The number one way to honor someone is to carry their voice and values forward everyday through your behavior and explicitly through stories and advice and guidance of other people.
That’s the ultimate way to honor people, more than the fanfare of a fancy gift or if you have a great employee and giving them a raise, but to really celebrate somebody’s words and their noble character and what they have to share with other people, that is a magical way to make a difference, to perpetuate the goodness in humanity and to celebrate and honor someone who’s made a difference in your life.
Interview Someone You Love About Life
- What comes to mind when you think about growing up in [hometown]?
- What did you love to do as a kid, before high school?
- What did you love to do in high school?
- What do you remember most about your teenage years?
- What do you remember most about your mom (grandma)?
- What was most important to her?
- What do you remember most about your dad (grandpa)?
- What was most important to him?
- If grandma and grandpa had a message to you and their grandchildren, what do you think it is?
- How did you meet [spouse] and know she/he was the one?
- How did you choose your career and what was your favorite part about it?
- What made you successful at work?
- What did you believe about yourself that helped you become successful and deal with hard times?
- What times in your life truly “tested your mettle,” and what did you learn about yourself by dealing (or not dealing) with them?
- What three events most shaped your life?
- What do you remember about when each of us was born?
- Were you ever scared to be a parent?
- What three words would you say represented your approach to parenting and why?
- When you think about [sibling] how would you describe him?
- What message do you have for [sibling] that you want him to always keep in mind?
- When you think about [spouse], how would you describe her/him?
- What message do you have for [spouse] that you want her/him to always keep in mind?
- What three words would you say best describe who you tried to be in life and how you want to be remembered?
- When they think about their careers, what do you want your children to focus on?
- What have you learned about other people in life? (trustworthy, kind or not and mean)?
- What do you think the world needs more of right now?
- What do you believe people want the most in life?
- What were the three best decisions you’ve ever made?
- What are you most proud of in life?
- What were five of the most positive moments of your life?
- What message would you like to share with your family?
- What are you most thankful for?
* Source: Brendon Burchard – Interview Your Loved Ones Before They’re Gone