Eulogies, Mark Twain and Your Story

Early in my sales career, I participated in a Stephen Covey Leadership Seminar where I was asked to write my own eulogy. The purpose being to make me take a hard look at what people closest to me would say at my funeral. The process made me take a hard look at what was really important and how being proactive and intentional can create the life and reputation you want. What is the alternative? Just let life happen and wait for circumstances and other people to create the life you desire. Unfortunately, most people choose the latter.

The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty. Proverbs 21:5

Recently I heard that Samuel Clemens’ (Mark Twain) autobiography was close to the top of the bestseller list. This was of interest to me since he died one hundred years ago. He requested in his will to have it released a century after his death. Due to his blistering honesty, he wanted to make sure most of the people he was likely to offend would be long gone before it was published.

I am not here to criticize Mark Twain on his decision. I want to know if you are creating a great story.

I was recently introduced to author Don Miller who wrote “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years”. In this book he details one mans opportunity to edit his life as if he were a character in a movie. Would your life make a great movie? I know when I see a great movie I want to tell my friends about it. I also notice the good movies stay with me for a day or two and make me think.

It is almost 2011. What are you planning to do to create a great story in your life? What will people say about you at your funeral? Or, you could write it down and let the world know what you really think in a hundred years or so. It truly is your choice.

Have a great week!

Pierce

P.S. If you would like to meet one person who is writing a great story, go check out Deanna Eller-Goodin’s site at D. Marlene Jewelry.

She left a job that she did not enjoy to create her own company designing and marketing her own jewelry. Lesa and I did some Christmas shopping with her recently and I was amazed at her creativity. She is truly exercising her gift.  By the way, the word SANTA might get you a nice discount. Shhhh…don’t tell Deanna I told you.