This 10 Minute Exercise Will Help You Increase Your Focus by 80%
Warren Buffett wisdom you likely haven’t heard…
This is an interactive article. I hope you’ll consider participating.
This 3-step exercise was made famous by Warren Buffett after a conversation he had with his private pilot (I know). They went through this exact exercise after Buffett expressed disappointment that his pilot was still working for him after so many years.
Here’s how it works…
Step 1.
Get out a piece of paper or create a new note in your phone—I recommend physical pen and paper. Write down 25 tasks or goals you’d like to do or accomplish. These can be a mix of short-term and long-term action items.
I encourage you to stop right now and actually do this. This exercise is MOST effective if you stop what you’re doing and participate without reading further…
You’ll understand why when you’re done.
Not done? Then why are you looking down here? Participate!
I’ll even say “please.”
I’m just filling up spaces and lines.
You know, so you don’t look ahead…
Done?
GREAT!
Nice job.
That was a close one…
Step 2.
This is the hard part. Circle 5, and only 5, of the most important tasks or goals.
This part is a challenge because by now you love your entire list and might feel attached to all of the items. They’re all SO important!
I hear you. Even if this feels like picking your favorite child, do so now. Circle your 5.
Then read on…
When Warren Buffett asked his pilot what he was going to do with the other 20 items, he was disappointed to hear his pilot say he would work on them intermittently as he tackled his top 5.
“No. You’ve got it wrong. Everything you didn’t circle just became your Avoid-At-All-Cost list. No matter what, these things get no attention from you until you’ve succeeded with your top 5.”
Step 3.
Focus on your top 5 goals and say no to the rest. It’s that simple.
To be sure this is extra clear, at this point, anything that is NOT circled you must avoid-at-all-costs until your top 5 is complete. Only then can you move beyond.
If you’re feeling up for it after your 5, start the same exercise with a fresh list of 25 items instead of moving onto that list of 20. Rinse. Repeat.
Ultimately, the objective is to simplify your task and goal-setting process so you can spend time on what matters most.
This exercise illustrates the power of saying no and the value of the 80/20 rule.
Now you have a concrete action plan to help you tackle your top 5 (yes, that’s 20% of 25) tasks without distraction.
I employed this 25/5 exercise daily to complete my first self-published book.
What could you accomplish if you started each day with this 10 minute exercise?
Go Beyond
I like to apply the 25/5 exercise to my writing and personal finances — I’m a money nerd after all—but you can apply the 25/5 exercise to everyday life and other goals.
For example, if you’re looking to get fit or lose weight, what are the 5 changes you can focus on to get there?
If you want to grow your business and have a million ideas, write out your list and focus on your top 5 ideas. Avoid everything else at all costs.
If you’re the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with, try to spend more time with the 5 people you most respect and admire.
Apparently, good things come in fives!
Thank you again, Warren, for your infinite wisdom. This is my virtual high-five to you.
This idea is 1 of 101 “hacks” I discuss in my second personal finance book Money, You Can Hack It.
Frankie Calkins (M. Ed) is a Digital Marketing Manager by day. On nights and weekends, he’s an author, YouTuber, and finance course creator. He lives in Seattle, WA. Contact: [email protected]