IMPACT vs. LEGACY
image created by Vintage Mamani
When building a career or business, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of legacy—the quest to be remembered as a GOAT, a legend, a name etched in history. But here’s the truth: legacy is overrated if it’s your only goal. Focusing on the impact you’re making right now not only feels more authentic, but it’s also how the real legends are born.
Legacy Is Ego, Impact Is Action
Let’s be honest: legacy is often tied to ego. It’s about wanting your name in lights, your work immortalized, and your story retold for generations. But if you’re so focused on how people will remember you, you’re missing the point.
Impact, though? That’s where the magic is. It’s about creating, showing up, and doing the work that resonates today. Think of someone like Nipsey Hussle. He wasn’t chasing legacy—he was focused on uplifting his community, educating others about ownership, and making moves that mattered. The marathon wasn’t just a brand; it was a philosophy. And now, because he focused on impact, his legacy takes care of itself.
Legacy Distracts, Impact Delivers
When you’re fixated on legacy, you risk overthinking and underdelivering. You might stall on dropping that project because it doesn’t feel “groundbreaking enough.” Or you might let perfectionism hold you hostage because you’re worried about how it’ll be received years from now.
But when you focus on impact, you move with intention. Think about Beyoncé. When she dropped Lemonade in 2016, it wasn’t just about the music—it was about the moment. The United States was grappling with political and social turmoil; police brutality, systemic racism, and the aftermath of high-profile incidents like the deaths of Sandra Bland and Freddie Gray. In this climate, Lemonade became a cultural rallying cry, celebrating Black womanhood and resilience while highlighting generational pain and healing. It wasn’t about crafting a legacy; it was about creating something that spoke directly to the times. The result? A work of art that moved millions and remains one of the most impactful albums in modern music history.
Black Excellence in Action
For another example, look at someone like Kehinde Wiley. As a visual artist, Wiley didn’t set out to create a legacy—he set out to shift perspectives. His larger-than-life portraits of Black individuals in regal, classical settings have reshaped how we see Black identity in art. When he was chosen to paint Barack Obama’s presidential portrait, it wasn’t about building his own name. It was about showing the world a vision of Black excellence and representation in a space that has historically excluded it. His impact speaks volumes, and his legacy naturally follows.
Why Impact Matters More
Focusing on impact keeps you present. It allows you to respond to the world around you, to adapt, and to make meaningful contributions that resonate in real time. When you focus on what matters today, you not only create value—you inspire others to do the same.
It also gives you room to evolve. When Kanye West dropped 808s & Heartbreak, he wasn’t thinking about how it would fit into his legacy—he was experimenting, taking risks, and redefining the sound of hip hop. That impact influenced an entire generation of artists. Legacy was just the side effect.
Legacy Is a Byproduct of Impact
The reality is, legacy fades. Even the greatest names in history eventually become trivia questions. What lasts is the ripple effect of the impact you’ve made—the artists you’ve inspired, the communities you’ve built, the doors you’ve opened.
So, what do you think? Should we be focused on impact or legacy? Which resonates more with the work you’re doing today? Follow us on our socials and drop your thought in a caption — we’d love to hear your thoughts!
