Find Your Purpose & Live With Greater Meaning | Betsy Wills & Alex Ellison

A perfect discussion to start the new year with

As we begin a new year, I thought it appropriate to continue Thoughtful Money's ongoing commitment to highlighting the principles components of true wealth -- of which money is simply a means, not the end in itself.

Research tells us that true wealth is primarily a function of quality relationships, purpose & health.

And today, we're going to drill down deep into the purpose part of that equation.

How can we live with greater meaning?

How do we even identify what our purpose is?

There's actually an empirical process for answering these important questions, and we're fortunate to be able to learn about it today from Betsy Wills and Alex Ellison, co-authors of the book Your Hidden Genius: The Science-Backed Strategy to Uncovering and Harnessing Your Innate Talents

And for those looking to get started living with greater purpose, there are exciting testing services now available -- based on the aptitudes research of Johnson O'Connor, whom longtime listeners have heard me rave about -- that can help accelerate your progress in 2025.

Even though it’s only Jan 2nd, I think this may be one of Thoughtful Money’s most important interviews of 2025. I predict you’re really going to enjoy it.

To learn how to live with more meaning in 2025, click here or on the video below:

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SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS IN 2025: The New Year has begun! Schedule a free, no-commitment consultation with one of Thoughtful Money’s endorsed financial advisors now to identify the right steps to position your portfolio advantageously for 2025:

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Adam’s Notes: Betsy Wills & Alex Ellison (recorded 12.31.24)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

• True wealth is rooted in quality relationships, a sense of purpose, and health, with money serving as a tool to support these pillars rather than an end goal. Purpose, in particular, is described as one of the most challenging yet essential components of personal fulfillment. By identifying and aligning with one’s purpose, individuals can create a more balanced and satisfying life. The session underscores the importance of understanding oneself to achieve this alignment.

• Aptitudes are defined as innate abilities that individuals are born with, separate from learned skills. Unlike skills that can be developed through training, aptitudes are fixed traits that determine how people naturally think, solve problems, and process information. The conversation highlights Johnson O’Connor’s pioneering research in the 1920s, which established aptitude testing as a means to help individuals identify their natural talents. Modern aptitude assessments, like those based on O’Connor’s methods, provide insights into these strengths and guide individuals toward careers and activities that leverage their abilities.

• The book highlights four primary aptitudes, known as the Core 4, which are particularly influential in determining career fit and personal satisfaction. These include: