Have you ever crushed your to-do list for the day but still felt like you didn’t accomplish enough? How about at the end of the month? From time to time, this definitely happens to me, especially when I have a ton on ideas on my mind. I waffle from here to there making small progress in a lot of areas but it feels like no progress overall has been made. Perhaps you are not focusing on the right thing. Here is a process to help.
Warren Buffett’s 5/25 Rule Will Sky-Rocket Your Productivity
First, credit where credit’s due. I found this technique here:
https://www.yourtango.com/self/warren-buffett-five-twenty-five-rule-sky-rocket-your-productivity.
Step 1: Brainstorm and put it down on paper
- Write down your Top 10 Goals as fast as you can
- Add 7 More
- Add 5 More
- Add 3 More
Step 2: Start Subtracting
- Cross off 10
- Cut out 7 More
- Remove 3 More
- And another 2
Final Result: Your Ultimate Goal
You’re now left with your TOP 3 goals to pursue with all your dedication.
Commentary
This technique is useful in a few ways, notwithstanding a couple limitations. First, getting ideas out of your head and onto paper is golden. Second, I recommend doing this over the course of a week. You will definitely find more ideas and you can add and subtract and needed. Third, let your crossed-off ideas go, at least for now. You’ve written them down so they are not lost forever. Now just isn’t the time for them.
The limitation here is what is included. For example how can I cross off “Play with my kids everyday” or “Read to my kids everyday”? I recommend after writing everything down, separate the items that apply to your own well-being or personal growth. Otherwise, deciding between planting a vegetable garden and planning a weekly adventure with your family is impossible.
