Field Goals in Life: Turning Challenges into Triumphs

Over the weekend, I traveled to San Francisco to visit clients, spend time with my mom, and attend the Big Game with my friend Royce Suba.

After being down by two touchdowns, we came back and won! Go Bears! 🐻💙💛

During my visit with my mom, I sought closure on many difficult times she put me through as a kid. 

She expressed regret for several things she had done, but I had forgiven her years ago.

When I asked her about her biggest regret, she shared something surprising:

She wished she hadn’t divorced my dad while I was so young and had waited instead.

At first, I thought about what that would have meant:

- I wouldn’t have gone to Beverly Hills High School.

- I wouldn’t have learned to balance my mom’s checkbook as a teenager.

- I might not have ended up at UC Berkeley.

Her regret, however, turned out to be my greatest triumph. 

Those challenges shaped who I am today—helping me avoid the trap of living as a victim.

Years ago, when I was in a career funk and frustrated as a woman working in finance and on Wall Street, I felt stuck. 

I regretted my choices and felt resentment toward my industry. 

But then, I unpacked a memory I had buried deep. 

I had forgotten I helped my mom manage her finances as a teen, and that memory resurfaced through freewriting.

That’s when I came across two life-changing ideas:

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” — Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning.

“What stands in the way becomes the way.” — Marcus Aurelius, as popularized in Ryan Holiday’s The Obstacle Is the Way.

Those words reframed my perspective. 

Instead of blaming the industry or my circumstances, I pivoted. 

I decided to become a financial advisor to women—empowering them to take control of their financial futures.

I’m deeply thankful for my childhood experiences. 

They gave me the strength, resilience, and perspective I needed to build the life I have now.

When I told my mom this, I let her know: 

I am grateful for those challenges. They made me who I am today.

With gratitude, thank you for reading!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Tiffany Kent

Your Friendly Wealth Engagement Guide

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