What is your legacy?

There's a poster of my door that gives one pause. It states

A hundred years from now, it will not matter what your bank account balance was, the sort of house you lived in, or the kind of car you drove, but the world may be different because you were important in the life of a child.

What do you want to be remembered for?

Some people ask themselves this question too late. Bernie Madoff, who swindled millions of dollars from his victims, belatedly realizes that ""I have left a legacy of shame -- as some of my victims have pointed out -- to my children and grandchildren."

Most of us are not criminal in thought or deed, but are we actively using our talents to accomplish something meaningful with our lives? Or are we living on the outskirts of infinity, accumulating temporary pleasures and goods that will not endure beyond the grave?

Enjoyment of this world has its place. But it is not permanent.

Taking Time Out

I've taken time off these past two weeks to take care of grandchildren. And I plan a mini-vacation next week. This time out from my work leads me to ask, "Why do Americans work so hard, both at work and play?"

Our work ethic seems immune to economic factors. Even when the economy is good we work long hours, reasoning that we need to do so to advance in our careers and/or make more money. Lawyers are a good example. As associates in law firms they work 70+ hours per week, striving to become partners. However, once they become partners, they may work even longer hours to meet client deadlines!

Lawyers are not the only ones who work such long hours. Especially during these difficult economic times people are nervous about keeping their jobs and will work as long as necessary to satisfy their bosses.

The result is an unending cycle of work and worry.

It is only when we take time out that we realize what's truly important to us.

Time out from work, mentally as well as physically, enables us to renew our ties with our families and friends. In the process we restore a healthy balance to our lives. The result is a feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment.

Then we can return to work with the ability to give it our best. That's true success.