Put the dumbbells back in the right place
Put the dumbbells back in the right place
#127 - one week to a new chapter
Hi there,
The previous chapter in the book has ended. I can’t wait to see what happens to the character next. I’ve managed to turn the page, I can see the new chapter titled “Life at Imperial” and the first few sentences are slowly appearing: “Living in North Acton, twin room…” but not much more - the wait continues.
It’s a week till I move down to London, and preparations are going well! Think I’ve found the right pace with the packing - it hasn’t felt like a big slog, but I’m nearly done. I’ve also enjoyed being able to use my (student) discounts wherever possible 😁. Apart from that, a few walks with friends, nothing much more.
Highlight of the week: a catchup with Mr Davies, a former teacher at my school and a regular reader of the blog! Met up in the Verdo Lounge in Wylde Green; never been before but such a great atmosphere and a brilliant chat…which offered impetus for today’s post! 🙌
I. Before our chat, I looked back to find when I’d last spoken to Mr Davies - turns out it was a year ago! My diary showed a very wide-ranging chat, of which one thread was my school captaincy and how I should strive to set a legacy. I remember asking why that was important and a discussion ensued. This came up again in our chat this week.
Talking this week about how initiatives he set up during his time at Vesey are still running was exciting, an example of how working hard to create the structures and systems for a beneficial idea can mean it is sustained for years to come, benefitting people you don’t even know. Whilst being a pretty ‘cool’ concept, it is also in line with maximising your impact and helping as many people as you can.
This relates to one of my favourite principles in life, taught to me by many teachers saying it (probably out of habit) in younger years: “leave a place how you found it”. They related to classrooms - desk chairs, gluesticks and computers - but it is true in many more areas - my upcoming shared kitchen at university, the dumbbell rack at the gym and the trolleys at the supermarket, to name a few.
On reflection, I feel we can go one step further: “Leave a place better than you found it” because that is legacy. If we do our part to improve something or someplace than the state we encountered it in, we’re creating a better experience for those following in your footsteps.
This can be micro things like the dumbbell rack at the gym - if I end up finding the 14kg dumbbells (ok, there’s no need to pass judgment now… 😂) where the 20s are supposed to be, I resist the urge to act out of spite and instead put them back where they should be - or macro things like your place of study or work.
Yes, it takes intention, forethought and effort, but it is rewarding, meaningful and makes us proud too - you’ve made someone’s life better, regardless of the significance.
II. Another part of an effective legacy is making sure that there is an effective ‘handover’ and resource that your successors and future generations can use, to allow them to keep growing the plant you sowed. It’s brilliant to implement a new idea or improve an area’s standard but you want to ensure this is sustained.
The example that comes to mind is the newsletter sports reporting. After stepping into the new role of ‘Sports Reporter’ in Year 12, creating the roles of and then leading the ‘Sports Officers’ in Year 13, I have a pretty good understanding of how to successfully report on the week’s sports fixtures. I had the idea of making a video guide talking through the different stages on the timeline and some advice on what works and doesn’t, to help out the new team of Sports Officers.
An "effective” handover means it should also be timely - I’ve been putting off making the video (it’s “effort”, “long” and not the most exciting thing ever) and eventually forced myself into getting it done on Friday evening. In the end, it did take a solid 1.5 hours but it is (hopefully) comprehensive and has everything you need to know.
The lesson learned from that for me is to a) prepare handover notes/materials and b) do it as close to you finishing (and maybe even before you leave if possible) the role because, naturally, your motivation for making the resource will dwindle as time passes. Furthermore, your knowledge of the secrets and specific details will fade too, making the resultant resource not as good as it could be and, ultimately, diminishing how good of a legacy you are ensuring.
Legacy is both selfish and selfless - you earn respect from those around you and yourself for being thoughtful to future generations. It is part of leaving a place better than you found it. It requires thought and time but it will be a treasure for generations to come.
Hoping that starting university and getting back to a routine will help with my book productivity rate 🤞. In the meantime…
Podcast of the week🎙️
WSJ The Future of Everything: It Cooks, It Cleans! When Will Robots Be Doing Our Chores?
Perfect level of detail and appeals to my roots in efficiency and also wishful sci-fi thinking
Thing I’m grateful for this week 🙏
The patient cashier at the store today, who didn’t bat an eyelid at all the questions I asked and discounts I wanted adding on
Quote of the week 💬
No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind - Taylor Swift
I hope those who have started university have a good first term, those who are about to enjoy Freshers Week and for the many readers who aren’t in those 2 categories - enjoy the new season, with Pumpkin Spice Lattes1 or a less bulky coat.
Adi
Had my first ever one today - loved it!