There is no such thing as a self-made individual. No matter our situation, endeavors, nor individual efforts; someone always plays a key role in our life pursuits. Key role isn’t necessarily a major role but the significant or defining role.
We are firm believers in work ethic. We are firm believers in life balance. (Balance was not the case for years.) For many years we truly believed in “no man is an island” but behaved in just the opposite manner. We spoke often of leaving a family legacy but worked endlessly and sought no help in realizing our dreams of a lasting positive legacy.
Our epiphany came while participating in a men’s group about living a life of authenticity and servant leadership. In our quest to live a life of authentic manhood we realized that redirecting our intention and reinvesting our energy and focus was crucial. As we explored our individual designs and purpose, we had to come to grips with how we were living and working versus how we desired to live and work. Facing living life; or worse yet, facing death with a list of regrets instead of a lasting legacy caused us to search for our life’s pulse. Our purpose became clear.
Fulfill our unique design. Help others fulfill theirs. Leave a lasting legacy. Help others leave theirs. Therefore, Gordon Group, The Legacy Company is transitioning to a Social Purpose Corporation. Here’s a recent contributing factor and a true story from a member of our group.
This past year in preparation for teaching a class on overcoming addictions in various work and life environments; I discovered an eye opening research article on the top regrets voiced by those in the throes of the last weeks of living. These were people from all walks of life facing life threatening illnesses and sadly losing the battle.
I found the article (maybe it found me) as I researched the addictions of busyness, smartphones and work. When those in hospice care were asked about life’s regrets, I was startled by their responses. Their answers were far too close to home.
“What are your five greatest regrets in life?”
Number five(5) was, “I wish I had let myself be happier.”
Number four(4) was, “I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.”
Number three(3) was, “I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.”
Number two(2) was, “I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.”
The number one(1) response was, “I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.”
It does take courage to live a life true to yourself because “others” will always have plans for you. You may be asking yourself, “what does this have to do with the Gordon Group?” Please note that we are called “Gordon Group Inc, The Legacy Company.” Our social purpose is helping others attain “a life true to themselves” accompanied by a true meaningful legacy. Members of the Gordon Group are designed and inspired to help others. This causes us to come alive. We are exercising our courage to be true to the life we are called to live. This is our noble cause.
We see many aspects of the world that need changing from most everyone’s point of view. At Gordon Group we know that we can’t change the world. We do know we can help you change yours.
Gordon Group 