In a world full of distractions, clarity is essential. My previous post touched on this concept, which is not my original idea but one I may have encountered in a favourite podcast. Clarity helps us prioritise effectively. As usual, I turned to Google to delve deeper into the topic. Google’s vast repository of knowledge never disappoints.
Warren Buffett’s 5-Step Process for Prioritising Success
Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors of all time, has a straightforward yet profound method for prioritising goals. His approach, which he shared with his personal airplane pilot, Mike Flint, is designed to help anyone focus on what truly matters.
Step 1: Write Down Your Top 25 Career Goals
Begin by listing your top 25 career goals. These could be a mix of long-term aspirations and short-term objectives.
Step 2: Circle Your Top 5 Goals
Review your list and identify the top 5 goals that stand out as most important to you. These are the goals that resonate most with your vision of success.
Step 3: Create Two Lists
Now, you have two lists: List A with your top 5 circled goals and List B with the remaining 20 goals that were not circled.
Step 4: Marry Your Priorities
Focus on your top 5 goals from List A. Mike Flint initially thought he would also work on the 20 goals in List B intermittently. However, Buffett corrected him, emphasising that the items on List B are to be avoided at all costs.
Step 5: Know Your ‘Avoid at All Costs’ List
Buffett’s advice is to ignore List B completely until you’ve succeeded with your top 5 goals. This sharp focus is crucial to achieving true success.
The Lesson Learned
This approach resonates deeply with me as I often find myself distracted by various interests and responsibilities. By adopting Buffett’s method, I aim to stay laser-focused on my primary goals.
Writing a ‘Now Page’
To further reinforce this focus, I decided to create a ‘Now Page’. This concept, which I discovered on nownownow.com, is a powerful tool for maintaining clarity.
A ‘Now Page’ is similar to an ‘About’ or ‘Contact’ page found on most websites. However, instead of providing background information or contact details, it highlights what the person is currently focused on.
To create your ‘Now Page’, list the things you are presently prioritising in your life. This page serves as a constant reminder of what’s important, helping you avoid distractions.
Staying Focused in a Distracted World
Keep your ‘Now Page’ up-to-date with your current focuses. This practice not only keeps you accountable but also provides a public declaration of your priorities.
Achieving true success requires clarity and focus. By adopting Warren Buffett’s 5-step process and creating a ‘Now Page’, you can prioritise effectively and avoid distractions. Remember, it’s not just about what you choose to do, but also about what you choose not to do.
Thank you for reading. Feel free to check out my ‘Now Page’ to see what I’m currently focused on. What are the things you are prioritising right now? Share your thoughts and let’s continue this journey towards focused success together.
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