My mum used to say that a success without a successor is a failure. At first it sounded like one of those wise sayings parents are known for, the kind they drop into conversation and move on. But over the years I’ve come to see just how deep and true it really is.

Her point was simple: if the success of your work depends on you alone, then it isn’t true success. Real success builds systems that can run even in your absence. It empowers others to carry the vision. It ensures continuity instead of collapse. True success is collaborative — a team effort, not a solo performance.

This isn’t just good advice — it’s biblical. In Ecclesiastes 2:18–19 Solomon lamented, “Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me. And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool?” Sadly, his words proved true. His son Rehoboam lacked wisdom, and under his reign the kingdom split. Solomon’s wealth and wisdom could not hold the people together. If not for God’s covenant with David — that his seed would remain on the throne — Israel’s story might have ended differently. Even the wisest man stumbled because he did not prepare a strong successor.

That’s why my mum’s words carry heavy weight. She had seen people build families, businesses, and reputations, only for everything to scatter once they were gone. Without successors, the story ended abruptly.

As a project manager, I see this principle embodied at the very core of the discipline. One of the fundamentals of project management is ensuring outcomes can survive beyond one person. That means documenting, delegating, and engaging others in the workflow. It means building systems that allow others to step in, or even automating processes so space opens up for greater responsibilities. That’s how real progress happens.

I was reminded of this recently when, in one of my roles, a team member stepped down. She was efficient, got everything done, and no one doubted her ability. But she worked largely alone. There was little documentation, her team members weren’t fully engaged, and the moment she left, chaos followed. The work had no successor.

The truth is, this plays out everywhere — in nonprofits, in workplaces, in churches, in families. One person carries the weight, but when they step aside, everything collapses because there was no system, no successor, no plan for continuity.

So this is the question I’m leaving with you: What are you putting in place to ensure that the circle doesn’t end with you? Who are you bringing along? What systems or practices are you leaving behind? Start small if you must — even a one-page checklist, a mentoring conversation, or a shared workflow can outlive you.

For me, I’ve started answering that question in my own home and personal life. These days I’m documenting the things I do — not only so I can ask for help when I need it, but also so I can delegate more easily when I have to. It also helps me track what works, what needs improvement, and what can be stopped altogether. It’s a win-win, because in the process I’m building a system that serves me and others.

This blog is another part of that answer. It may never bring financial gain, but it’s my way of documenting lessons and leaving value that others can carry.

Now that I think about it, no wonder Jesus was so successful. He wasn’t chasing titles or grandeur. His mission was to establish a system through which the world could be saved. And He did it in just three and a half years of ministry. Thousands of years later, we are still living in the reality of that impact. If He is our example, then we have a clear picture of how He expects us to live — building not just for ourselves, but for what will outlast us.

Legacy doesn’t always have to look like Nobel Prizes or Guinness records — though those are wonderful if you desire them. Sometimes it’s as simple as adding value in small, steady ways.

And that, to me, is also success.

Categories: My lifestyle

Tags: biblical reflections, Intentional living, Leadership, Legacy, Life lessons, Motivation, personal growth, Productivity, Project Management, Reflections, succession planning