We all have a role to play in life. What's your? Will you be remembered for years to come, even when you're gone? Legends are born leaving an unforgettable impression on others; they mark people's lives, are remembered and admired. There are so many legends around the world, famous or not. To become one you too must find your role, your vocation, follow it and influence the people around you.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Finding the Vocation
Step 1. Discover your talents
People remember legends for the actions they perform and the impact they have on the lives of others. What do you do? In what field do you excel? Try to find your calling in life. Think about your natural talent.
- There are legends of all kinds. Do you make people laugh? Maybe your calling is comedy. Are you strong at volleyball? Maybe your future is in sports.
- Don't limit your idea of legend to famous people. Teachers, doctors, religious authorities, volunteers and other figures are also remembered for influencing people's lives.
- You can try to make a list. Think hard and write down the skills you have, but also your personal qualities. For example, you might be good at math or languages, but also patient or able to handle stressful situations.
Step 2. Consider your values
To become a legend you have to find your calling: something you can do in an unforgettable way, like no other. Something you dedicate yourself to because it makes you feel gratified and satisfied. To find out what your calling is, try to consider the principles you follow in life.
- Values determine who we are and guide our decisions. For example, you might value creativity more than money. Maybe competition is important to you, or you want to do your part to help society.
- Legends are usually the personification of a principle. Mother Teresa gave her life for the poor. Michael Jordan made competition the most important value in his life and became a basketball champion. The legends you have in mind probably also represent values.
- Think of two people you respect. Why do you admire them? What qualities do they have that you would like too? The answers reflect your values.
- Also think about the moments in life when you felt really satisfied. What made you feel that way? This also reflects your values.
- You can try to write your values along with your talents. Do you see any links between the two lists?
Step 3. Look for commonalities between talents and values
A vocation is not a job, it is something you would do even in your free time or without getting paid. You won't always like it, but it pushes you to keep going. The important thing is to find a niche where your natural talent and your values are aligned.
- Some people find "Follow your passions" to be bad advice. It is true that your vocation may not lead you to make a lot of money or it can be stressful. However, if your goal is to become a legend, finding a true calling is already a success.
- Legends are usually not amateurs. We do not remember those who live their passions as a hobby. Whoever dedicates himself to a cause and makes sacrifices to fulfill himself becomes unforgettable.
Part 2 of 3: Follow Your Vocation
Step 1. Embrace your niche
To become a legend you need to find your calling and make an impact on other people's lives. You may be surprised where you will come from. Your niche can be in a profession or employment, or it can be the role you play at home as a mother, father, brother or child. Follow your path with pride! Legends try to become the best in their field.
- Do you want to make a difference in the world? Are you patient and skilled at managing stress? Maybe your calling is in medicine or mental health. Perhaps you are destined to become a war correspondent or volunteer for a humanitarian organization.
- Some people are good at giving advice. Your vocation can be a career as a psychologist or social worker.
- Maybe you have decided you want fame and success and you have every right to it. Aim high, whether it's in sports or the world of finance.
- Those who take care of others are also a legend. Mothers, fathers, grandparents, uncles are remembered for their devotion.
Step 2. Imitate others
Find role models to follow. They can be people you admire, like a skilled surgeon or your favorite professor. Alternatively, you can identify individual qualities to aspire to, such as the generosity of the local priest or the altruism of your father. Models help you grow as a person and fill your role.
- Even legends have a source of inspiration. For example, Steve Jobs' idols were inventors like Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Tennis star Eugenie Bouchard was inspired by another legend, Maria Sharapova.
- You have to be willing to learn and grow. Legends are not always humble but they are willing to grow and improve at what they do. You have to be open to others. Learn from them, mimic their strengths and try to overcome them.
Step 3. Develop a positive mindset
Have you ever heard of a legend with a pessimistic attitude? No, because legends become such by believing in one's vocation and not giving up even in the face of the greatest difficulties. Can you imagine a social rights champion losing hope in the future? Or a great athlete who doubts his ability to win the most important match?
- Legends fill us with hope. Whether it's the sports hero of your childhood, a great scientist or a spiritual mentor, you look to them with admiration and as sources of inspiration.
- Cultivate the mindset of doing. Focus on the things you can control and don't worry about the ones out of your control. Take the initiative. The more proactive you are, the more you will be able to control your life.
- Try to be resilient. Think of failure as an opportunity, a chance to learn, grow and improve in your field. Even the most successful people (and legends) face failure.
Part 3 of 3: Serve the Greater Good
Step 1. Stop worrying about what others think
The road to becoming a legend starts in your mind. Legends are self-confident, fascinating, and don't care about the opinion of others. This does not mean that they are self-centered or arrogant, but that they believe in their calling.
- Do not be afraid of the judgment of others regarding your calling and beliefs. Does your family think you are weird because you want to work with Doctors Without Borders in India? Is their opinion more important or helping those in need?
- Remember that some of the greatest legends of all time have followed unconventional paths. Many people did not accept Albert Einstein's ideas on spacetime. Buddha gave up his wealth and material possessions to find enlightenment.
Step 2. Start living for others
Try to put others first. Become generous, caring and follow your vocation to contribute to the good of the community. The greater your influence on people's lives, the more likely they are to remember you and you will become a legend.
- For example, if you are a doctor, you can live for others by developing great social skills and expressing your empathy towards patients.
- A lawyer can become legendary by choosing to work as a public defender and serve the underprivileged.
- Teachers become legendary thanks to the time and effort they take to ensure students' learning and personal growth.
- You can do this at home too. Whether it's reading a story to your little brother, working hard to support your family, or caring for older relatives, you will live for others and be remembered.
Step 3. Give back what you are given and do it often
Whatever your vocation, share it freely. Give others your talent, advice, time and knowledge. People will remember you, because you will make a difference in the lives of others.
- If you are a comedian, make a lot of jokes and bring joy into the lives of others. If you are a musician, organize a charity concert. If you are a scientist, you give lectures on your studies that are open to everyone.
- Do you have a spiritual vocation? Help people who ask for your guidance.
- If you have decided to pursue fame and success, become a philanthropist. Donate to charities and return your wealth to the community that raised you.
- Also consider becoming a mentor. With this role you offer people your time and experience. You will be able to pass on your vocation, perhaps inspiring the new generations.
