Aligning Our Lives for Purposeful Investing
When we consider making the most of our lives, we often fail to understand that it means seizing every moment, which directly reflects how we spend our time. If we examine how we spend our time, we can see what we value and what has our attention. The problem occurs when we have dreams and aspirations for things that contradict what we value and what has our attention. In investing, this means ensuring that our financial goals align with our core values. We must first identify these values and aspirations to align our investments with purpose. Then, we can set specific financial goals and create a plan to achieve them, ensuring that our investment actions are in line with our beliefs and values.
The Challenge of Alignment
Though this can be easily stated, accomplishing it can be extremely challenging, mainly because of the many distractions that people and life present. The skill of focus and the commitment to discipline one must cultivate to arrive at this alignment and clarity of purpose takes time. Therefore, we must allow patience to have its perfect work. James 1:4 reminds us, "Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." The Bible is clear that a double-minded mind will not receive anything from God. As stated in James 1:8, "Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do." Aligning one's mind, will, and emotions are mandatory and visible once one's thoughts, words, and actions align.
Becoming a Force to Reckon With
In investing, we become a force to reckon with when all elements of our being point toward a purpose and goal; this is when our divine nature, our inherent potential for growth and transformation, is revealed. If you persuade yourself that you can achieve a certain financial goal, you will, however difficult it may be. Philippians 4:13 encourages us with, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." On the other hand, if you imagine that you cannot achieve even a modest financial goal, you won't, and small financial challenges become insurmountable obstacles. Life tends to provide a person with what they need to grow. Our beliefs and what we value in life provide the roadmap for the type of life that we experience. A period of financial discontentment often reveals that our values are misplaced and we are on the wrong path. Unless people change their values and ideas, they will continue to experience financial discontentment.
Embracing the Truth
Embracing the truth frees you, even though it will likely unsettle you initially. John 8:32 says, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." You can try to suppress the truth, but it will always rise. You can attempt to drown the truth, but it will not sink. You can set the truth on fire, but it will not burn. You can bury the truth, but it will always resurface. Truth always prevails! There are no limits to the mind except those we acknowledge. Both financial success and failure are the offspring of thought, words, and actions. Embracing the truth liberates us and enlightens our path.
Wisdom from Socrates and Investors
Socrates, born in 470 BC, is largely thought to be the founder of Western Philosophy. Socrates split from the Natural Philosophers because he wanted wisdom and not just facts. He split from The Sophists because he didn't want to deceive people. Socrates wanted the truth and was humble and aware of his ignorance. In other words, he knew what was important, he 'knew himself,' and paid attention to 'self-correction' so he could transform himself to care well and overcome self-deception.
Socrates used this ability to help people give birth to their 'better selves,' and because of this calling, he thought of himself as an intellectual midwife. This is why the Oracle of Delphi said he is the 'wisest of all men,' because he was aware of his own ignorance, the perennial human capacity for self-deception and self-destruction. Wisdom, in this case, is about getting our truth machinery and relevance machinery together so we don't deceive or humor ourselves.
Warren Buffett, one of the most famous investors, has said, "The best investment you can make is in yourself." This echoes Socrates' belief in self-knowledge and continuous self-improvement. By knowing ourselves and aligning our actions with our values, we can make wiser investment decisions.
Mastering the Mind
The biggest game you will ever play is the game in your mind. Master your mind, master your soul, master your world. Proverbs 23:7 tells us, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." You can only change and be somebody else in the future if you start becoming a little better at being that future person today. When you get stronger, everything in the world gets more accessible. Change yourself, and you've changed everything. Your mind is the most powerful tool you possess. Master it, and you can master your life, feeling in control and confident.
Preparing for the Future
We lock the door from the inside and keep shouting and banging it so that someone can open it from the outside. We know it cannot be done, but we keep slamming the door and cursing the world. We need to stop deceiving ourselves. Stop waiting for the ideal moment or the perfect plan. Progress begins with action, no matter how small. Prepare in calm waters to navigate the storm. The time to prepare is before you need it. Waiting until the storm hits only ensures you'll weather it poorly. As the famous investor Benjamin Franklin said, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."
Cultivating a Purposeful Mindset
Your mindset shapes your reality. Choose which thoughts you entertain and choose wisely. Living a happier life shouldn't be one's goal. Happiness is an emotion that comes and goes, influenced by many factors beyond our control. Instead, focus on finding purpose, practicing gratitude, and embracing the present moment. This mindset can lead to a more fulfilling life. Colossians 3:2 advises, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Conclusion
Remember, alignment is the ultimate goal. Pull yourself together and focus on God's promises. Have faith in the vision He has placed within you and be the divine force He has purposed you to be. By aligning our lives with God's truth and living purposefully, we can achieve true fulfillment and make a meaningful impact on the world around us. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."
By following these principles, we can ensure that our investments reflect our deepest values and beliefs, leading to both financial success and a fulfilling life.