In our global capitalist culture we often equate success in life with financial success. The value we attribute to one another is most often related to the size of our personal balance sheet and not some other more altruistic characteristic. And yet some of the most successful human beings in our planet became successful not by chasing material wealth, but rather by aligning their inner purpose with their outer purpose and pursuing that purpose with enjoyment and enthusiasm. And while we might frequently hear about how with passion anything can be accomplished, what if you have yet to discover your purpose, or have not found a constructive means of expression to channel your passion.
Then it might be helpful to begin to ask oneself questions such as “What brings true happiness to my life?”, or more basic questions like “what passion means to you?” or “How does enjoying what your do affect it’s outcome?” or “How can you align your job and your passion?
Passion comes from your inner or outer motive. This can be something very broad such as decreasing global violence, to a more specific motive like creating a more sustainable method of harvesting corn. Both are motives, or even considered goals, but both create direction and focus.
Your passion is something you can't stop thinking about, something you can’t stop working for. You are always reading about it, or even writing about it. The truth however is that not everyone has the courage or even opportunity to seek out their passion. People prefer to sit in a status quo as opposed to taking risks, because naturally we fear the unknown, or don't want to be viewed as a failure.
This is the wrong way to think. Let's look at what some of the most successful individuals have said about passion.
Warren Buffett discussed his secrets to success by emphasizing the importance of finding what brings meaning to your life and making it your focus each day.
Steve Jobs of Apple shares similar thoughts starting that people should do what they love doing, mentioning that it was his passion for his work and a belief that
“people with passion can change the world for the better” that drove him to success.
Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook stated that people should find that thing they are most passionate about and pursue it.
he said, “I think it’s important if you’re going to take on any big challenge, that you just love and really have faith in what you’re doing. That I think is the most important advice I would say.”
When we set out to . We wanted to create a company that flips the financial industry upside down by truly providing "mindful investments". That is broad but here is what it means to us. There are various layers of the financial landscape, and each layer is just as important. For us, to be truly mindful, we must then create well defined processes for each layer, spend time and resources on generating amazing research, and working with people we truly care about.
Now we challenge you to find your passion and go after it!
Have a good one!
Sean D. Emory
Avory & Co. Founder & Chief Investment Officer
Disclaimer: This is not a recommendation for purchase or sale of any securities.
AVORY & CO. IS A REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISER. INFORMATION PRESENTED IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT INTEND TO MAKE AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION FOR THE SALE OR PURCHASE OF ANY SPECIFIC SECURITIES, INVESTMENTS, OR INVESTMENT STRATEGIES. INVESTMENTS INVOLVE RISK AND UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, ARE NOT GUARANTEED. BE SURE TO FIRST CONSULT WITH A QUALIFIED FINANCIAL ADVISER AND/OR TAX PROFESSIONAL BEFORE IMPLEMENTING ANY STRATEGY DISCUSSED HEREIN.