I had a conversation recently with a client who has a high desire for perfection. Over the past two years his business has been fraught with difficulties resulting in changes that have significantly impacted the plans for his future.

While the final result is not in yet, I suspect he will eventually be able to regain lost ground in many areas of his life when the economy improves.

However, for the sake of argument: if the economy never turns around, what would be his legacy?

Many people confronted with dramatic change and new challenges become ineffective. Imagine trying to cross a river in a canoe as a metaphor:

• Some paddle furiously, without first making sure they are going in the right direction. This creates much activity, but not forward progress.
• Some people lose the ability to see the shore on the other side of the river. They paddle methodically but go nowhere.
• Still others may sit in the boat, thinking back on what used to work and what might have been, rather than looking ahead and participating in the current adventure.

We need to paddle and steer in ways that we know can make a difference and not be paralyzed by what we cannot change or influence. Life is meant to be lived. Risks are meant to be taken. True character is built from adversity and rising to the challenge. Personal growth does not come to us while things are easy. When we face difficult circumstances, we learn to stretch past our comfort zones.

In many ways this client is mourning the loss of the “perfection” he was trying to achieve. While our client has battled with what has occurred over the last two years in his business, he has come to see things with a different perspective. He explains it this way:

“We can handle an imperfect situation with precision and accuracy and still have an imperfect result; however, we can also have the peace of mind knowing we did the best that was possible.”

So let’s go back to the point, if the economy never turns around, what would be our client’s legacy?

It would be that during adverse times, he demonstrated his core values by allowing others to see him act with honor, dignity and integrity in his business and personal life.  By being a great example, he challenges other people in difficult situations to do the same.

The good news is the economic climate will eventually see an upturn. What will people remember about you during the difficult days? Will they be inspired? Will they use your experience as an example?

The Comprehensive Independence Builder

If you are interested in learning more about leaving a legacy and how it can help you avoid or escape ineffective actions or paralysis, please contact us.

You may also wish to learn more about our unique process for Business Owners called The Comprehensive Independence BuilderTM, in which we address all of the obstacles you face and help you use innovative strategies to protect and enhance your business, improve your quality of life and better achieve your goals.