Ever wonder how valuable that varsity letter, championship medal, ring or trophy is to the person who won it?
Awards in sports, education or in one's career field hold much value to the person who has been recognized. Every time he or she looks at or touches the recognition symbol, a good feeling arises by remembering the special life accomplishment.
There are a few exceptions. In speaking with high-achieving athletes, Neal Roese, author of "If Only" (Random House, 2005) explained, researchers found that the unhappiest people on the awards podium are usually the silver medalists. Why? Because they compare themselves to the athletes who won, and they always come up short.
Bronze medalists, on the other hand, are surprisingly happy. Because they are often comparing downward, to those who didn't medal at all, their thoughts run more toward, "I'm lucky I got here; I could have missed being on the podium at all."
Symbols of intangible memories of living a rewarding life hold great value and meaning for the child inheriting the symbol from the parent. Passing along "values and life lessons" is overwhelmingly considered (by over 75 percent in a recent study) the most important element of a legacy for both Baby Boomers and elders with children than the financial aspects of a legacy transfer.
Since life is not a dress rehearsal, live your life with meaning and passion---leaving symbols of what you achieved as your legacy.