Some credit this advice to Warren Buffett…The story goes:
A young man walks into Mr. Buffett’s office and asks, “Mr. Buffett, I have all these ideas and passions and goals but I don’t know where to start. I’m overwhelmed. With all your years as a successful investor and businessman, what’s your number one piece of advice for someone who’s starting out in pursuit of their dreams?”
Warren took a breath, and said “Write down your top 25 goals. Skills you want to improve. Areas you want to focus on. Qualities you want to be a part of your life. Take five minutes to do so…Then, circle your top five.”
”Ah, I see” the man responded. “So I focus intently on these top five, and then when I can, I give water to the other 20?”
”No,” Mr. Buffett said. “Avoid the other 20 at all costs.”
It’s nice to be interested in a ton of things. It’s fun, dynamic, worldly. But I think we derive much more meaning and juiciness by becoming incredible at a few things, as opposed to pretty good at many things. We simply don’t have the time nor the bandwidth to effectively pursue 20 different goals/skills/habits at a time. Find what is important to you, truly important, and dedicate yourself to it. Everything else is merely a distraction from the quality time you could be spending on the most important things in your life.
Here is my top five:
1) Brazilian JiuJitsu (acquire the basics and practice, ask questions, and get my ass kicked)
2) Podcast (have passionate, inspiring people on and have in-depth conversation with them)
3) Quality time with friends and family (events, meals, conversations, laughs, phone calls…take care of the people who take care of you)
4) Money (not in an egotistical way…become financially literate, stick to your budget, invest in assets, save money so your near and distant futures consist of comfort and options)
5) Gym (get a full workout 3-5 times per week)
What’s your top five? Let me know.
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