When the Last Door Closes

With Canadian Thanksgiving in October and American Thanksgiving in November, it’s an appropriate time to reflect on what we’re grateful for.

This season, I wonder if you might consider what you’ve given in addition to what you've received.

Imagine the last day of working where you’re currently at. Each of us has a last day (and I promise not to overwork the metaphor). It may be a short or longer stay, but nevertheless, the last door will close and we will be on our final departure from that workplace.

What Will Your Legacy Be? 

What will people say about you and your contributions at that workplace? While your job may be replaceable, you certainly are not.

Since there is no one else like you, the organization will be different with your absence.

  • What will people miss about you?

  • What did you give to others in the way of connection, contribution, care, consideration, support?

  • Did you know your teammates? Did they get to know you?

  • Did you transact or network?

  • Did it matter?

The Slideshow of Your Career: 

As you wrap up your complete work life (likely 50+ years in total), imagine a series of doors representing each workplace.

  • What’s your story behind each door?

  • How intentional were you about creating those stories, or did time just slip by?

Like me, you likely get those wonderful Google pictures and videos that reference a year or place. Often I’m shocked that a picture was from 2019. My usual reaction: “That seemed like it was just the other day.”

We are what we do. Imagine our work life as a slideshow that becomes moments that really matter.

The Gift of Giving

I’m not a fan of over-thinking this exercise. We all have to live life daily, and to navigate that is challenging enough. However, being grateful for what we gave to others is worthy of our blessings, too.

Be intentional about that part of the equation.

Paint those doors with vibrant and vivid colors of you by giving generously of your contribution to others. OKRs are important, however they do not fully define your contributions.

Be proud to imperfectly and generously close those doors for the last time!

(Oh, and remember to Connect Before Content… Belongify Connect is available to help you do that. It is a door opener).

Think Big, Start Small, Act Now,

- Lorne

Garrett’s View: Many of us spend plenty of time thinking about what we want. However, I wonder if when we repurpose our energy into thinking about what we’d like to give, the outcome often rhymes.

- Garrett 

AI Response: The legacy we leave is built on the connections we make, and the data proves it: Gallup finds that having a best friend at work makes employees seven times more engaged and significantly improves productivity. Furthermore, a 75-year Harvard study confirmed that strong relationships are the greatest predictor of long-term happiness and health. Given that the average person will spend about 90,000 hours of their life at work, those moments of genuine support and consideration aren't just nice—they're fundamental to a meaningful career and a lasting, positive impact that people will truly remember long after you're gone.
















































































































































































































































































































































 

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