Whether you realize it or not, you are imprinting. What is imprinting?
I was speaking with our puppy’s dog trainer a while back and he said this: “Imprinting is really impactful. It is the memory, trust and familiarity your dog will have of you… forever.” At the surface, it made sense in terms of wanting our new family member, “Ollie” to listen to us, trust us, know our voices, remember our scent and be okay with us touching his paws (a big benefit for future nail-clipping :).
In my last writing, I talked about Legacy and the importance of realizing that its impact is happening now, today… not later, “down the road” when you die. I instantly made the connection. There is much more to how a Legacy gets created. It is not just “leaving” a legacy, it is “imprinting” a legacy.
It is Not Just for Dogs
Every day we imprint ourselves on those around us; a spouse, children, friends and co-workers. Wow. Memories of me are being imprinted on those around me, possibly forever. Have you ever heard the often used expression “more is caught than taught”? Imprinting can be verbal but often it is what we don’t say; our actions both good and not so good. I know my kids learn a lot by watching how I handle money, talk with others and how I spend my time. In what I say and do, I want to teach them not only good financial habits but a deep love for God, respect of others and foster a heart of service.
Be Intentional
Imprinting your Legacy goes beyond the important financial habits and decisions we all face. It includes all of life’s possible behaviors and emotions. So as your legacy is being created now, your imprinting on others needs to be intentional. Develop a purposeful plan to imprint and leave the legacy you desire. This is part of the goal discussion when we create a financial life plan for clients.
Imprinting a Legacy,
Luke Fields, CFP®
Any opinions are those of Luke Fields and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™ and CFP® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.