Before reading this you should follow this link and read Nilofer Merchant’s thoughts on this. This post stems directly from it and it was one the more eye opening and inspirational things I’ve read in quite some time.

http://t.co/hhEljg8

If I followed others, I would say that I’m a manager of IT systems, specializing in software configuration management. I’ve always said that and never really thought more about it. But now saying it, I can’t really say that it says who I am.

People don’t pay much attention to it either. But I agree that people feel naked without a working title, like they are being judged. Take the stay at home mom or dad, they always seem to be justifying that their role, while not officially employed, is a real job that is hard. It’s like they are trying to prove their existence to others.

I think this is why the act of writing ones own epitaph is really hard and enlightening. It forces you to write, in a very concise format, what you want other people to know you as. So here is the question, who are you? Let me give it whirl here.

I am person who wants to inspire others to be more than they think they can be. I have kids and want them to grow believing they can do anything. I have a wife with a terminal form cancer and I want her to do everything she can and wants to. I want to make people who I work with successful in their lives. What do I want? If I can give myself fully to everyone else then I think I can look back on my life and see success. I’m not perfect but I am hopeful.

Can I put that on a business card? How about “Carlos Randolph, Aspiring Inspirer”? Now I’m just having fun. Truth be told, if I can live and embody what I wrote then the title is truly pointless. I think on my next business card I’m going to ask that the title be set to Me.

Hmmm. That sounded and felt good. I love the 45 minutes I’m afforded on the train ride home. Thank you Nilofer! Whether you know it or not, you have inspired me.