For Drucker 50 is a significant age. One either does something meaningful by 50 or one probably never will. Of course, there are exceptions but others have agreed with Drucker. Schopenhauer put it this way: “The first half of life gives us the text, the second half supplies the commentary on it.”

Whether you’re over or under 50, the question, “What do you want to be remembered for?,” is one you should ask regularly. Drucker said he was always putting this question to himself. “It’s a question that induces you to renew yourself, because it pushes you to see yourself as a different person — the person you can become,” he said. “If you are fortunate, someone with moral authority will ask you that question early enough in your life so that you will continue to ask it as you will continue to ask it as you go through life.”

If you read the legacy statements of the notable Americans on this website, you will appreciate that “How do you want to be remembered” is a question that occupies the thoughts and behavior of many prominent people.

I encourage you to think about your legacy, your “mission statement.” Write it down on a piece of paper, review it periodically, and discuss it with family and friends. What do they think of it? Also, share it with us. We may post it on our website for others to read.