Are you ready to make a significant impact through your investments?
When thinking about some of the notable figures who have made a real difference in the world, there are several key factors that set them apart from the rest. Amongst those factors are a few central themes – they knew who they were, they had a purpose, and they were willing to take risks to achieve that purpose.
As someone who enjoys delving into biographies, I’ve come to the realization that real influence begins with strong convictions. As Luke Roush, one of the authors of “Faith Driven Investor,” points out, “Convictions are not just strong opinions. Opinions are transient, beliefs have more staying power, and convictions are powerful lifelong truths.” As investors, I think the key is to strike a balance between opinions, beliefs, and a select few convictions that shape the way we invest our capital.
Negative screening, or avoiding exploitative or unethical investments, is a starting point. However, limiting ourselves to avoidance can hinder our potential to make a significant impact. Think about Jesus… When we look at His example, we will notice that he talked a lot more about what he was for than what he was against. He didn’t withdraw from the culture around him, he engaged with it. As a faith-driven investor, I want to follow His example and actively seek out opportunities to serve others, benefit society, and change culture.
The question arises: why do more people not invest in ventures aligned with their convictions for positive impact? I think it’s because, compared to negative screening, the time commitment to find and vet quality opportunities is significant. And it can be risky. But as Luke reminds us, “Ships aren’t built to stay in the harbor. They’re designed to go out and sail. But at the same time, they’re also designed with a bilge pump. Why? Because the shipbuilder knows that every ship is going to take on water at some point.” We must be willing to take calculated risks. Doing the right thing is usually not the easiest thing.
Let’s embrace the challenge, take risks for the sake of our purpose, and build a legacy aligned with our convictions. Instead of being known for what we avoid, let’s be recognized for our strong convictions and our active pursuit of opportunities that make a positive impact on society. In a world hungry for positive change, our investments can be a powerful catalyst for building a legacy that transcends financial success— a legacy of positive impact and purposeful investing.