The Power of Example - lesson in transition planning
Posted on Tue, Dec 27, 2011
The Power of Example
by John A. Warnick, Purposeful Planning Collaborative
“Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it's the only thing”—Albert Schweitzer
Every day, consciously but much more often unconsciously, each of us is transmitting certain behaviors, feelings and lifestyles to others. It is your choice and mine whether that influence will be a positive and lasting influence. To move from the positive but fleeting influence to the memorable and lasting influence requires both intention and action. It is what I call capturing the Power of Example.
The brightest influence of your personal legacy will be the illuminating power of example and selfless sacrifice. The following story, offered by Elaine Dalton as a tribute to her father’s influence on her as a child, is an example of how we can create both a positive and lasting influence:
An elderly widow lived next door to Elaine’s family. Her home was badly in need of paint and exterior maintenance but she didn’t have the money to pay for it. Instead of offering to pay for the painting of the widow’s home, Elaine’s father took a week of vacation time from his job and marshaled his family to assist in the painting project.
At the time Elaine thought that was the greatest family vacation she had ever experienced because her father taught her how to paint. But this selfless act of service had a much more positive and sustaining influence then simply brightening the widow’s home. It created a bright example which burns brightly today in Elaine’s consciousness and inspires her to find ways to serve others. This is how she described her father’s influence:
“My father was my hero. I used to wait on the steps of our home for him to arrive each night. He would pick me up and twirl me around and let me put my feet on top of his big shoes, and then he would dance me into the house. I loved the challenge of trying to follow his every footstep. I still do.”
The wonderful truth about parenting and grandparenting is that we each can be a hero for those who will follow in our footsteps.
What is the one thing in your personal life you would most like to be remembered for? How can you create an opportunity to indelibly imprint this example upon the minds of your young children or grandchildren? When will you start and what will be the first step towards creating this legacy moment or project? Who will help you with this project and hold you accountable to complete the task?
“The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.”—Benjamin Disraeli
This post was originally posted on the "Seedlings" blog by John A. Warnick. Used with permission.
About the author
John A. Warnick ("John A") is the founder of Family Wealth Transitions and Solutions, a consulting firm that assists clients and their advisory teams in the areas of Purposeful Planning, Trust Design & Implementation. He is also founder of the Purposeful Planning Collaborative
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The Successful Transition Planning Institute of Cambridge, MA, STPI provides tools and training to advisors so they may help successful business owners, executives and professionals learn how to "Think", "Live" and "Decide" what to do with their companies and careers, in order to plan for a dynamic, new life. (see video).