You know your values and you know what you have to offer. But a lasting legacy must carefully consider the needs of the community and the world. The question of legacy-building isn’t simply, “What do I want to give?” but “What can I give that the world needs?”

The world needs change. But there are underlying struggles and persistent problems that will always need to be addressed; most of them are woven into the human condition. Consider your nuclear world and influences carefully. What problems do you see that you can help assuage by sharing your gifts? And how can you do so on multiple levels? A simple monetary donation is nice, but people don’t remember dollars as well as they do personality and kindness. How can you weave both into your legacy? What message are you incorporating into your lasting gift?

At the heart of this legacy-building is a simple commandment: Know thyself. How? Spend time each and every day in self-reflection. Meditate. Pray. Relish 15 minutes with nothing but your own thoughts.

When you do, these words of Jim Rohn will ring true:

All good men and women must take responsibility to create legacies that will take the next generation to a level we could only imagine.

With these words at your back, legacy-building can begin. The first question: How will you define your values, your worth, and global need so that you can leave this world better than you found it?

Whatever your answer, start legacy-building today. Tomorrow is too late.