Each Thursday the Thriving Midlifer Newsletter helps men and women over 40 thrive across the five key pillars of life: Health, Fitness, Career, Relationships, and Legacy.
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Ep 223 Your Midlife Legacy Starts Today with Small Acts, Big Impact
Published about 1 month ago • 5 min read
Hi Reader,
How do you define legacy? How often do you think of your legacy? Do these questions irk you?
The reality is that we think more about our legacy as we age. While we know that we won't live forever, most of us have a moment (or a season) where we think more about our mortality.
This week's episode is a good reminder that legacy is the pillar I am most focused on.
Since legacy is the theme of this week's episode, let's look at the meaning of legacy. Following is the dictionary definition, but I suggest that each of us customize the meaning to fit our values.
"The long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc. that took place in the past, or of a person’s life."
Key elements in this definition are:
long-lasting
events
actions
in the past
or a person's life
This week's episode 223 featuring Tim Hughes is his story of finding clarity and purpose in his legacy.
His journey to finding clarity began at his father's funeral two years ago after he delivered the eulogy (which he began with a joke).
Our conversation added clarity to my legacy quest. And, I think it's possible you could have a similar experience when you listen to this week's episode.
Tim is on a quest to amplify his father's legacy through the magic of voice recordings left behind from his career as a sound engineer.
Tim is equally on a quest to maximize his impact on others in alignment with his values, for legacy fulfillment.
Below is an outline of our discussion. If you are thinking about your legacy, you will enjoy listening to episode 223. You'll probably forward it to someone.
Your Midlife Legacy Starts Today with Small Acts, Big Impact
On episode 223 a Vulnerable Conversation episode, Bernie has a heartwarming conversation with Tim Hughes about his journey to finding purpose and legacy through loss and reflection. The discussion offers valuable insights for anyone seeking clarity in the meaning and impact of their existence.
🗝️ Here are three key takeaways:
1️⃣ Purpose and Clarity: Tim shared how the experience of his father's funeral provided him with a clearer understanding of his own purpose and legacy. The realization that legacy isn’t just about grand gestures, but the personal impact we have on individuals can bring clarity to our life's purpose.
2️⃣ Everyday Impact: We discussed how legacy doesn’t require impacting the entire world. It’s about making a meaningful difference in the lives of even just a few people, whether through mentorship, kindness, or support, as exemplified by Tim's father's mentorship and inclusive mindset at the BBC.
3️⃣ Preservation of Voice and Values: Tim also underscores the importance of recording one’s voice and stories to create a lasting personal legacy. Our recorded voices and teachings can continue to influence future generations, long after we are gone.
💡 Main Takeaway: Legacy is not just about big achievements but also the small, yet significant, imprints we leave on people's lives. Whether it's through mentoring a colleague or supporting a cause, every action contributes to our legacy.
Tune in to episode 223 to get inspired by Tim's legacy experience.
The Coach's Corner
Weekly insights and actionable tips from my lens as an executive coach—helping you lead, grow, and thrive in midlife and beyond.
Why Are So Many Leaders Unfulfilled?
Through my coaching work, I’ve observed a common theme: The root of career unfulfillment is a misalignment between personal values and professional reality.
Our values evolve throughout our lives. What motivated us in our 30s may no longer resonate in our 40s, 50s, or beyond.
For example, early in your career, you may have been driven by common goals—earning a certain title, reaching a specific income, or working for a prestigious company. You may have willingly sacrificed work-life balance to achieve those milestones.
But what if your values have shifted?
What if now, time with family, personal well-being, or making a meaningful impact matters more to you than climbing the next rung of the corporate ladder or launching the next startup?
If your current role doesn’t align with your evolved values, a disconnect exists. And that disconnect can make even a “successful” career feel hollow.
Closing the Fulfillment Gap
When I work with professionals who feel stuck, we start with a simple but powerful process:
Assessing Your Current Fulfillment – Where do you feel most and least fulfilled across the five pillars?
Identifying the Gaps – Where is there a misalignment between your values and your daily reality?
Gaining Clarity on Priorities – What truly matters most to you at this stage of life?
Taking Meaningful Action – What adjustments—big or small—can help bring your career and life back into alignment?
This isn’t about me telling you what to do, or making reckless career jumps or abrupt life changes. It’s about intentional, strategic decision-making rooted in self-awareness. Sometimes, small shifts in perspective or priorities can dramatically enhance fulfillment. Other times, bigger changes may be necessary. The key is clarity—because clarity leads to action.
If you find yourself questioning your next move, or feeling stuck in leadership challenges, schedule a free 30-minute call to discover if executive coaching is right for you.
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How did Tim Hughes' father's funeral and the eulogy he delivered impact Tim's perspective on his own legacy?
Tim talks about using skills and platforms to help others, as his father did. How can individuals identify and utilize their skills for greater societal impact?
Tim discusses clarity of purpose and its influence on his business decisions. How does having a clear sense of purpose alter professional decision-making?
How does Tim's story highlight the importance of mentorship and support in personal and professional growth?
Bernie Borges suggests that legacy doesn't have to be large-scale to be meaningful. How can someone begin to identify small-scale, yet impactful, legacy-building opportunities in their daily life?
If any of these questions resonate, tune into episode 223.
Products & Services I Use/Endorse
In this section, I'm promoting other people's products or services I either use or have used and endorse. The links to these products are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase from them.
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Each Thursday the Thriving Midlifer Newsletter helps men and women over 40 thrive across the five key pillars of life: Health, Fitness, Career, Relationships, and Legacy.
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