreams a reality. It’s easier to get where you want in life with the help of and connections with other people.
5. Act to make things better. I’m not a person who strives to change the world, but I do want to positively impact “my world.” I’m here to make a difference in the lives of people I meet. Someone once told me that I’m a people builder. I’ll happily take that as part of my legacy. 😀
Time does go by fast, Don. Seems like yesterday, I was a boy with a paper route. Now, I’m a man with a grown daughter and a son getting taller every day. I want to be a positive example for them, their children, and the children that follow.
At CEG, we’re here to help! Email our team at hello@cegspaces.com or call 612-788-1552 if you have any questions. You can find me at 612-428-3333 or jeff@cegspaces.com.
Jeff Salzbrun is the owner/broker of Commercial Equities Group (CEG). As a veteran-owned real estate brokerage, CEG has been involved in thousands of sale and lease transactions, ranging from single offices to 250,000+ square foot buildings. At CEG, we get your deal done. We know space, and we know the CRE business.
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