From Positive and Growth to Legacy Mindsets: How to Build a Life Worth Living
As a life-span psychologist, I have often thought about what defines “a life well lived.” Without delving too deeply into philosophy, I’d like to explore a question that feels both profound and accessible: What makes a life worth living? It’s a question that touches on happiness, purpose, and impact—all of which shape our lives in distinct ways. Many of us start with a positive mindset, learning to stay optimistic, to bounce back from challenges, and to seek joy. Then, we may discover the benefits of a growth mindset, embracing life’s hurdles as opportunities for learning and personal improvement.
But there’s another level to explore: the legacy mindset. A legacy mindset goes beyond the self, encouraging us to think about the lasting impact of our actions on others and the world. So, how do we progress from positive and growth mindsets to this legacy-centred way of thinking? Let’s dive into the unique value of each and see how they can work together to build a truly fulfilling life.
“Focusing on legacy builds lasting cultures and meaningful lives.”
What Is a Positive Mindset?
Let’s start with positivity, the essential first step. Popularized by Norman Vincent Peale in The Power of Positive Thinking, the positive mindset encourages us to see the bright side, even when circumstances are difficult. Martin Seligman later brought scientific rigor to the concept with his work on positive psychology, focusing on strengths, happiness, and resilience.
A positive mindset is immensely beneficial—it keeps us engaged, optimistic, and emotionally resilient. It helps us bounce back, manage stress, and connect better with those around us. But while positivity is valuable for our well-being, it’s largely self-focused, geared toward improving our present experience and state of mind.
What Is a Growth Mindset?
As we move forward, many of us adopt a growth mindset, a concept introduced by psychologist Carol Dweck. A growth mindset is all about believing in the potential for growth and learning, particularly through challenges. Instead of fearing failure, those with a growth mindset see mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve. This mindset fuels our personal development, encouraging us to move beyond our comfort zones and transform obstacles into stepping stones.
While the positive mindset helps us see possibilities, a growth mindset teaches us to turn those possibilities into progress. Together, positivity and growth shape a foundation of resilience, adaptability, and learning. These two mindsets support each other well, but they remain primarily focused on self-improvement.
Similarities Between Positive, Growth, and Legacy Mindsets
The positive, growth, and legacy mindsets each bring value to life, fostering resilience, purpose, and a drive to live meaningfully. Together, they form a progression, starting from self-focused happiness and personal growth and culminating in something even more profound: a life that benefits others, not just ourselves.
Introducing the Legacy Mindset
So, what exactly is a legacy mindset, and how does it build on positivity and growth? A legacy mindset is the shift from focusing on personal gains and development to considering our long-term impact on others. It’s about asking not just “What can I achieve?” but “What can I contribute that will last beyond me?”
I experienced this shift firsthand when, before my mother’s cancer diagnosis, I wrote my own obituary. Morbid? Perhaps. But surprisingly freeing! I gained clarity on the legacy I hoped to leave behind—on what kind of life I wanted to build and how I could make a difference. This simple exercise helped me begin, as Stephen R. Covey advises in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, with the end in mind. Imagining how I’d like to be remembered brought my priorities into sharp focus, highlighting the values I wanted to guide me.
In a similar vein, Clayton Christensen, in How Will You Measure Your Life?, encourages us to think about relationships, integrity, and service. Instead of defining success solely by career achievements, Christensen invites us to consider how we’ll be remembered by those we love and by the broader community. A legacy mindset, then, is about living in alignment with values that reach beyond ourselves.
Why Shift from Positive and Growth to Legacy Mindset?
The legacy mindset deepens our motivation by shifting our focus to what we can create and leave behind for others. Viktor Frankl, in Man’s Search for Meaning, suggests that purpose is found in making a meaningful contribution, even through hardship. As part of his logotherapy approach, Frankl emphasises that fulfilment comes from finding meaning beyond oneself, particularly by creating value for others.
When we adopt a legacy mindset, we look for ways to impact others positively and sustainably. Jim Collins, in Good to Great and Built to Last, observed that organisations (and, by extension, people) driven by a legacy mindset aim for a lasting influence, building systems and values that endure. Moving from positivity and growth to legacy can foster a profound sense of purpose.
How to Build a Legacy Mindset
If you’re ready to shift toward a legacy mindset, here’s a roadmap that builds on the strengths of positive and growth mindsets and moves toward making a lasting impact.
Define Your Values and Passions
Identify what truly matters to you. Angela Duckworth’s Grit highlights the power of working toward goals with passion and perseverance, particularly when those goals are grounded in our core values. It’s a book I often recommend to teenagers as a foundation for building resilience and setting purpose-driven objectives. Choose values such as kindness, service, or justice to guide your actions. Personally, I find that pursuing love and truth brings a sense of freedom.
Develop Long-Term Goals Aligned with Your Legacy
Once you know your core values, you can start setting goals that align with them. Set goals that serve something greater than yourself. Reading Maya Angelou's autobiography a few months ago reminded me of her powerful message on emotional legacy. She believed that people will remember you by how you made them feel—a truth that resonates deeply. Small, consistent actions—whether mentoring, volunteering, or supporting meaningful causes—create a legacy of kindness and compassion that lives on in the hearts of others.
Think in Terms of Impact, Not Just Achievement
Rather than just focusing on accomplishments, consider the ripple effect of your actions. In The Second Mountain, David Brooks writes about shifting from individual success to a life defined by service and community impact. This “second mountain” perspective encourages us to see success in terms of lasting impact on others, where achievements are valued not for personal glory but for the positive difference they make.
Build Relationships and Mentorship Networks
Relationships and mentorship offer one of the most profound ways to leave a legacy. In Dare to Lead, Brené Brown emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and genuine connection in building lasting relationships. By sharing knowledge, listening deeply, and guiding others with compassion, we create an enduring impact that doesn’t require wealth or status. These acts of mentorship and connection foster a legacy rooted in courage, kindness, and authenticity.
Reflect and Adjust Regularly
A legacy mindset is a lifelong commitment, one that is now guiding my life. Viktor Frankl reminds us that purpose evolves with our experiences and reflections. By checking in with ourselves regularly, we can ensure that our actions align with our legacy and adjust our path as needed. Reflecting periodically helps us stay true to our intentions, and keeps our journey aligned with the impact we hope to make.
Conclusion
Shifting from a positive and growth mindset to a legacy mindset creates a fulfilling and impactful life. While positivity and growth nurture our resilience and capacity for learning, the legacy mindset asks us to look outward, focusing on what we can contribute to others and to the world.
The journey to a legacy mindset is available to everyone. It’s about aligning our choices with the impact we want to leave behind. In fact, it might be helpful to write your own obituary to gain clarity on the legacy you wish to create. Start by identifying what matters to you, commit to meaningful goals, and embrace relationships that enrich both your life and the lives of others. After all, building a life worth living isn’t just about what we achieve—it’s about what we leave behind.
That’s what I’ve found in my research: this focus on legacy is what ultimately builds our cultures.
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About the Author
Lidia Lae, Ph.D., is a writer, psychologist, and speaker, committed to empowering individuals and organisations to build healthier cultures for meaningful contribution.