Michael, a young and ambitious pilot, lands his dream job working for the legendary investor Warren Buffett. Determined to speak with Mr. Buffett and receive some career and wealth advice, Michael resolves to find a way to approach him.
Finally, after a round trip, Michael gets his chance. He finds Mr. Buffett free and relaxed and approaches him with a request for guidance. “Sir, I have a lot of ambitious goals. Can you please give me some suggestions on what I must focus on in my life?” he asks.
Buffett suggests a little exercise to help Michael: “No problem, Michael, I can help you. But first, write down the top 25 aspirations you want to pursue and achieve in your life. Once you have the list ready, come and meet me.”
Michael spends a few days thinking about everything he wants to do and achieve, creates a list of his top 25 goals, and meets Warren Buffet again.
After looking at the list, Buffett asks Michael to do something difficult: “Choose your top five goals from this list.”
Michael ponders, weighs his options, and finally circles his most prized desires.
“Excellent,” Buffett says. “Now, here’s the key. Those remaining twenty goals just became your ‘avoid at all costs’ list.”
Michael is taken aback. He splutters, “But those are still important!”
Warren Buffett smiles. “Of course they are, Michael. But here’s the point: by spreading yourself thin, you risk achieving nothing at all. Focus relentlessly on your top five. Give them your all. The rest? Let them go, for now. They can wait until you’ve conquered your biggest dreams.”