When asked about her legacy, a CMO listed business achievements. Her coach pushed back, stating, "Congratulations on your accomplishments. What is your legacy?" This forced a realization that a true legacy isn't a list of wins, but the lasting impact you have on people and how you make them feel.

When asked about legacy, Dr. Abelson, who helped get 85 drugs approved, says it's not about professional accomplishments but about his grandchildren. A meaningful life is one that inspires future generations, suggesting one should act in ways that would make their future grandkids proud.

According to Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, the goal for ambitious individuals shouldn't be the direct pursuit of happiness. Instead, they should optimize for making a significant impact. Happiness is often a byproduct of meaningful work, not the primary objective.

This three-part definition clarifies a vague concept. True "life's work" is not just a job; it's a long-term pursuit (lifelong quest), it's service-oriented (for others), and it's deeply authentic (expresses who you are). Few people achieve this, but it's a worthy aspiration.

Your corporate title is fleeting and becomes irrelevant the day you leave. Lasting career currency is built on generosity and helping others without expecting an immediate return. These genuine relationships, not your business card, provide opportunities long after you've left a role.

When eulogized, a person's career accomplishments are footnotes. The core of their legacy is their character—how they behaved and treated others—and their service. This reality should inform how we prioritize our daily actions, focusing on behavior over status or material success.

For long-term fulfillment, young professionals should prioritize cultivating 'eulogy virtues' (character, integrity, kindness) over 'resume virtues' (accomplishments, titles). The pursuit of virtue is a controllable, lifelong process that builds self-worth, whereas ambition and external success are unpredictable.

A powerful redefinition of success is moving away from an identity centered on your profession. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a life so rich with hobbies, passions, and relationships that your job becomes the least interesting aspect of who you are, merely a bystander to a well-lived life.

A former Goldman leader advised new partners to build a life so rich that if their obituary were nine paragraphs long, no more than three would be about their career. This advice frames work as just one part of a well-rounded life, encouraging philanthropy, diverse relationships, and other pursuits.