Goodwill Hunting

It was 2016, and I didn’t know what to do.

I was at the beginning of a huge transition, a pivot.

No longer a portfolio manager working in NYC,

Who was I?

I was living in Houston, and I was failing.

Not required but before every Harvard Business School reunion,

the school asks us to submit an update.

Most folks write positive updates about work, family, and travel.

But I was in no such mood.

Stressed, a little depressed, and full of anxiety, I give my update with an Oprah quote.

“There is no such thing as failure. Failure is just life trying to move us in another direction.”

For some reason, I started to free-write.

What I discovered about writing is that you uncover treasures, a new direction.

I had buried an experience.

Uncovering it gave me purpose.

I helped my mom balance her checkbook when I was 14 years old.

Simple but meaningful.

A childhood experience that helped me discover my purpose.

Really? Checks and balances?

But in hindsight, when kids help parents, it empowers us.

Visiting Harvard with my daughter seven years later, on my run this morning, I appreciated where my journey has taken me.

I'm now a financial advisor to women and still a portfolio manager.

The journey has created goodwill.

Running by MIT and Harvard this morning reminded me of Good Will Hunting (a 1997 American psychological drama film directed by Gus Van Sant, and written by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon). The movie is about Will Hunting, who is good, and that Will hunts with/for goodwill.

Goodwill is also an accounting concept which is the $ value of the excess of the price paid (typically the price for intangible assets such as brand, trade mark) when a company takes over another company.

Creating goodwill is similar to creating a personal brand, or a mission statement.

We hunt for authenticity, and connection with others which makes us unique.

It gives us a lens to view the world and help others.

Everyone’s journey and discovery is unique.

As I was huffing and puffing, I passed a man,

He said to me, "Good Job" ;-)

It’s hard to transition, but after doing the work, seven years later, I had one of the best runs of my life this morning on the Charles River.

Your Friendly Wealth Engagement Guide,

Tiffany Kent, Tiffany@wealthengagement.com

Empowering women to take control of their future!

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