Principle #2: Share Your Story

On the outside, Charlie had it all together. He had a big personality, a great job, a beautiful family, and a seemingly nice life. But on the inside, he is full of stress and anxiety. He frequently lost sleep about money and while he had amassed a balance sheet of more than $10 million, he was concerned he did not have enough.

There were no words or financial models that could convince Charlie he was financially secure. Once he shared his childhood story of parental abandonment and poverty with me, it became clear where his irrational fear came from.

Then I challenged him, “does your family know your origin story”?

Charlie was also deeply concerned for his children and the inheritance they would receive. Is it too much?

Helping his children understand his origin story provided them perspective. They got to understand why he is so motivated, where his fear comes from, why he works so hard, and why he made the sacrifices he did throughout their lives.

Principle #2: Share Your Story.

However you do it, capturing your story will help your descendants know their story, their roots. You have a story, so tell it. And tell it often. Also, share what you’re most proud of.

If you’re like most of us, there may also be things you’re not that proud of—the way you responded to adversity, perhaps. But if you’re thankful for what you learned from the event, share that.

Read Charlie’s full story and all the stories that inspired The Greatest Gift: 9 Principles for the Transfer of Your Legacy Along with Your Wealth.