Finding Life Purpose By Knowing What You Hate
Daniel Crosby, Ph.D.
Chief Behavioral Officer at Orion Advisor Solutions - Behavioral Finance expert - Psychologist - Author of "The Soul of Wealth"
Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and reading on how humans find and create meaning in life. The search for “your thing” can be daunting, but often it’s much easier to figure out what we hate than what we love. Enter a concept born out of attempts to describe the nature of God, “via negativa.”
"Via negativa" suggests that instead of adding more goals or activities, you should focus on removing what doesn't serve you. By identifying and eliminating distractions, toxic habits, or unfulfilling commitments, you clear the path to your true purpose.
Imagine life as a sculptor sees a block of marble. By chipping away the excess, your purpose emerges. Remove what drains your energy or doesn't align with your core values. This process of elimination brings clarity to what truly matters.
Why Bother?
Gain Clarity: Removing what's unnecessary helps reveal your true passions and goals.
Enhance Focus: Simplifying your life allows you to concentrate on what genuinely fulfills you.
Improve Well-being: Letting go of negative influences boosts your mental and emotional health.
Apply It!
Next time you feel lost, try via negativa. Reflect on what’s not working in your life, what you'd like to avoid, and start eliminating.
If you too like thinking about meaning (and how it collides with money!), I'd be honored if you'd check out my book, The Soul of Wealth - https://lnkd.in/e7eT9hEc
If you're an advisor looking for free CE with an emphasis on the human side of money, check out the Orion Advisor Academy - https://lnkd.in/eHb6qc6n
Sr GM at Zydus Cadila
6moSimple and powerful thought.
Helping High Earners Build Prosperity through Financial Concierge Services | Clarity and Strategy | Principal at Concierge Wealth Management
6moIf you talk to someone about what you dislike and they happen to be an expert in what you’re talking about disliking, they’ll be able to figure out what you will like. This happened with me recently when I was on a consult for garden containers and I had a reaction to trellis’ 🪜. That feedback helped them move in a different path and eliminated on style of design.
Keynote Speaker | The Future-Ready Advisor | Behavioral Finance Expert | Bestselling Author | 3x Wealth Business Builder | Growing 9Round Canada 🥊
6moLove this thought, Daniel! 😄 As I get older, I have gotten much clarity on what I dislike. Knowing that list and avoiding them is a good start to meaning and contentment!
Partner AthenaInvest | Behavioral Investing | Business Strategy | Practice Management
6moLove This One - So true !
Experienced Investment Professional
6moI like this idea. The process is elimination is as important as, if not more important than, the process of selection for most people. Life is full of of paradox…