There probably is no greater consequence to consider than what type of legacy we leave behind. The finality of our legacy can make you pause and contemplate the things you've said and done. There's something in us that makes us realize that we are leaving a mark on this great planet-good or bad. And it is true that we all (rich and poor, young and old, learned and ignorant) have a legacy to account for. It's ironic that many don't even give it a second thought. Consider the words of Vaclav Havel:

"The tragedy of modern man is not that he knows less and less about the meaning of his own life, but that it bothers him less and less."

If all there is to your work life is this quarter's numbers or the year-end bonus, then legacy probably means little to you. If there is no cause or great battle to fight, then you probably think all this talk about legacy is "soft." To think of legacy is to have vision, and we know vision is about seeing the unseen. But what's really powerful is the fact that it is seen...it's unfolding everyday before your very eyes. It's a truth that everyone is shaping their legacy one day at a time. It’s like each word and actions are pieces of a life puzzle.

Corporate slave traders need people who are willing, if not ignorantly, to exchange their freedom for the immediate issue at hand. They need you to be fixated on concerns that can be solved in meetings and handled by committees. They want your mind on the work...for as long as they can use you. They want you intoxicated by that corner office and all that it means, even if it means nothing at all. If you're not thinking about legacy, then you are just a means to an end. Even if you're covered in Prada.

In my days in corporate America I only turned away for a moment and I was hooked. I was young, ambitious and very confident (a lethal mix). When success merges in, it creates a dangerous love affair. I wasn't paying attention and very few in the organization loved me enough to say a single word. Especially those who were enjoying the party my drive provided them.

I’m not indicting all facets of the corporate world, but I am cautioning you about giving up your freedom. Give up your freedom, give up your desire.

Here are some things to consider when making the turn to legacy:

• Don't expect the crowd to applaud. Truth is you don't need it. You need to make your story the best it can be, not the most popular.
• Living a life of legacy requires you to think about eternity. Eternity creates urgency and love.
• Build your work. Not your employer or business (for the entrepreneurs). Jobs come and go, businesses succeed and fail. Your work goes wherever you go.
• If you want to regain your freedom, then remember your story is most important. Don’t allow an organization (even if you own it) overshadow your story.
• Search for someone (spouse, brother, sister, mentor, priest, colleague) who wants this life for you and let them spur you on.
• Read Success Built To Last and be inspired by others who share in your journey.

The pursuits noted here will not be mastered overnight-in a career or life-and will create some short term pain. Think of Julius Caesar crossing the Rubicon. Everyone needs moments so defining that they never look back.

Here’s to your crossing moment.