What are ideals?
At Freedom Quest we talk a lot about “ideals.” Here’s what we mean.
What are ideals?
Ideals are positive qualities that are in our control to get better at, and at which we can notice ourselves making progress, but that are ultimately inexhaustible.
For example, wisdom is a universal human ideal. We all want to grow in wisdom, it’s in our control to grow in wisdom, and we can definitely tell when we’re getting wiser. But: you can’t max it out! No one gets to the point where they can say: “Ok, done, I’m at max wisdom. Next ideal!” Nope, for us mortals, there’s no such thing at arriving at perfect wisdom.
Your ideals are your path to flourishing.
Ideals give you something to aim at for your whole life. They’re important to you, they’re up to you, and they’re what define you.
Why are we talking about ideals at a financial planning firm? Because the way you spend your money is a direct reflection of your ideals. Not an indirect reflection, not a vague resemblance, but a 100% absolute through-line.
From your mind to your money. You want to get clear on what to do with your money? Get clear on your ideals.
At Freedom Quest we have six ideals — positive qualities we can always get better at as financial advisors but which we will never exhaust in perfection: fiduciary duty, stewardship, faith, wisdom, knowledge, and courage.
More fully:
Fiduciary Duty to our clients
Stewardship of our minds, bodies, and possessions for God
Faith in the Declaration of Independence & the U.S. Constitution
Wisdom in human flourishing
Knowledge of modern finance
Courage as rational love-in-action
