I just returned from leading 55 college students, professors and staff to Greece for an educational Spring Break tour. It was an incredible time wandering through the birthplace of Western Civilization. We saw many wonderful things, as you can probably imagine. However, one thing really struck me.
Most of the ruins we saw in cities like Athens, Thebes, Delphi, Olympia, Corinth and others were over 2000 years old. In fact, much was closer to 2500 or even 3000 years old. Not just foundations per se, though we did see that, but completely standing pillars, graves, bridges and buildings.
One person on the trip commented that he had seen a TV special about the future. In this special, the engineers and building experts commented that not much of our modern architecture would remain 1000 years from now, but that the buildings of ancient Greece and Italy would still be standing.
It got me thinking about the work of life. How much of what we are building in our lives is built for the future, is built to last? Of course we aren’t given a choice between stone and concrete (the experts propose that stone will last the longest, hence the construction of the Greeks and Romans). We are, however, faced with similar considerations with the choices of our lives. We have a choice as to how much effort and precision we put into our efforts.
What I hope for myself is that the work of my life lasts beyond me. Whether that comes through my children, in the businesses I have begun or in the lives of others, I want to believe that after my death, my words, ideas and thoughts will continue. In other words, what I do now can be the same as putting up a building to last. Or, I can be consumed with the quick riches of “now,” self-focused only, building perhaps a temple to myself that will, typically, fall into disuse once I pass on.
What are you building? In my book, Success for Life, I answer the 77th question which asks “how can I be a better all-around person” by saying that:
Realize nothing worthwhile in life comes to you without diligent effort. An “all around” goal demands an “all around” effort. Set your goals high and never look back. Raise your standard and help others see the way to raise theirs. Press for excellence and never quit.
Do those things and I firmly believe that you are building something lasting. Perhaps, in 1000 years, people will be coming to visit a place to look at your life, your words and your impact.