What's your Nobel Prize?
I read a great story about Alfred Nobel. First, do you have any idea what Alfred Nobel invented?
I bet every single one of you just thought: The Nobel Prize.
Yes, Alfred Nobel did establish a foundation which gives the largest share of his fortune to a series of winners in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature and Peace - collectively known as the Nobel Prizes.
But this is not what he invented. The man invented dynamite. Well, first he invented a type of detonator, then he invented dynamite. And an entirely new industry grew up, based on Nobel's patents. Within ten years, 16 explosives factories had been founded in 14 countries.
Sadly, one day Alfred's brother passed away. The newspapers inadvertently ran an obituary about Alfred instead of his brother. Imagine reading your own obituary citing all the outstanding events of your life.
Creepy yet intriguing.
Alfred read about his big accomplishment on the dynamite front as that was listed as the most outstanding event of his life. And it made him think. And want to have a bigger impact during his lifetime so that when his real obituary was written it felt more meaningful.
And so he founded the Nobel Prizes.
What's going into your obituary today? What could go in it years and years from now?
Think about it. Creepy yet intriguing right?
The real goal is to purposefully craft a legacy while you are still living. It's not about leaving a legacy it's about living one, right here, right now.
_
Interested in growing your skills as a manager? Check out how Manager Boot Camp might help.