Maybe you judge what you leave behind by what you inspire in other people.
All ups and downs help you to find a balance in your being. No more ups and downs, but bliss, joy, silence and gratitude.
If you want to be incrementally better: Be competitive. If you want to be exponentially better: Be cooperative.
A leader is someone who compels others to positive action by the power of their own positive action.
Life is like a book with three chapters. Two are already written by God - Birth and Death. The chapter in the middle is empty; fill it with your smile, love and faith.