In this guide, I’m going to walk you through what legacy writing can look like for those of us who don’t identify as professional writers, and how you can approach this project with confidence, whether you’re leading a business, nurturing a family, or caring for someone else.
Legacy. It’s a word that can carry a lot of weight, isn’t it? The idea of writing a legacy is something that’s not only about the words you leave behind, but the heart you pour into them. But what if you’re not a writer? What if you’ve never felt comfortable picking up a pen to tell your story? That’s where legacy writing can feel daunting.
Yet, the beauty of legacy writing lies in its accessibility—it’s not about writing a bestseller or crafting the next great novel; it’s about capturing what’s meaningful to you, your values, and the impact you’ve had on others.
In this guide, I’m going to walk you through what legacy writing can look like for those of us who don’t identify as professional writers, and how you can approach this project with confidence, whether you’re leading a business, nurturing a family, or caring for someone else.
What is Legacy Writing?
Legacy writing is the act of creating something lasting—something that reflects your values, your journey, and your insights. It can be as simple as writing down your personal history, your family’s story, or the principles that guide your work. Unlike formal memoirs or autobiographies, legacy writing is less about the chronological details and more about the legacy you want to leave—whether that’s through your words, your actions, or your impact.
Legacy writing isn’t confined to personal stories. It’s also a way to preserve knowledge, values, or business philosophies that can shape the future. For business leaders, it might be about sharing the lessons learned through years of experience. For families, it might involve preserving traditions, memories, or advice for the next generation. For carers, it could be documenting the experiences of those you support, helping to share their journeys in meaningful ways.
Why is Legacy Writing Important?
We often think of legacies in the context of inheritance or possessions, but true legacies are found in stories and values. What will be remembered about you after you’re gone? What stories do you want to live on in the hearts of your loved ones or colleagues? Legacy writing allows you to define that. It’s about leaving something that matters.
For business leaders, legacy writing can provide direction for future generations. It can help preserve the core values and vision of the company, ensuring that the heart of the organisation lives on.
For families, legacy writing helps pass down memories, lessons, and wisdom. It provides an opportunity to preserve a sense of connection with future generations—something more lasting than photographs or heirlooms. These stories are like threads weaving your family together across time.
For carers, legacy writing allows you to honour the lives and stories of those you care for. Whether it’s through recording their experiences, sharing their wisdom, or preserving their thoughts, you’re ensuring their voices are heard.
Getting Started with Legacy Writing
Now, let’s talk about the how. If you’re wondering where to begin, I’d suggest not to stress about structure or style. This isn’t about writing perfectly—this is about documenting what’s important to you. Here are some simple, practical steps to get started:
1. Decide on the Purpose
What’s the goal of your legacy writing? Are you hoping to share personal stories with your family? Or perhaps you want to leave behind the philosophies that have shaped your business? Deciding on your purpose will help you find the focus of your writing. Think of this as your ‘why.’
2. Choose the Format
Legacy writing doesn’t need to be a long, formal document. It could be:
- A journal of daily reflections or major life milestones
- A collection of letters to loved ones or employees
- A video or audio recording of your thoughts
- A timeline or scrapbook that tells the history of your business or family
Remember, this isn’t about crafting something that fits a mould—it’s about sharing your story in a format that feels comfortable to you.
3. Focus on Key Themes
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, think about what themes matter most to you. What lessons would you like to pass on? What values or principles guide your decisions? For business leaders, this might include your mission statement or key decisions that shaped the business. For families, it could be love, resilience, or kindness. Write down key themes, and then let your story flow from them.
4. Be Authentic
This is your legacy, so it should be real. Don’t worry about being a ‘perfect’ writer—just focus on being authentic. Write as you speak. Tell your stories from the heart, even if they’re imperfect. It’s the authenticity of your voice that will carry your message.
5. Start Small
Begin by jotting down a few memories, thoughts, or reflections each day. Don’t pressure yourself to write pages at a time. Even a few sentences can make a big impact over time. For family legacy writing, start by asking open-ended questions like: “What was the happiest moment of your life?” or “What are you most proud of?” For business, try reflecting on key milestones or lessons learned.
Legacy Writing for Business Leaders
For business leaders, legacy writing is about capturing the essence of what you’ve built and why. You’ve spent years developing a vision and strategy for your company, but what will happen once you’re no longer there to guide it? Writing down your principles, values, and vision for the future can help keep the company’s spirit alive, even when new leaders take the helm.
Here are a few ideas for business leaders:
- Company Philosophy: What values drive your business decisions? What principles guide your leadership?
- The Story of Your Business: How did your company get started? What were the challenges you faced, and what lessons did you learn?
- Messages for Future Generations: What do you hope the future holds for the business? What advice would you give to those who will take over?
Legacy Writing for Families
For families, legacy writing can be a wonderful way to pass down stories and wisdom to future generations. Whether it’s the family’s history, traditions, or the personal reflections of grandparents or parents, there is so much value in preserving these memories. Think about the stories you want to share and the lessons you want to pass on.
You can create a family journal where each member contributes a thought or memory, or you could write down stories that bring the family together—moments that define who you are as a family.
Legacy Writing for Carers
As a carer, you are uniquely positioned to tell the stories of the individuals you support. Whether you’re working with elderly people or supporting individuals with disabilities, legacy writing offers a meaningful way to document their lives and journeys. These stories are often overlooked, but they are deeply valuable for future generations, caregivers, and the individuals themselves.
Consider documenting daily or weekly reflections. You can record their thoughts on life, their personal history, and their dreams or challenges. This writing can provide both an emotional connection and a legacy of empathy and care.
Legacy writing is a powerful and deeply personal act. It’s not about being a professional writer; it’s about capturing the essence of what you’ve lived, what you’ve learned, and what you want to leave behind. Whether it’s through words, stories, or reflections, your legacy is a gift to those who come after you. And it’s a gift you don’t need to be an author to give. So, take a deep breath. Grab a pen. Your legacy is waiting to be written.
☕ If this post helped you take that first brave step, you can shout me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/scribblyteam. It keeps the words flowing and the encouragement strong.