What will be Kobe Bryant’s legacy now that the basketball legend has passed away?
Like many others, when I learned of Kobe Bryant’s death, I thought it was a mistake. A young, vibrant man in the prime of his life, surely it had to be a wild rumor. But sadly, it wasn’t.
Reports came one after the other and by evening we knew that not just Kobe, but also his 13-year old daughter Gianna and 7 others perished in a Sunday morning helicopter crash. My heart and prayers go out to their families, friends and all who are mourning their loss.
I’ll be the first to admit I don’t follow basketball, but you don’t have to be a sports fan to sense the deep loss this is and the impact his life has had.
Many who only saw Kobe on TV are reeling as though they’ve lost a dear friend. Fellow celebrities and NBA players alike have expressed shock and disbelief. And the evening’s Grammy’s hosted a special tribute in honor of the fallen star.
From news sites and sportscasters to well wishers and sports fans, many have begun expounding on this legend’s legacy.
With 20 years in the NBA straight out of high school and 5 NBA wins to his name, no doubt Kobe Bryant’s legacy will be the topic of discussion for years to come. Kobe’s unexpected death came a day after LeBron James passed him as No. 3 on the NBA all-time scoring list. Kobe scored a lifetime 33,643 points!
Even if you didn’t follow the star it’s hard not be glued to the updates in hopes of making sense of what feels like something too sad and incredible to sink in.
As we ponder Kobe Bryant’s legacy, it also begs the question: what will your legacy be?
With what feels like the untimely death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, many will ponder his legacy. This prompts the discussion about your legacy too. #KobeBryant #RIPKobe Share on XWhat’s your legacy
Do you ever think of what you will be remembered for?
It can seem like a morbid question, but I believe it’s a valid one and in fact, it’s the very same question I’m asking myself.
When someone famous dies in such an unexpected way as Kobe Bryant did we often reflect on the brevity of life. This might even prompt you to write your own eulogy.
Writing your eulogy is not a new concept — Daniel Harkavy, executive coach and co-author of Living Forward, has been encouraging executives to write their eulogies for over 20 years.
In an article outlining Harkavy’s tips on writing your eulogy, Michael Grothaus had this to say,
“By changing your point of view and shifting your perspective from your present to your future, you’ll be able to see where you want to end up, and then know what steps you’ll next to take–what dots you’ll need to connect–to get there.”
Michael Grothaus
Grothaus was also referring to Steve Job’s 2005 Stanford commencement address where he spoke the now famous words, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.”
So, as we look back on Kobe Bryant’s life now is a good time to consider your legacy and write that eulogy after all.
But the giant’s legacy also brings something else to mind. Life is meant to be lived
A legacy worth living
When all is said and done, having a eulogy or vision board or some other motivational tool will not serve us well if we don’t live life fully.
Now, I know that looks differently for everyone, so I’ll ask it this way. Are you living the life you’ve been called to live or simply thinking about it? Have you set goals and kept them shut up and hidden away?
In one of my favorite Bible verses, Jesus himself said he came to this earth so that we can have life to the full. So, I’m not talking about going out there and living your life any old way. I certainly want to live a life that reflects gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice and I encourage you to do the same.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10 NIV
I know that a lot will be said about Kobe Bryant as many prepare to celebrate his life and legacy. I’m not at all suggesting that you emulate him, imperfections and all. But I do believe we can be inspired by Kobe to go after our dreams and live life well.
How about you?
Are you taking steps to live your best life? Are you moving forward toward your goals? Are you connecting the dots? Food for thought, right? These questions are worth asking (and answering) in view of Kobe Bryant’s legacy.
I’d love for you to share your thoughts below. Let’s discuss how we can live more fully in the present even as we consider our future and connect the dots to get there.
Make time to consider your life and legacy with this free guide. Or get in touch to set up a free clarity call.
These deaths have really lingered for me and made my own grief resurface. Great takeaway of making sure we have a spiritual and family legacy that outlasts us.
It was such a shock yesterday to learn about this terrible loss. I like the ideas you present here. Thinking about the legacy we want to leave behind is a good perspective to take.
It was a shock indeed, Dawn. I pray our reflections move us to be more intentional and focused on making a difference.
Thanks for visiting!