After finishing "The Alchemist," by Paulo Coelho on Friday, I spent the weekend pondering the pursuit of one's "Personal Legend" similar to Santiago's journey to find treasure buried in the pyramids. https://www.amazon.com/Alchemist-Paulo-Coelho-ebook/dp/B00U6SFUSS
First, I thought about someone I view as a living legend, Mike Leckrone. Some of his accomplishments include:
50 years leading the University of Wisconsin Marching Band
Introducing traditions like "stop at the top" and "The Fifth Quarter"
Being a catalyst aka leader and mentor to thousands of students including me
Not only is he in the UW Marching Band Hall of Fame, but he's likely the reason it's proudly displayed at Union South on campus and a large crowd packs in to see the band before each home game. I don't think anyone would question Mike's success in pursuing his personal legend. https://badgerband.wisc.edu/history/the-leckrone-years/
Then I thought about my own personal legend. I had a successful four years in the UW Marching Band including section leader my senior year, but I won't ever be a part of the Hall of Fame nor is my marching band tenure my personal legend, although I learned a ton through the experience about work ethic, leadership and performance.
Instead my personal legend is tied to my impact on others learning, development, careers, and lives.
During my last year in the band, my nephew, Drew took a liking to the band. He would watch videos and listen to recordings of the band nonstop. I even brought him on the field at Camp Randall when he was only about one and a half years old until security said there was some liability issue with a toddler being on the sidelines. While he didn't end up joining the UW Band, he played percussion through high school and loved his experience.
Fast forward to today and he's 25 years old, working for a food distributor in the Green Bay Area managing their trucking scheduling and receiving and still probably one of the most avid Badger Band and Football fans around.
He looked up to me and I felt compelled to be a good example. I am proud of the man he's become and honored that I have played a small role in his development.
I have the opportunity in the work I do every day to be a catalyst in the development of others. I am not sure if there's a hall of fame for this work, but no matter, I will continue to enjoy the journey, learning each day.
What is your "personal legend"? If you don't know the answer that's ok, keep striving and learning and the answer will become clear.
Learn In The Flow Of Life
Jason
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