Carrying on a Legacy, An Albatross or a Fire?

I am aware of the self-doubt talking at those times and push through that by hearing his voice in my ear, “Tacey, the world needs this message, more now than ever, keep going,” and I do.

As many of you who have read things from me previously know, my father was and continues to be a massive influence in my life. His death didn’t change that. If anything, I feel like the loss has ignited a fire within me. Some days it is coals and embers smoldering; other times, the flames shoot high into the sky. He taught me, through example, so much about customer service. I knew my life would focus on customer service because of that example, but in his death, he passed a legacy to me to spread exceptional customer service worldwide, which has now become my mission.

People have asked me if carrying on his legacy feels like a burden, an albatross around my neck. Never a burden, some days, perhaps, like I am not worthy. I am aware of the self-doubt talking at those times and push through that by hearing his voice in my ear, “Tacey, the world needs this message, more now than ever, keep going,” and I do.

When I was younger, the standards he set for me to live up to in service did feel heavy and unrealistic. To build those life-long relationships with people seemed impossible. Putting others’ needs ahead of my own felt unattainable. But experience has, over the years, taught me otherwise. It has shown me the wisdom in his thought process, and I have watched businesses thrive and grow using these techniques.

Now years later, instead of a burden, I have come to feel more like he is embracing me through these actions. I feel connected to him and want to make him proud; I want to spread those standards to all who wish to have success in their lives. Because no matter what you do in life, you will serve people in some form or fashion. And when done with the right intention, those relationships can lead to phenomenal success.

Do it with grace, caring, compassion. Show people, you care about them, not what they can do for you, and you will have made a difference in their lives, and they too will make a difference in yours.

We could and should all aspire to continue his legacy, and what a gift we will leave behind. Our world will change, one genuine interaction at a time.